Thursday, February 01, 2007

BLACK HISTORY MONTH... WHY ARE WE STILL DOING THIS

Don't misunderstand, I know the history. But I wonder if enought time has passed the those people and issues celebrated in this observance can and should be incorporated into regular old American History. Otherwise, isn't this just segregation that's repackaged and sold as Pride? And how can anyone understand and appreciate a particular contribution or issue if it's removed from its historical context?
I mean, other groups have suffered discrimination in this country too.... Chinese, Irish, Mexicans and American Indians. When is Native American History month, or Chinese American History month... Are we really saying that contributions by African Americans are so much greater than any other demographic groups' that they need to be singled out for special recognition. Or, once again, is this just repackaged segregation?

13 comments:

bye said...

Appeasement. (spelling?)
Can't have rioting in the street and the destruction of private property!

Worcester said...

As long as even a liberal like Senator Bidet makes a comment like:"I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy ..." when referring to an African American Presidential candidate, I would say that the subject still needs a little special attention.

Anonymous said...

you're never going to have human beings disregard race as long as you keep bringing attention to the fact there are different races.

RAT said...

Interesting points Worcester and Caughtit, and I would ask how segregating one race's history relative to the nation's history acontribute appreciably to that cause. ... At some point, dosen't the history of blacks have to be incorporated into the history of all other Americans?

Historical Wit said...

Absolutely, and Morgan Freeman thinks so too. This is US History, a sad chapter, yes, but part of US History none the less. Being a historian in training, I admit I treat black history as a subject that is best shown through the course of US social and cultural history. Of course the study of slavery and black history are their own separtate branches too, but Black History Month should be changed to something else. Usually when you want to represent what a people suffered, you build a monument.

Idiot! said...

You need to have the month because people still care and notice that there is a Black History Month.

Every month is some kind of _____ History Month, but nobody cares or even notices.

But people still make a big deal about Black History Month as if it is some huge advantage that black people have. They dont get cash payments or even a free ice cream cone. It is just a month dedicated to black people.

When people start ignoring Black History Month the way they do...umm Heart Month...and umm...is there a month for clowns?...then we can get rid of it. Until then, with people still caring about inconsequential and ceremonial labels, it deserves to stay.

Idiot! said...

Dicky Dick- It was because the South wanted to keep slaves. Duh.

*As well as the ability to marry their sister.

RAT said...

Dick:
Idiot just proved your point for you.

Idiot! said...

I was just about to come back with the Albero Hammer of Truthiness, but then I reread the post, which cleary stated AMERICAN REVOLUTION, and I stand humbley corrected. Any chance for an incest joke and I get too excited for verification.

Dont blame me, I went to the Albero School of Journalism- read once, post twice.

RAT said...

Idiot:
And just in case you misread Dick's post to say "civil war," you'd be wrong in that instant too.

sparkly1 said...

Idiot! said: is there a month for clowns?

There should be and a paid holiday too. "Clowns" especially suffer opression daily at the hands of mean hearted bloggers(you know who I mean)using the term to mean "idiot" or worse. A good children's clown is like "a living doll" spreading joy and laughter to all they meet.

All kidding aside, I agree there should be only an American History Month. This would be the first step to a truly United States of America.

Also everyone, the moon is almost full so beware . . .

Idiot! said...

Haha you are right- Joey really is a beautiful man, isn’t he?

I may be Liberal, but I am not illogical. I am cool with everyone from Republicans to Conservatives to Libertarians as long as they are good people. I don’t like hateful people who refuse to look outside their own comfortable frame of reference. I am however starting to get annoyed at some of the partisan hacks that post on other Eastern Shore blogs. I can’t stand somebody who just spouts the party line and cannot admit being wrong.

I was arguing about Bush with my father, and he was just starting to admit that he was wrong in voting for him. Then I went to show him this RS article about the tax policy that has the wealthy getting MUCH wealthier while the rest of the country is not even keeping up with the growing inflation. I was complaining about how all the upper class were getting the majority of tax breaks, while the rest of society was taking the preponderance of burden from a sluggish economy and a costly war.

I was talking about another statistic about the upper class being disproportionately compensated and he cut me off- “Idiot, I AM the upper class.”

He gleefully acknowledged that he was selfishly selling out his kids and grandkids and greatgrandkids future for a bigger tax return, but he didn’t try to spout some hateful justification or holier than thou bullshit rationale. I can live with that.

RAT said...

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