Black History Month

My second discussion question wondered about the different opinions about historical events related to race such as Black History Month. Do you think celebrations like these are legitimate or necessary considering what we've discussed about race? What sorts of people do you think might oppose this and why?

I went to a high school with a large black population, making it quite different from other public schools in my small city. Black History Month was always a big deal: some classes would base projects off of it, and there were always big displays in the hall. However, there was always some sort of discussion surrounding it: why was it that Bosse High focused on it so much, while other local high schools didn't? Does having a large black population mean that there must be more focus on it? Or, perhaps more accurately, does having a small black population mean that there should be less focus on it?

The dialogue that surrounded its focus at Bosse crossed both sides. Some blacks felt that it was absolutely necessary because of the textbooks' neglect of some events that are remembered at the time; other blacks and some whites felt like it wasn't a big deal and didn't care whether or not it was celebrated. I remember some of my white classmates, though, objecting to it: "isn't it racist to celebrate black history? What if we had a 'white history month', would people be OK with that?" Even some of the teachers wondered why it was focused on so much--if most of the students didn't care, then why make such an effort to display posters, have assemblies, etc...

Many things were black and white at that school, as was this issue. Racial designations were solely based on skin color (people who were "mixed" were assigned to the black category); thus, this historical celebration was considered according to that definition. Looking back on it, most of the disagreements about it were based on a simplistic definition of "race", neglecting historical, political, and cultural factors that affect race. Seeing race in a more holistic way would probably improve people's current ideas, but most are unwilling to budge from their opinions that are perpetuated through issues like the one in my high school. Can you guys understand some of the differing opinions in this case? And do you think there are other reasons for the dissent besides what I have suggested?