If February is Black History Month, September is National Hispanic Heritage Month and November is Native American Heritage Month, which month is White History Month?
There is an unfortunate, common belief in this country that white history is American history. We see the accomplishments of whites as the accomplishments of our country, while minorities remain in obscurity.
The “separate but equal” doctrine that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought so hard to abolish still exists, veiled behind seemingly compassionate acts of respect. While many say racial segregation is dead, I believe the void between races is as alive today as it was in 1963.
Our society is built off the belief that separation between peoples is imminent and essential. There seems to be a necessity for towering social fences that polarize rich and poor; white and black; male and female.
By paying tribute to the lush, diverse cultural backgrounds that inhabit the ethnic rainforest that is the United States, in the form of reserved periods of reverence, Americans are only perpetuating the racial separation that we believe we are suppressing.
Merriam-Webster defines segregation as “the separation for special treatment or observation of individuals or items from a larger group.” Segregating by race is essentially enabling an ignorant filter to be placed over one’s intake and management of information.
Alan R. Templeton, professor of biology of Arts and Sciences at Washington University considers race as “…a real cultural, political and economic concept in society, but it is not a biological concept, and that unfortunately is what many people wrongfully consider to be the essence of race in humans — genetic differences.”
When somebody looks different, sounds different or acts different, humans tend to find it extremely difficult to not act upon these striking variances. The idea of race and the consequential social detachment that ensues is wholly human and does nothing but tear apart the innate relationships between human beings.
I am certain that many of you have been forced to listen to parents or elders drilling the statement “your actions speak louder than your words.”
The actions of our society exhibit a general compassion for the rights and equality of minorities. How we choose to display such sympathies proves our inclination toward this lasting separation. American heritage should reflect the clichéd “melting-pot” illusion.
In being “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” we bestow upon ourselves the obligation to actually resemble such a nation. Setting aside special periods of commemoration is in every way contrary to the idea of equality.
Our country is stating that we will remember and honor white contributions to society every day, while particularly reserving the months of February, September and November for those minorities who happened to chip in.
True equality will be seen when the distinctions between people are expunged. It will be seen when the connotations following a woman wearing a burqa are equivalent to the connotations following a man wearing a suit.
I leave you with a quote from Morgan Freeman: “Stop talking about [race]. I`m going to stop calling you a white man. And I`m going to ask you to stop calling me a black man.”
11 Comments
Great article Robert! Very wise words. I agree and would like to add that some of the only people keeping “racism” alive are those who claim to be fighting it. People like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton come to mind. They are the ones keeping racism alive; more so than the KKK.
I cannot even begin to explain to you how offensive this article is.
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I find nothing offensive by the truth. Racism is presently the most abused accusation in American society. It is a term used to pigeonhole some reasonable opinions and beneficial ideas in order to stifle a certain group of people. It has been used most effectively to transform the justice system, the media , religion and the Government as a whole. We have replaced a bold, hard working honest society with one fearful to speak openly and honestly for fear of reprisal and being labeled. I find that generally those accusers of racism are indeed the racists. This single word has affected this country in such a way that we have reversed the trend of normalcy and progressed towards real inequality, real hatred and separation. God help us.
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“By paying tribute to the lush, diverse cultural backgrounds that inhabit the ethnic rainforest that is the United States, in the form of reserved periods of reverence, Americans are only perpetuating the racial separation that we believe we are suppressing.” – Nothing in this article accuses racism, but it does describe how racial segregation is kept alive by keeping minorities’ culture and history separate from that of the nation.
I didn’t say it accused racism – I said it was offensive. Because paying tribute to racial histories and cultures isn’t what’s keeping racism alive. It’s the actions of people. Refer to my article for what I’m trying to say.
I think the author is confusing Black History Month as a “Get Well Soon” card for the history of the African American race. It isn’t about saying “Sorry About Last… Century,” it’s about spreading awareness of struggles and rights fought for in the past.
“Because paying tribute to racial histories and cultures isn’t what’s keeping racism alive. It’s the actions of people. Refer to my article for what I’m trying to say.”
Is the truth you’re seeking Harry.
@Jessica: I’m curious as to how this offends you? Is the TRUTH offensive?
I’m offended that you’re offended.
I am white. Though I AM NOT English. My ancestor came from Scotland in the late 1900′s.
They had nothing to do with slavery. What’s racist is when I am treated like the criminal for being white. Why should I feel guilty? . When then are white’s made to feel guilty like they owe black something? I never owned any slaves, and there is no single black person alive today that was a slave in America
@Justin: lol
Very well written and super relevant, thank you!