Reparations and why America’s past still shapes the present

The transcript reflects on a phrase seen in Berlin, linking it to the historical moment in the U.S. It explores the connection between family memory and national history, highlighting how myths shape our understanding of the past. The discussion extends to racial history, current events, and the ongoing debate on reparations, suggesting a shift in collective imagination towards acknowledging and addressing historical injustices.

What does the phrase 'the past isn't dead. It isn't even past' imply about the relationship between history and identity?

How does the author relate family memory to the collective memory of a country?

What are the implications of acknowledging the 'twin faces' of who we are and who we were in the context of American history?

In what ways does the text suggest that the concept of reparations is connected to the country's historical narrative?

How can confronting and reconstructing the past lead to a 'truer now' according to the text?