February, besides being the shortest month of the year also happens to be Black History Month. A month where past achievements by blacks are recognized. Really? Why just this month? Are these achievements less important, less spectacular, or have less impact if recognized all year-long?
The Civil Rights movement fought against segregation for decades and now we're encouraging a part of history to be segregated? If you have children, it is always a good time to tell them about Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, and Langston Hughes. Not because they were black but because they were great. History books in schools should also follow that maxim, reminding students that great history is colourless.
Although not impossible, I'm not sure how Black History Month can continue to evolve. I always clutch my pearls when I read or hear Oprah Winfrey being described in various media platforms as "a black T.V. host" or when art is described as "black art." And, even if Barack Obama is black and also happens to be President of the United States of America, referring to him as a black president is retro. And not in a good way.
Everything about how we live today encourages the breakdown of all barriers. Sticking the colour of their skin to successful people is simply foolish. And that's exactly what Black History Month does.
I understand why Black History Month was first introduced and I applaud those who have made it the powerhouse it is today. Many large corporations have made it an important staple in their fiscal calendars, which is admirable. Still, I think it's time to rethink BHM. I look forward to the day when all great achievements will be celebrated all year long and when history will be measured by its impact, not by its colour.
Watch End Black History Month? on PBS. See more from Independent Lens.
Ellie Williams: The Dangers of Being a Model Minority
Black History Month Activities, History, Timeline, Ideas ... - Infoplease
Black History Month - Celebrate Black History Events & People ...
Black History Month Printables, Crafts & Lessons for Students ...
As long as there is discrimination, it's useful to have the stories/achievements of persons highlighted if only to fight racism.
We should also abolished mothers day, fathers day, veterans days, valentines day, labour day... so on.
In fact lets even get rid of birthdays. Everyone's life should be celebrated every second of the year.
No... no... no... not good enough yet.
Lets abolish praise and recognition all together. We all just need to perpetually and simultaneously appreciate everything that everyone does or has done in all of known history.
...and don't you dare think about them in any particular order!
She apparently missed the entire point of BHM. she somehow links this to obama and Oprah being called "black" in the media.. ummm was there some confusion on this subject i wasn't aware of? the last time i heard of Obama refereed to as black was.... and i read , im on globe and huffing ton daily.. it was relevant. again she missed the point of BHM, got off topic and continued to drift further and further from any coherent argument.. if anything that would enforce the need to continue BHM, lets get it out there that we have a place in history and the present that is relevant, we shouldn't still be pushed to the fringes but we are.
I am a white 21 year old male btw, a sad day for BHM if i am arguing an african american writer about the relevance of remembering monumental struggles that have gone on and should never be forgotten and honoured. some people respect the struggles their ancestors have gone through and dont mind putting an effort in to raise awareness. others clearly do not.
In a perfect world, Black History Month wouldn't be needed, but I'm not sure we're quite there yet. Perhaps the event needs to be supported simply to justify its legitimacy in those parts of the world where the fight still exists to accept a view of history that is colour blind.
Do these events still have relevance today? Or do they separate us even more? I know that in the past awards and celebrations in North America were often just for whites - but is that still the case so much so that we have to separate races into their own award ceremonies? What would the reaction be to "White History Month". Yes I know that most history written today is about white men (ignoring the contributions of women and other races) but let's add to "history" and not segregate it into race/gender.
Looking forward to the thoughts of others on this important discussion. Kudos to you for bringing it up.