Why should Lyle have to change or consider reparations? To whom and for what? He hasn't done anything to anyone. In the here and now, the black community owes itself and nobody is stopping anyone from improving themselves. The racism comes from refusing to accept that people do have agency.

My niece of 12 wants to be a Maths teacher. Absolute rock and roll. If you do not have a goal, try or have the faculties it won't happen, but the main thing is nurture, encouragement and trying. This constant 'victim of history' narrative brushes aside the terrible decisions being made in the here and now. Is she blaming Japanese colonialism and saying 'I cannot do anything with my life!' Nope, you maintain the family and knuckle on with things.

Parents are often condemning their own children, but good parents ensure a more likely productive outcome. People owe themselves first and foremost and once they have tidied the room a little they will find less dust.