Black History month..why?

Question

Why? What is the point in this...do we have a special month for every kind of ethnic race? I think it is very pointless. I'm not racist but I don't understand why set up a month like this.

Why do black people always think white people are out to get them or owe them something? I personally feel I don't owe anyone anything. We aren't in 1800's anymore so just get over it. It's not like anyone you know is still enslaved or is a slave master.

I believe that once people of every race and culture stop trying to identify themselves as a different race or color then thats when racism will stop. Does anyone know what i mean? Just because you are white dont mean you are better, or just because you are black shouldnt mean you get special benefits (affirmative action), or just because you are Indian you get the right to casinos, or if you are a women you dont have to participate in the draft...

I mean come on...get over yourself.

Answer 1

You're doing what a lot of people do and generalize something that is very detail oriented and multi-layered. Not every black person you're going to meet is going to have the same ideals and values that the next person has. For me granted, I like that America does have commemorations months for races, but I don't think people can see the forest for the trees.

What I mean to say by that is some folks can't see that these are people whom have done or are doing great things for America, but place so much value on the color of their size or heritage. I'm a black women who's in school for art, and wouldn't mind if one day I was given a place during Black History Month, but I would like to be known as an American Artist and not African American artist.

White people owe me nothing, the world for that matter owes me nothing, people have to achieve success with hard work and by the will of God. I want you to notice also that I'm only answering for myself because I can't legitimately speak for every black person just like any one person else can't speak for a people, culture, creed, orientation, or even a nation that they take on to themselves.

Answer 2

Wow, for someone who states he's not being racist, you sure arnt saying anything else but.

Black History month is not pointless at all, Black people have done so many things that define the way our culture is today. I'm proud to say that I live in a country that allows you to pursue your dreams no matter what race you are. And I don't know about the rest of you, but I've never been in a school where we only learned history from a European point of view.

Plus people need to realize that there is still racism and prejudice all across America. How many times have you met a black person and made a biased judgement about them, like "I bet she likes rap" or "I bet he's in a gang". I admit I make judgements about people based on what they look like alot (Though I never vocalize these judgements). But I believe if our society as a whole looked less upon the negatives of each race and stopped trying to divide us, then we wouldn't make judgements like that.

Also, about your second paragraph. I have met alot of black people (not saying all of them, just those I've met) who make fun of others for being white, mexican, etc, I find that very offensive. Ironic that one of the most mistreated ethnicities in American History is also just as racist in the end. There are two sides to hate, and we do owe something to African-Americans, Not Money, Not an Apology. What we owe them is dignity, love, and respect. All Races need to show respect and love to each other wether they be white, black, mexican, asian, etc.

So no, We need to keep Black History Month because it is a reminder of how great America really is.

Answer 3

It's not like anyone you know is still enslaved or is a slave master.

Just because you do not see any shackles or chains does not mean we, Black people, aren't enslaved. It's not something we can "get over" when we are still being mistreated. Rodney King was not the only one who had to deal with crooked cops.

I believe that once people of every race and culture stop trying to identify themselves as a different race or color then thats when racism will stop.

It started with the Europeans who classified everybody, you sound ignorant. You need to wake up to reality.

Answer 4

I like the idea of recognizing other ethnic months that already exist. In my opinion, society would benefit from being more inclusive and less exclusive.

Rather than getting rid of black history month, why not put more emphasis on the other months that are dedicated to different peoples and cultures. Obviously, we'll never be able to include everyone (for example, I'm resigned to the fact that there will probably never be a "Navajo history month") but the more cultures we include, the more we'll all feel like Americans, rather than just a bunch of different people living on the same continent.

Answer 5

Honestly, you say that all this shouldn't happen, but it is people like you that keep racism going... Not to be rude or anything but come on. Black history month is there to help people to learn about what happened so that it doesn't get repeated, like the saying goes history repeats itself. By studding it we are supposed to learn about how bad it really was.
Just like in school when you had to read about Ann Frank and the holocaust. What happened to white people that was just as bad or maybe worse??? Nothing really, everything that has happened to us came from what we (our ancestors) done in the past.
I do agree that people need to grow up and get over it as you so state, but not to forget it, that would make it all pointless. But also by saying that then you are telling everyone that was involved in the 911 bombing to 'get over it', just because it has happened more recently and there was more white people involved doesn't mean that it was anymore dramatic and that we can dwell on it longer does it...
Women don't participate in the draft for the simple reason that, even though we have been given equal rights, women are more believed to stay home and bare and care for children. How many guys do you know out there that are gonna bare kids...None or they would be millionaires...not gonna happen buddy.

Answer 6

WHo are you talking too? "Get over yourself?" who was that directed towards? I'm black and I think that this month is extremely annoying. At school everything is about black history during february it's so damn annoying. Especially when your the only black person in the class and they start talking about random black sports players over the announcements. I think it is important for us black people to know our roots and history since the only history they teach in school is a european based one. If schools just started teaching history about every race and region than maybe black history month would just go away.

Answer 7

a fair question. if you and others who feel as you do could tell me a single thing about black culture they learned in school that was not a lesson about Harriett Tubman and slavery taught during black history month, then I'd be much more understanding.

black history month exists because black history (which should just be American history) is not taught. toss out the month and add a paragraph or two about the Tuskegee airmen, buffalo soldiers, etc when you're talking about war and the gold rush and all that and everyone would be happy

Answer 8

actually there is a month for every ethnic group. black history month is just the most celebrated and recognized one. And yes we do need this month. this month makes people realize all the accomplishments blacks made.

Answer 9

Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, American Jewish History Month, German-American Heritage Month and Polish American Heritage along with countless other "Months" exist. For some strange reason people tend to think that Black History Month is the only "Month" that exist (as proven in your question).

Come on People

Answer 10

Not in the 1800s anymore.

You do realize that black people were legally oppressed up through the 1960s and still experienced de facto segregation and prejudice until well after that?

You should get to know some black people before you start going off about them.