Black History Month...... Racist?
While looking for topics to write a media journal on, I came across a letter to the editor from an article in the Collegiate Times titled, "Black History Month Is Racist By Definition." I found the title ignorant enough, and relevant enough, that I read the whole web-page.
http://www.collegiatetimes.com/news/2/ARTICLE/8589/2007-02-23.html
The author of the primary response, Clint Camealy, argues the idea of creating "White History Month," where he could honor such figures as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. After suggesting other options which he all deems as "terrible ideas," he suggest focusing on holidays for specific people and not for whole races. Before reading the responses to his letter, I recalled how this topic had been mentioned in class. Every day is "White History Month."
The second part of the web-page has the response to Clint's rant. As expected, people made comments about how every month is white history month and how Clint was just being ignorant. Clint is a perfect example of the "Whiteness Theory." Whether he recognizes it or not, he sees being white as "natural" and doesn't recognize he is more privileged as a white man. It sounds as if he sees "Black History Month" as unnecessary and obtrusive. It could be similar to the situation in the in-class video we saw, where the white man was told that he couldn't see the inequality because being white, he could not relate to the other people's situations.
Comments
I can't believe this letter even got published. Not only should there be a Black History Month, but two months for African American history and contributions to be celebrated. I also believe we should have designated awareness months for Native Americans. This country would be much different today if it wasn't for the contributions of African Americans and Native Americans. To claim that having a recognized Black History month is appalling to me. Everyone needs role models; hopefully Black History month facilitates a way for young children to see great people who have overcome diversity and become successful contributors to the U.S. Perhaps this will inspire them to challenge themselves academically, which will empower them. I enjoy February when CNN and other networks run special stories on Afican Americans. My biggest problem with Black History Month is that it is February, the shortest month of the year. Irony doesn't even begin to describe this fact.
Posted by: Dave J | March 6, 2007 10:18 PM
Okay, so I think the author of the original letter did not have much ground to stand on, but I will admit I have a few issues with designated times to honor cultural experiences. Here's why; The easiest way to "Other" an entire group of people is to give them a special time to honor their history, rather than to honor their history as a part of the larger story (and if anyone has ever picked up a history book, you will see that is not being done). By giving people days and months to celebrate, you are also giving ignorant people a really good excuse not to learn about it unless they are forced to during said day or month. I love the fact that Black History Month encourages people to learn about improtant events and people, but I hate the fact that it creates a divide between history in general and this "other" history that is somehow set apart.I mean I feel the same way about anything that has to be labeled like that. Black history is also on many levels American history, not just a history only worthy of examining one month out of the year.
Posted by: Shirani Jayasuriya | March 7, 2007 11:14 PM
Hi, Clint here. I'm honored you read my letter, and felt it worthy of writing about. But frankly, I think you are a little confused as to what I "see". Since I have a good view of what I "see" at the moment I'll enlighten you. I don't see white as natural. In fact, I really try not to look at what color people are. Our heritage is obviously important and should be remembered, but should never be "color" dependent.
We have, in an effort to make everyone equal and "color-blind" have in fact created events that do the exact opposite, such as a month to celebrate people who have done great things, specifically them because of their color. This is wrong, and antithetical to the original goal of the civil rights movement.
I personally find it very inspiring what many of these men and women did in overcoming their obstacles. I don't know what backward, Jim Crow style History book you used in your schools, and maybe you would have never heard about these individuals had it not been for Black History Month, but I learned about these men and women in history class, and quite often in fact. Everyday wasn't "White History Day". I learned "World" History, and "American" History. It just so happened that in the pursuit of both of these subjects I learned about men and women of all races. I pity that your experience wasn't the same as mine.
Posted by: Clint Camealy | July 29, 2007 10:32 PM
Hi, Clint here. I'm honored you read my letter, and felt it worthy of writing about. But frankly, I think you are a little confused as to what I "see". Since I have a good view of what I "see" at the moment I'll enlighten you. I don't see white as natural. In fact, I really try not to look at what color people are. Our heritage is obviously important and should be remembered, but should never be "color" dependent. We have, in an effort to make everyone equal and "color-blind" have in fact created events that do the exact opposite, such as a month to celebrate people who have done great things, specifically because of their color. This is wrong, and antithetical to the original goal of the civil rights movement.
I personally find it very inspiring what many of these men and women did in overcoming their obstacles. I don't know what backward, Jim Crow style history book you used in your schools, and maybe you would have never heard about these individuals had it not been for Black History Month, but I learned about these men and women in history class, and quite often in fact. Everyday wasn't "White History Day". I learned "World" History, and "American" History. It just so happened that in the pursuit of both of these subjects I learned about men and women of all races. I pity that your experience wasn't the same as mine.
Posted by: Clint Camealy | July 29, 2007 10:34 PM
Hrm. Sorry about the double post. Slow and funky internet im afraid.
Posted by: Clint Camealy | July 29, 2007 10:36 PM