His main argument is that the corporations that made millions from the old slave trade are still in business today. He believes that their "bottom line wealth" is made up of slave labor from a hundred years ago (Verdun 23). Verdun also states that the World Conference Against Racism recently declared slavery a crime against humanity (Verdun 23). He uses this declaration to support his case for reparations. Verdun says, "Reparations are the way to rectify these injustices [suffered by slaves]" (Verdun 23).
Secondly, the articles do not coincide concerning their appeals and audiences. White's main purpose for writing his article was to show that reparations are an issue facing America as a country. Regarding White's appeals, his appeal is logical. White says that even though slavery ended a hundred years ago, repercussions are still felt by the African American race today. White also makes an appeal for the white race to listen to his argument for compensation slaves. He makes a point about reparations not being an issue solely for blacks; it is also about whites (White 574). He is directing his arguments towards an audience who is concerned with issues concerning African Americans. He makes a plea to his audience when he writes, "Sure, the money from reparations would help solve present-day problems like the black education gap, AIDS, and the high incarceration rates among black youths" (White 575). It seems as though, .
the present-day problems that White mentions all are concerning the African American population. Also, White's target audience includes male legislatures, lawyers, and judges who have the power and authority pass litigation and legislation regarding how to pay for reparations. He reinforces this target audience by making reference to the United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and "his like-minded colleagues on the Supreme Court" (White 574).
Opposite of White, Verdun's primary argument in his essay is that even though no actual slave owners are alive today, there should still be a way that slaves could be compensated for the injustices committed against them (Verdun 23).
