ruminations on how black history isn't really a thing.

[Redbaron616]

It is ironic that liberals are happy to segregate American history into its racial components. Whatever happened to being proud of great Americans, regardless of their race? Instead, you act as though Blacks can only associate with Black Americans in a historical context. This is demeaning and does nothing but further isolate them from the mainstream of American society. White Americans can be proud of black Americans who did deeds worthy of history and there is no reasons that Black Americans cannot be proud of white Americans in history who did worthy deeds to be noted. 

[TheCat]

It is ironic that liberals are happy to segregate American history into its racial components. Whatever happened to being proud of great Americans, regardless of their race? Instead, you act as though Blacks can only associate with Black Americans in a historical context. This is demeaning and does nothing but further isolate them from the mainstream of American society. White Americans can be proud of black Americans who did deeds worthy of history and there is no reasons that Black Americans cannot be proud of white Americans in history who did worthy deeds to be noted.

Redbaron, thank you for attempting to not be the drunk uncle. I appreciate your efforts to be inclusive. Keep working at it.

[thelakelander]

It is ironic that liberals are happy to segregate American history into its racial components. Whatever happened to being proud of great Americans, regardless of their race? Instead, you act as though Blacks can only associate with Black Americans in a historical context. This is demeaning and does nothing but further isolate them from the mainstream of American society. White Americans can be proud of black Americans who did deeds worthy of history and there is no reasons that Black Americans cannot be proud of white Americans in history who did worthy deeds to be noted. 

Lol, it's Black History Month. Its origins date back to 1926.....

"Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month in America, is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated annually in the United States and Canada in February, and the United Kingdom in October."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_History_Month

Why be a Sally Pissy Pants? What's all the anger about something that's been around years before you were conceived?

[I-10east]

I never heard anyone trying to deny Morgan Freeman's 'blackness' and he is a critic of Black History month; He said that 'Black history is American history' and I totally agree. I don't need any 'atta boy remainders' one month every year for motivation.

Black History Month often sparks an annual debate about the continued usefulness and fairness of a designated month dedicated to the history of one race. Criticism include questions over whether it is appropriate to confine the celebration of black history to one month, as opposed to integration of black history into the mainstream education the rest of the year.

Another criticism is that contrary to the original inspiration for Black History Month, which was a desire to redress the manner in which British schools failed to represent black historical figures as anything other than slaves or colonial subjects, Black History Month reduces complex historical figures to overly simplified objects of hero worship. Another criticism, usually leveled by whites, is that the celebration is racist.

Black celebrities such as actor and director Morgan Freeman and actress Stacey Dash have criticized Black History Month, with Freeman saying, "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history." Freeman has argued that there was no White History Month, because white people did not want their history relegated to just one month.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_History_Month

[thelakelander]

That's fine, but there's no real debate taking place here. I don't have a Black History Month to give you or take away. Enjoy the article, debate the validity of the content presented if you wish, and move on.

[marty904]

I never heard anyone trying to deny Morgan Freeman's 'blackness' and he is a critic of Black History month; He said that 'Black history is American history' and I totally agree. I don't need any 'atta boy remainders' one month every year for motivation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_History_Month

I whole-heartedly agree with Red Baron and I-10... When I first saw this article, my first thought was of Morgan Freeman's interview so thanks I-10, for mentioning it.

All races have some really amazing history to be proud of and it should absolutely be a part of American history. i have to agree however, that by only giving "black" history a full month of recognition each year, it does contribute to keeping racism alive in America.

[thelakelander]

Luckily, we (MJ) give a lot more coverage than once a year. However, the way this particular thread is going doesn't necessary kill racism and misunderstanding either. Instead of acknowledging the area's rich history and some events/places most of us never knew, we've found a way to pull Morgan Freeman into this. Who's next? Bill Cosby?

[Tacachale]

http://www.theonion.com/article/white-history-year-resumes-139

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Why be a Sally Pissy Pants? What's all the anger about something that's been around years before you were conceived?

Ummm....   I have nothing to add to the topic, but to clarify, it's Polly Prissy Pants...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JchKa8Ox3Hs

[BridgeTroll]

And... we have an extra day this Black History Month! 

[vicupstate]

I whole-heartedly agree with Red Baron and I-10... When I first saw this article, my first thought was of Morgan Freeman's interview so thanks I-10, for mentioning it.

All races have some really amazing history to be proud of and it should absolutely be a part of American history. i have to agree however, that by only giving "black" history a full month of recognition each year, it does contribute to keeping racism alive in America.

Jesus Christ I weep for America sometimes.  I guess it never crossed your mind that "black" history often gets ignored, or completely erased, and, to the extent anyone focuses on general history during the other 11 months, it is a predominantly white history.  There's ZERO racism in the idea that, hey, maybe let's take an extra effort to acknowledge an area of history that doesn't get much play. 

Plus, and I know this may be hard for you to understand, but you are free to focus on "white" history all you want this month, bro.  No racists are stopping you from that and forcing you to learn something you don't want to.  I know that may prevent you from ranting your white resentment politics, so feel free to ignore this quite obvious fact. 

Jesus I can't even believe I wasted my own time and brain power replying to this garbage.

Some people simply have no ability whatsoever to empathize, or to even remotely understand that others haven't had the exact same life experiences that they had. 

[E_Dubya]

It is ironic that liberals are happy to segregate American history into its racial components. Whatever happened to being proud of great Americans, regardless of their race? Instead, you act as though Blacks can only associate with Black Americans in a historical context. This is demeaning and does nothing but further isolate them from the mainstream of American society. White Americans can be proud of black Americans who did deeds worthy of history and there is no reasons that Black Americans cannot be proud of white Americans in history who did worthy deeds to be noted.

This hurts my brain. Of course there is no reason anyone of any race shouldn't be proud of contributions by other racial backgrounds, so why not take time to notice a group that has been so heavily influential in the development of American culture yet gets often overlooked. I mean good lord, what would the evolution of modern Western music be without the advent of the Delta Blues?

Just look at all of the contributions made to Jacksonville's history of Florida's history that get overlooked. I would be glad to list some for you, but I feel like doing so would fall on deaf ears (or blind eyes since this is being read.)

[thelakelander]

Why be a Sally Pissy Pants? What's all the anger about something that's been around years before you were conceived?

Ummm....   I have nothing to add to the topic, but to clarify, it's Polly Prissy Pants...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JchKa8Ox3Hs

Lol, I'm different. I'm making up my own terminology!

[TheCat]

If anything, Morgan Freedman's comments are a criticism of how history is taught, discussed and explored in this country.

You're right, we won't need a black history month when American history is not a story that starts at pilgrims and ends w/ manifest destiny.

While we are on the topic, below are some of the other months designated to celebrate people groups.

When will German's assimilate into American mainstream; right Redbarron?

Just look at the Irish, across this country we have huge St. Patrick's day festivals, where men where kilts and play those strange pipe instruments. I mean, why do the Irish want to further isolate themselves from the American mainstream. Am I right Redbarron?

March: Irish American
April: Scottish American / Arab American
May: Jewish Heritage / Asian & Pacific Islander
October: German American / Italian American / Polish American
September: Hispanic Heritage

[johnnyliar]

I think the original poster meant to say #AllHistoryMatters