As we near the end of Black History Month, I begin to
reflect on the lives of all of the prominent members of the black community
whose lives deserve this month as piece of gratitude to their work. From Martin
Luther King, Malcolm X, and many other great black leaders, February is when
the old share the impact of the leaders whom have shaped our communities and
the young learn the important historical value of what has come before them.
February has always been a commemorative month in the United
States to celebrate Black History since 1926. Additionally, other races and
ethnic groups have also been given a month to pay respects to there heritage. March
is Irish American History Month; May is Jewish-American History Month; October
is Italian History Month. And the group that makes up 72 percent of the total
population in the United States; well they don't have a commemorative month. So
this begs the question…where is White History Month?
Lizabeth Paulet, writer of the article “Why White History
Doesn’t Make Sense” argues that white history is already heavily ingrained in the
American education system that a month to celebrate the history of white people
is not necessary. “We all read Shakespeare but why not August Wilson? We learn
about the Ottoman Empire and the rise and fall of the Nazis, but who here knows
about the Belgian concentration camps in the congo…?” Lizabeth states.
The notion that white history is already engrained in our
society is an accurate one but so is black history to an extant. I would argue
that you either have both or none at all. The fact that Black History Month is
even needed speaks to how really out of touch we are with the spectrum of black
history. We need an entire month to set aside just for us to acknowledge and
appreciate the work of those from the African American community.
With this said what are your thoughts gentlemen? Is White
History Month necessary? The floor is open…
Links:
White history is something that has always existed. We learn about their history all through primary school (e.g. the age of exploration) and only spend one month a year to learn about another group's history that is of equal importance. It is true that our histories are blended; however, we only see, hear, and read about what was happening in their eyes. Some people see it as since there is a Black History Month, then there should be a White History Month. I remember responding to a test question that asked if HBCUs are not fair because there aren't any HWCUs. Every culture has there strengths and weaknesses, but those that were always at a disadvantage should be the ones from which we learn. I am all for embracing and celebrating your culture. If it is really that important to have a White History Month, then start one.
ReplyDeleteThere actually are a number of "white history months" celebrating all the different kinds of white people.
ReplyDeleteGreek-American Heritage Month - March
Irish-American Heritage Month - March
Tartan (Scottish-American) Heritage Month - April
Jewish-American Heritage Month - May
French-American Heritage Month - July
German-American Heritage Month - Sept. 15-Oct.15
Polish-American Heritage Month - October
Italian-American Heritage Month - October
Just to name a few.
I agree with Lizabeth Paulet, white history is taught all throughout grade school, making it unnecessary for a white history month. I feel that Black History month is a time for non-black to be reminded of the prominent figures that shaped black history. These are figures that we are quite familiar with in the black community, though we could gain further knowledge of our history we understand the gist. It will be interesting to see how prevalent Black History month will be in 20 years
ReplyDeleteI've always personally thought that black history month was unnecessary; until i realized how many people didn't know or were just oblivious to the history of African Americans. This may also be an issue of negligence and ignorance towards history in general and may have fueled your reasoning for making this blog in the first place. Because only the winners get to write whats in the history books that our children end up reading.
ReplyDeleteDo I believe there should be a White history month? No. Should there be a Black history month? No, but I understand to an extent why it exists. What I don't understand is why we as African Americans feel like we should single ourselves out and be limited to a month focusing on the accomplishments of our race. Do Hispanics have a month designated to their history, or any other ethnic group? No. Because they celebrate and take pride in their races accomplishments 365 days out the year and i feel that we should do the same without waiting around for February 1st.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I agree with Lizabeth Paulets belief that white history is already heavily integrated into american culture and doesn't really need a month.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Black History month is not necessary, but it does not hurt to have it there. The month helps us inform many about the history of African-Americans that most will never get in a traditional class setting. The reason why White History Month is not needed is the exact reason that Lizabeth mentioned. We go through the school system learning White History all throughout, while we barely graze the surface on many other minority's history.
ReplyDelete