Why are some white people upset just because we have our own month dedicated to our race?

Question

I was actually born in Black History Month (February 1st).

I have heard many white people on this site and on Myspace complain about how its "unfair," and that they should be able to have a white history month.

Well i happen to agree with you. its not fair. But here's a reality check: LIFE IS NOT FAIR.

Was life fair to me when i was born poor and grew up poor, living with a father who was a heroin addict and a disabled mother?

Was life fair to me when i went to underfunded black schools where we used outdated textbooks, old computers, and sat in dirty classrooms, knowing if those same schools were mostly white, that it would NOT be that way?

Is life fair to me whenever I walk into ANY store, and the people act like I'm going to steal something or rob them?

I have no hatred for any race, but please people, think about the injustices that still go on to this day. Learn to accept our history month. Gain knowledge from it. And realize that life is not fair to anyone.

Aaron

Answer 1

Hey Aa this is your cousin Breisha,

Answer 2

Its not about denying or being mad. I think most people feel that if white people decided to dedicate a month to white history month they would be called racists. I think in schools kids should be educated about diversity and cultures of all that inhabit this world.

I don't think there is anything wrong with it, I feel the during black history month it gives my children a chance to learn and be cultured on things they probably would not know other then the basics.

But as for unfair.. I think being underprivileged falls to a lot of races not to just the black race. So was it fair to any of them? Keep in mind there are a lot of schools across American in white areas that have outdated textbooks, old computers if any, and not so clean classrooms.

But its absolutely not fair for you ever to have to deal with discrimination when going into a store. I am also sorry you have to deal with things like this and sorry you were born to a herion addict and a disabled mom. I am sure all these things have taught you to be a better stronger person.

Your right though life is not fair. We have all had to go through some hard times, some worst then others. But I wish you a positive and fulfilling 2007 and many years to come. Just know not all white people are negative over Black History month.

Answer 3

It really doesn't bother me. I've never been a racist person. My best friend in junior high was black. But, I can see where people come from. I mean, there is Black History Month, Black Entertainment Television, NAACP, and other black organized themes. I am flexible enough to see both sides of the story. But, what I don't understand is why black people throw up racism every time something doesn't go their way. I mean, we didn't grow up in the time of slavery and I've never owned a slave. I'm quite sure you've never experienced being a slave either, and particularly, most slaves were more trusted than family members. The past is the past, so why do some people insist on dwelling in it? You don't see everyone running for the ship back to Africa, do you? I'm not trying to be mean in any way, either, so please don't take it that way. Just my opinion. Let me know what you think!

Answer 4

WOW..this could take days of debate....but in a crunch I'll try and break it down regarding my views....
Being in a broken home is not the best thing for anyone....it's what the person does with there life when they are able, to make their life better....it's a struggle but people do.....rather claiming to be a victim.
Schools are funded mostly in part by attendance...if students skip school or quit early..schools lose money and can't afford to do what they want.
As for stares...you can almost blame the rappers for portraying blacks as thugs...they do more harm than any white person can do these days.
Successful people are portrayed as uncle toms and not admired for going through worse than you can imagine to reach their full potential.
On a final note....blacks keep listening to the likes of Jackson and Sharpton who continue to portray blacks as victims....listen to their b/s for awhile, you would almost believe there are daily lynching and cross burnings everywhere.
Blacks continue to complain about segregation...yet they are segregating themselves.
Maybe you should read about Bill Cosby, Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice(for prez '08) and the struggles they have had and beat.

Your right life isn't fair...but it is what you make it.
Have a good day.

Answer 5

Anyone who has a problem with Black History Month, should lobby to fully integrate the positive cultural aspects as well as the significant scientific, political and social contributions of African Americans into the traditonal learning processes and text books; and teach this subject with dignity and repsect from the ghetto public schools to ivy league prep academy.

Then and only then there is no need for Black History Month.

Otherwise, most all current history taught and celebrated is "White History" -- They already do have it.

Also, Black History Month is not celebrated to recall the sufferings of Blacks in America, it is a time to learn about the positive contibutions Blacks have made to America and society in general.

.

Answer 6

I'm not at all upset by it; rather, its kind of boring after a while, hearing the same drumbeats over many issues, not just this one. Predjudice is properly defined as judging a whole group by the behavior of a SUBSET of that group. Color has virtually nothing to do with who is a jerk and who is an upright human being. I am simply tired of "causes," as they are usually an excuse for a screamfest instead of anything that might lead to a partial solution.

I like a comment made by Morgan Freeman. He said Racism would stop being an issue when we stopped TALKING about it so much. When you keep assaulting someone with a thing, they tend to get tired of it and turn away. If you win them over with logic and manners, your odds of getting across increase exponentially.

I can't say I've had more than minimal trouble with anyone who was black and those few times were when they were behaving in an ill-mannered fashion. Race wasn't a factor. If I had a magic wand, I'd get rid of the all-too-common propensity of the Human Monkey to behave like a berserk child with little to no justification. At that point, Racism would evaporate, because it would shrink down to the main point of most conflicts: why are you up in my grille? Then it would be on the proper playing field: brains and manners. He who thinks, plays and behaves the best, wins. Color has jack to do with that in the end.

When I encounter any person of color, I generally apply an extra dollop of courtesy, because I respect the unreasonable load they sometimes have to carry over it, in addition to the usual things. Beyond that, it comes back to Square One: what do you have to offer and can you present it without acting like a pinhead? That's work enough for anyone, heh heh.

Answer 7

This school system you talk about is no longer an excuse.This is an old, out dated excuse about the school system.The white schools have very strong PTA[parent teacher association that VOLUNTEER PARENTS get INVOLVED with to raise funds] for books,computers and any thing they need that the school system needs to educate our children.WE DO NOT WAIT ON SOMEONE TO SAVE US.Our schools have been integrated for THIRTY TEARS!Same school,same teacher same books.Now you tell me what the problem is.
The Black History month is as racist as the KKK ever was.Pull your self up by your boot straps and get on with your life like everyone else has done.Lets move on together, as a nation.No one alive today suffered or prospered by the atrocities that happened 100 years ago.
WHAT WOULD BE WRONG WITH A UNITED HISTORY CHANEL to tell ALL of the nations history.TO SIMPLE A SOLUTION I SUPPOSE......

Answer 8

This is the first I've heard of Black History Month, and I don't want to seem rude but it sounds a little strange to me. There isn't a separate history of the world for each different race. Things that white people did in the past affected black people, and vice versa, and the same for all other races of people in the world.

Answer 9

I think personally, it is a from of segregation. I think it's crazy to pull out a month and teach about black history, separate from the timeline other history is taught. I'm a little older and when I was young we didn't have it, but when I learned about inventors...Edison, Bell and Washington Carver were all taught together. When I learned about the civil war, I learned aobut he Buffalo Soldiers. When I learned about civil rights, I learned about the women fighting for our right to vote and Rosa Parks was called an influential woman. Was it wrong to look at them as part of our history like this? For me, I don't think so. I have a bunch of nationalities and it may not show on my skin exactly, but French Creole is one.

That is my problem with it...I just think it is another form of separation. Otherwise, I don't care. My office has a huge diversity council...and the way I see that month is a presentation of bios. I don't understand racism myself or why anyone would have an issue with it at all. I just wishing it was woven in with every other so called minority out there...it's what our country was about. BTW, black people were not the only people unfairly enslaved...Minorcans were too...my ancestors.

Answer 10

Aaron,

You have a very good point. A lot of people tend to have negative views because of lack of knowledge and understanding. A lot more people than many think are still racist, and I feel it is due to both lack of education and upbringing from bigot parents. I think black history month is an excellent way for our children to learn about another race and the struggles and strengths that brings us to our present day and age. You sound like a very strong, intelligent guy.

Answer 11

A life is what a person makes of it, regardless of race, creed or color.
Society is slow to change beliefs that have embedded it for centuries, but there is nothing so sure as change.
I was born in the 1950's; grew up through the radical changes that assaulted our culture from all sides in the 60's and witnessed three great men cut down in their prime.
And have you ever considered that it may be your appearance, the manner in which you dress and carry yourself, and not your color, that could be making store owners wary?
I suggest you find and watch a Discovery channel show titled "The Real Eve" if you really what to have your eyes opened.