Staff Reports
In a recent episode of “The View,” co-host Sunny Hostin made some rather hypocritical statements regarding the British monarchy and reparations. Shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Hostin told viewers to “mourn the queen and not the empire,” claiming that the monarchy was built on the backs of black and brown people and calling for reparations. She even directed her advice to Prince Charles, suggesting that he modernize the monarchy and provide reparations to all colonies.
However, it seems that Hostin’s stance on reparations changed drastically when she discovered her own family’s history. She appeared on the PBS series “Finding Your Roots,” hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., and was informed that her third great-grandfather was involved in the slave trade and owned at least one slave. It was also revealed that her family had ties to Spain’s colonial past.
REFLECTING ON QUEEN ELIZABETH’S 70-YEAR REIGN: As the world says farewell to Queen Elizabeth II, #TheView co-hosts look back on her life and discuss the monarchy's complicated past, present and future under King Charles III. https://t.co/cVclFZQmjA pic.twitter.com/QbJiBCl4wD
— The View (@TheView) September 9, 2022
Despite this information, Hostin seemed more interested in the fact that she and her husband share roots and considered it “pretty interesting.” She even said she is “enriched by knowing that history.” However, when it comes to the wider conversation about reparations, she still supports it and believes this country has a lot to do in terms of racial justice.
It’s quite ironic that Hostin is calling for others to pay reparations while conveniently ignoring her own family’s actions. She seems to think it’s acceptable for her ancestors to have made their living “on the backs of others,” but when it comes to herself, she finds it “pretty interesting” and an object lesson for her children. This kind of hypocrisy is all too common among those who advocate for reparations without considering their own history.
In the end, Hostin is not responsible for what her ancestors did, just as other Americans and the monarchs of England are not responsible for what their ancestors did. But it’s important to remember that all enslavers and colonizers are equal, and they should all be held accountable, not just those who fit a certain narrative.
