I'm sorry,

I'm not feeling Thomas Sowell on this one.

First, I would wager that more people saw the TV series than read the book. Because of the TV series, many many people bought Haley's novel just to have a copy in their collection or on their coffee table. Nothing sinful about that.

Second, as a TV 'dramatazation' series, I'm certain that some license was taken with depicting how daily events were played out in early America. A scriptwriter/filmmaker/director and project historian would cull from many documents events and come up with a composite that would be faithful to the time period.

Third, many African-Americans have visited the Motherland and come away with stories of being recognized as being a descendent of this tribe or that tribe. No sin there, just an exercise in re-affirmation and elevation of self esteem. (My sister had this experience when she visited Ghana).

Lastly, (for now) Roots was not about 'Reparations' or 'Eternal Universal Slavery'.

To Mr. Sowell I say: Don't take Roots away from us; don't undermind what it has done for my people, more good than damage. And don't bring confusion into our already fragile media persona. My opinion.

Peace
"Guided by the Ancestors"