In the world today, there is nothing more prestigious than pain, even when it is unfounded. A few days ago, I received a letter from a genealogist which claimed I was a collateral descendant of Pocahontas, and in light of this, suggested that I reconsider my opposition to reparations. My part descent from a Native American, it was argued, made me yet another victim of white tyranny. (In which case, should I be paying reparations to myself?)