On Jan. 11, 2002, Thomas Sowell addressed the topic of reparations for slavery and the dynamics of organizational self-preservation in an article published by Capitalism Magazine.
Sowell said that organizations and movements often continue to exist even after their original goals have been achieved. He cited examples such as the March of Dimes, which continued after polio was eradicated, and civil rights organizations that persisted following the passage of civil rights laws.
According to Sowell, “Self preservation is said to be the first law of nature, and this applies not only to human beings but also to organizations and movements. The March of Dimes was set up to fight polio but it did not disband when polio was wiped out by vaccines. Nor did civil rights organizations disband after civil rights laws were passed.”
Sowell argued that demands for reparations serve as a source of ongoing grievance rather than a realistic expectation for compensation. He said that these demands can help maintain support for certain leaders and organizations by keeping constituencies aggrieved. Sowell said, “Against this background, it may be easier to understand why a demand can be made and a crusade launched to get something that everyone knows in advance will not be given — reparations for slavery. Seen in this light, the demand for reparations may seem like an exercise in futility. However, seen as a source of a lasting unmet grievance, it is a stroke of genius to keep blacks separated from other Americans and an aggrieved constituency to support black ‘leaders’ in politics, organizations and movements.”
Sowell also discussed potential negative consequences associated with these demands. He said some individuals have suffered losses due to fraudulent schemes related to reparations claims. Additionally, he argued that unending grievances could alienate majority groups within society.
For more details on Sowell’s analysis regarding reparations and organizational behavior, see Capitalism Magazine.
