Abstract
The goal of this paper is to provide an argument in defense of slave reparations from a Kleinian psychoanalytic perspective. Drawing on the work of Frantz Fanon and Melanie Klein, this paper identifies a primary aggressive guilt structure at the heart of American anti-black racism. Having identified this structure it then proceeds to argue that there is good reason to believe that the payment of reparations will allow for the engagement of white guilt such that its aggressive manifestation may be alleviated. Through this process a position shift in the attitude of white America to black America will allow for meaningful mourning and healing.
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Galatzer-Levy, B. Reparation and Reparations: Towards a Social Psychoanalysis. Psychoanal Cult Soc 12, 226–241 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.pcs.2100132
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.pcs.2100132