OT: No more black history month

[EDiddy]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10482634/from/RS.3/

I really agree with Morgan is saying here, he is 100% accurate.

[tjung0831]

Uh oh....looks like he'll be on the circuit with Bill Cosby now

[seanmac31]

Right...only the relevant part of his statement, that black history should be a fundamental part of US history and taught that way at all levels...that gets dropped down to the bottom of the story.

Obviously things like Black History month and Women's Studies courses are exceedingly mechanistic and imperfect solutions, but the problem that they are addressing-the near complete absence of their groups from the conventional historical narrative-continues to exist.

[sfz_T-car]

Freeman notes there is no "white history month," and says the only way to get rid of racism is to "stop talking about it."

Racism is so pervasive that I'm not convinced there is an effective way to get rid of it. But I don't think ignoring it altogether is going to be effective solution.

As a parent of African American kids, I personally like Black History month. As Seanmac points out, they're not getting much information the other eleven months of the year. If they learn about Black history and American history, that's all good. He11, I'd probably like any kind of history month because we can all learn a lot from what's happened before us.

[EDiddy]

Well my hope is that as a nation we are at the point where Black history is the same as American history, so there is no need to speciliaize it. Maybe your right Seanmac, where not there yet. I think the time when we can remove this month and all of the amazing contributions these americains have made to our society will be noticed and taught as just another event will tell that we have advacnced a great deal.

[reeche]

Nice dude. Good actor. Couldn't disagree with any more than is possible, however.

[JackDiggity]

My wife and I teach our son Black American history year round. If a parent waits for the school system to do it,they shouldn't be surprised when their 16 year old doesn't know who Benjamin Banneker is. We have never given a flip what month it is to teach him his culture.

I agree with Freeman. Black Americans are such a vivid part of US history we don't need the lables anymore. It's a slap in the face to the Native, Asian and Hispanic Americans who have a rich history in the growth of America. Where's their months?? The hell with the labels. As citizens we should make sure all American history is being taught to our children in school and at home.

[DivotMaker]

The hell with the labels. As citizens we should make sure all American history is being taught to our children in school and at home.

Could not agree more with ridding our society of the "labels". Just not sure if/when we will ever get there. I remember what racism was like when I was growing up. I shudder when I see some of the programs documenting what went on in this country back then. The racial climate as well as my own attitude is much improved over what it used to be, but neither are where they should be....

[sfz_T-car]

My wife and I teach our son Black American history year round. If a parent waits for the school system to do it,they shouldn't be surprised when their 16 year old doesn't know who Benjamin Banneker is. We have never given a flip what month it is to teach him his culture.

I liked Banneker a lot more before he became such a pocket passer

[JackDiggity]

My wife and I teach our son Black American history year round. If a parent waits for the school system to do it,they shouldn't be surprised when their 16 year old doesn't know who Benjamin Banneker is. We have never given a flip what month it is to teach him his culture.

I liked Banneker a lot more before he became such a pocket passer

[Teal]

My wife and I teach our son Black American history year round. If a parent waits for the school system to do it,they shouldn't be surprised when their 16 year old doesn't know who Benjamin Banneker is. We have never given a flip what month it is to teach him his culture.

I agree with Freeman. Black Americans are such a vivid part of US history we don't need the lables anymore. It's a slap in the face to the Native, Asian and Hispanic Americans who have a rich history in the growth of America. Where's their months?? The hell with the labels. As citizens we should make sure all American history is being taught to our children in school and at home.

Bingo. I'm of a certain caucasian persuasion, so I won't weigh in too much on this, but it seems to me that the whole 'month' thing is just throwing a bone to the black community, as if to say, "OK, if it'll shut you up, here's your damn history month."

I don't know, and if I'm wrong, please enlighten me. But I'd tend to think Freeman is right on this...

[reeche]

My wife and I teach our son Black American history year round. If a parent waits for the school system to do it,they shouldn't be surprised when their 16 year old doesn't know who Benjamin Banneker is. We have never given a flip what month it is to teach him his culture.

I agree with Freeman. Black Americans are such a vivid part of US history we don't need the lables anymore. It's a slap in the face to the Native, Asian and Hispanic Americans who have a rich history in the growth of America. Where's their months?? The hell with the labels. As citizens we should make sure all American history is being taught to our children in school and at home.

Bingo. I'm of a certain caucasian persuasion, so I won't weigh in too much on this, but it seems to me that the whole 'month' thing is just throwing a bone to the black community, as if to say, "OK, if it'll shut you up, here's your damn history month."

I don't know, and if I'm wrong, please enlighten me. But I'd tend to think Freeman is right on this...

Everybody is certainly entitled to their opinion of course. However, the basic concept with setting aside a period of time for reflection on a certain aspect of something denigrating that aspect itself is a false one imo. No more so than having a "Veteran's Day" is a slap in the face to vets when we aren't necessarily celebrating them on every other day of the year. Because something is labeled "Black History Month" doesn't equate to throwing a bone to somebody imo. In fact it's one of the rare times that any racial issues of substance get brought up in this country unfortunately.

[sfz_T-car]

JANUARY

National Hobby Month
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National Hat Day (15)
National Skin Fitness Week (18-25)
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National Pie Day (23)
National Popcorn Day (31)



FEBRUARY

National Cherry Month
Canned Food Month
Great American Pie Month
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National Weddings Month
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National Pancake Week (21-27)
National Kraut & Frank Week (11-20)
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MARCH

National Frozen Food Month
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National Peanut Month
Poetry Month
National Shoe Week (1-8)
National Pig Day (1)
Save Your Vision Week (7-13)
American Chocolate Week (14-20)
Fragrance Day (21)
Pecan Day (25)
DoctorsÕ Day (30)



APRIL

International Guitar Month
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Alcohol Free Weekend (2-5)
Sorry Charlie Day (3)
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MAY

Better Sleep Month
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National Missing ChildrenÕs Day (25
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JUNE

Dairy Month
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JULY

National Baked Bean Month
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Christmas in July



AUGUST

National Catfish Month
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All-American Breakfast Month
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OCTOBER

Computer Learning Month
National Adopt-A-Dog Month
International Microwave Month
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National Boss Day (16)
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Mother-In-Law Day (24)
National Save Your Back Week (24-30)
National Magic Week (25-31)



NOVEMBER

Aviation History Month
Child Safety and Protection Month
International Drum Month
Chemistry Week (7-13)
Fig Week (1-7)
Sandwich Day (3)
Saxophone Day (6)
National Split Pea Soup Week (8-13)
Homemade Bread Day (17)
Great American Smokeout (18)
National Farm City Week (19-25)



DECEMBER

Bingo Birthday Month
Write A Friend Month
Poinsettia Day (12)
National Flashlight Day (21)

[Macca00]

Mother-in-Law day?

[snaz16]

"The actor says he believes the labels "black" and "white" are an obstacle to beating racism.

"I am going to stop calling you a white man and I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man," Freeman says."

When we can look at ourselves as one,then rascism will be no more. Maybe in my lifetime,I'll see that.
With that said, as a kid that grew up in Ohio in the 60's,I had american history,and Ohio history in junior high school. I would have been much better served with black history month than Ohio history,which begs the question,that black history month should be as much for,if not more for the rest of us,and not just for blacks?
Once we can intergrate black history into american history,then perhaps we can call ourselves as one. Until then, if black history month reaches just one person,because of its exclusivety,then it will be worth it.

[JackDiggity]

My wife and I teach our son Black American history year round. If a parent waits for the school system to do it,they shouldn't be surprised when their 16 year old doesn't know who Benjamin Banneker is. We have never given a flip what month it is to teach him his culture.

I agree with Freeman. Black Americans are such a vivid part of US history we don't need the lables anymore. It's a slap in the face to the Native, Asian and Hispanic Americans who have a rich history in the growth of America. Where's their months?? The hell with the labels. As citizens we should make sure all American history is being taught to our children in school and at home.

Bingo. I'm of a certain caucasian persuasion, so I won't weigh in too much on this, but it seems to me that the whole 'month' thing is just throwing a bone to the black community, as if to say, "OK, if it'll shut you up, here's your damn history month."

I don't know, and if I'm wrong, please enlighten me. But I'd tend to think Freeman is right on this...

Everybody is certainly entitled to their opinion of course. However, the basic concept with setting aside a period of time for reflection on a certain aspect of something denigrating that aspect itself is a false one imo. No more so than having a "Veteran's Day" is a slap in the face to vets when we aren't necessarily celebrating them on every other day of the year. Because something is labeled "Black History Month" doesn't equate to throwing a bone to somebody imo. In fact it's one of the rare times that any racial issues of substance get brought up in this country unfortunately.

Reech when you use the Veterans Day anology it doesn't work. Veterans are made up of many different races. Every Vet is included. Black history month is showcasing one race.

We have 9 months of school in the US. Why not give the Hispanics and Asians a month? Hell, the Native Americans should get 2 IMO.

Why not incorperate all races into American history. Our melting pot society is what makes America special.

[Teal]

Bingo. I'm of a certain caucasian persuasion, so I won't weigh in too much on this, but it seems to me that the whole 'month' thing is just throwing a bone to the black community, as if to say, "OK, if it'll shut you up, here's your damn history month."

I don't know, and if I'm wrong, please enlighten me. But I'd tend to think Freeman is right on this...

Everybody is certainly entitled to their opinion of course. However, the basic concept with setting aside a period of time for reflection on a certain aspect of something denigrating that aspect itself is a false one imo. No more so than having a "Veteran's Day" is a slap in the face to vets when we aren't necessarily celebrating them on every other day of the year. Because something is labeled "Black History Month" doesn't equate to throwing a bone to somebody imo. In fact it's one of the rare times that any racial issues of substance get brought up in this country unfortunately.

Reech when you use the Veterans Day anology it doesn't work. Veterans are made up of many different races. Every Vet is included. Black history month is showcasing one race.

We have 9 months of school in the US. Why not give the Hispanics and Asians a month? Hell, the Native Americans should get 2 IMO.

Why not incorperate all races into American history. Our melting pot society is what makes America special.

That's a good point, Jack. Why just black history month? Why not give 'em all a month (or 2). What good will it do? Does having a 'month' really do anything?

Why can't it just be American History? I just don't get it, I suppose...

[bigmoe]

quote]


We have 9 months of school in the US. Why not give the Hispanics and Asians a month? Hell, the Native Americans should get 2 IMO.

quote]

Hey ,what about us Italian Americans , one day as in Colombus,

WE deserve at leasta week with such a high interest in Sopranos and Mario Bros......ahhh.....Forgetaboutit

[Teal]

We have 9 months of school in the US. Why not give the Hispanics and Asians a month? Hell, the Native Americans should get 2 IMO.

Hey ,what about us Italian Americans , one day as in Colombus,

WE deserve at leasta week with such a high interest in Sopranos and Mario Bros......ahhh.....Forgetaboutit

...you talkin' to me? Are you talkin' to me?!

Hey, let's give everybody that feels they deserve one a day...

[pk500]

When is Slow, Gravitationally Challenged Middle Manager White Guy History Month?

I agree with Freeman, by the way. Of course, I'm biased: He drove the Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 in 2004 and is a total class act to the core.

Seriously, don't groups like the NAACP bring minorities down more than promote them? Don't they hang the "Look at us, we're minorities, damn it!" tag upon blacks, which I would think only creates more resentment between blacks and other races?

Now I know racism is institutional in this country. Anyone who denies that is blind. But doesn't the existence of these sometimes-inflammatory race-based political action groups only exacerbate the racial divide?

These aren't rhetorical questions, honestly. I sincerely seek feedback.

Take care,
PK

[reeche]

Reech when you use the Veterans Day anology it doesn't work. Veterans are made up of many different races. Every Vet is included. Black history month is showcasing one race.

We have 9 months of school in the US. Why not give the Hispanics and Asians a month? Hell, the Native Americans should get 2 IMO.

Why not incorperate all races into American history. Our melting pot society is what makes America special.

As I said, I disagree. Vets are a designated group in this case. Distinct from the normal american in a way because of something that society values because of their contribution in this case. At least that's the intent behind the holiday to commerate it. (At least it is now since it's no longer really Armistice Day). I would make the same case for the groups in this country that have been historially discriminated against (and here's the controversial bit. Continue to suffer the effects of) above and beyond all others. Whether they are black or American Indian or whatever doesn't bother me in the least.

Personally I've never been one who bought into the melting pot theory but that's just me. A melting pot implies just that. All the major distinctions have been melted away and assimilated. That is not the case for many minority groups in this country. People talk about fixing history and making it "American History" and everytime I get a chance to look at some school level history book, it does a piss poor job of it. In some fantasy world where everybody was truly equal, then I would get the argument that you don't have to take special effort to do these sort of things to send out "messages" and morals to your society. Their would be no need for a Veteran's Day, Black History Month, etc. For someone who has the financial means of Morgan Freeman, I'm sure the current world almost must seem like that place. For the majority of African-Americans in this case I'm betting they neither agree with his opinion nor have this view of the world. That's fine also. Not everybody has to be in lock-step in their opinions on issues.

[DivotMaker]

I agree with Freeman, by the way. Of course, I'm biased: He drove the Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 in 2004 and is a total class act to the core.

He is one of my favorite actors, and a class act to boot. Well said.

Seriously, don't groups like the NAACP bring minorities down more than promote them? Don't they hang the "Look at us, we're minorities, damn it!" tag upon blacks, which I would think only creates more resentment between blacks and other races?

In a nutshell, groups such as this are their own worst enemy typically because the leadership of such groups come off badly.

Now I know racism is institutional in this country. Anyone who denies that is blind. But doesn't the existence of these sometimes-inflammatory race-based political action groups only exacerbate the racial divide?

I think the reaction when any of these groups respond to a situation is a collective "rolleyes and sigh" from most objecitve and rational people. One of my very closest friends is an African American male. I have known him for 8 years and I just attended his retirement party. I have learned more about humanity from this man, than in my previous 39 years prior to meeting him combined. He absolutely despises the NAACP and says they have "lost touch with the African American Community". He also thinks Jesse Jackson and Farrahkan are doing more harm than good to the cause. I could not agree more.

When I think of the attitudes that used to consume me when I was younger, I am embarrassed and ashamed of some of the things I said and thought. I was a prejudiced person. I don't feel like I am prejudiced any longer as I love this friend like a second Father. He has taught me by example that each and every human being on this earth is here for a reason and has a purpose. When I see the NAACP and other minority groups make public comments, many times those comments are emotionally-charged diatribes that come off badly and are ill-perceived by their audience. What those organizations need is someone who is not trying to make a name for themselves and truly wants to help. However, there is a Catch-22 with that. If that person is not well known, will the intended audience listen?

[pk500]

Tim:

Good points. You've illustrated the dilemma of the NAACP very well, at least as I see it.

If an NAACP leader reaches out to the white community, he'll probably be seen as an "Uncle Tom" or sell-out by the more strident members of the black community. Yet at the same time, one of the most frequent and fervent complaints of the black community is that it's not afforded the same economic opportunities and privileges of the white community.

Just look at the McNabb situation. Here's a well-spoken, thoughtful man who adheres to the team concept and is pure class. He has made a life for himself through humility, hard work and class after receiving a superb upbringing from two present-and-accounted-for parents, yet the Philly NAACP leader is all but accusing him of being a Tom.

So how do the NAACP and black community win with a mindset like that? That's why I agree with Freeman.

Take care,
PK

[sfz_T-car]

Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept 15 - Oct 15
National Italian American Month is October

Morgan Freeman is entitled to his opinion, but they're not representative of the African American community because there is no racial consensus. The Black community extends from Clarence Thomas on the right to Mumia Abu Jamal on the left, just as the Hispanic community includes both Dolores Huerta and Alberto Gonzalez.

Even after the melting pot is completly cooked and racism is gone in this country, there will still be the history of the peoples that make up this country. I think more good than harm will come from continuing to remember, if only for one month a year. Regardless of what you think about today's NAACP, the organization has a proud history. Kids should know who WEB DuBois and Thurgood Marshall were and the role they and others played in getting the US as far as it has. The heroes of the Civil Rights movement from the 50s & 60s are aging and dying off. If Black History month focuses attention and fund raising activities enough to get their stories recorded, then it's worth it for me.

[Brando70]

All we Poles get is one lousy Pulaski Day. Racist f***ers.

I do wish we would have a more inclusive view of American history, but every time someone creates a textbook or curriculum that tries to do that, something else always has to get taken out to make room. That "something else" usually relates to white people, and then said white people sometimes get in a snit about it. Not to mention that it's difficult to teach minority history (or women's history) without getting in the political arena, because those topics are just so politically charged.

So while I agree with Freeman's sentiments, I'm just not sure how we can get there.