Trade beads (sometimes called aggry and slave beads) were otherwise decorative glass beads used between the 16th and 20th century as a token money to exchange for goods, services and slaves (hence the name). Trade beads were used to purchase African resources by early Europeans.

When the Europeans figured out that these glass beads were basis of the monetary system, they mass produced large quantities of these beads in their factories to flood the African market. This deflated the cost of African goods and services. Worse it deflated the price of slaves causing a boom in the slave trade.

So is the US dollar the new Slave Bead?

When we hear arguments in favor of reparations, I tend to bristle as I have never owned nor benefited from 16th century slavery. But after learning about Slave Beads and coupling that knowledge with fiat money, I realize that reparations takes on a different meaning.

The argument for paying reparations by taking from citizens in 2021 to pay historical atrocities based on skin color is a non-starter. Especially when the argument is taken to the individual level. Thus, it needs to bubble up to the community level. The government level. The argument for reparations is always tied to "government" paying. That faceless, nameless entity.

But where does the government get that money? Are they going to tax us for it? No, that is political suicide. No, they are going to print it. They are going to adjust some numbers in a database and send out checks. Kind like a factory making beads.

So here are these checks, these Slave Checks, being paid out. But for what reason? Will those who receive the checks feel better about their history with slavery? Will they be satisfied with the payment? Or will they want more? Those in power will want to retain power. So they will keep paying.

What do you think?