Arguments Against Black History Month

713 Words2 Pages

Rafael Cordero
English 101
18401
18, November 2015
Why Black History Month Shouldn’t Exist
African American culture has been a part of American way of life since days as early as the Middle Passage. Ever since then, Black Americans have gradually overcome national racism, fought to achieve all rights entitled to all Americans, and even made significant contributions to the musical and artistic forms of creativity. So much so that it is ludicrous to even suggest that, especially given the racial history of America, the black race’s achievements and inventions can and should be watered down to only be celebrated for one month throughout year, Black History Month. The answer to this problem isn’t simple either. Black History Month shouldn’t be elongated or jam packed with activities, no, it shouldn’t exist at all. Black Americans have helped carry the weight of this country’s industrialization and success, so to deny the black race a role in American History, by explaining that they have “their own” history is wrong and discriminatory.
African Americans have collectively made as much contributions to the U.S, if not, even more so than other ethnic groups in the …show more content…

Black History is taught very similarly to White-American History except there are far more specific and obscure dates to remember and there is little focus on conflicts and experiences and more focus on oppression and heroism-you know- the way the hero found a way to overcome insurmountable odds. Which is great, and definitely true, however Black History shouldn’t be marginalized to a few success stories because “while leaders and their biographies could inspire us, the real study of history involved looking at trends and tensions across time and place, rather than the de-contextualized trivia and quotes that Black History looks like in many classrooms”

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