Why isn’t there a White History month?

The reason white people don’t have an ethnic month of appreciation is because every day is about them. Shocking, isn’t it?

Before you furiously open your Panthermail, poised and ready to send a letter of hate, hear me out, I have a few questions for you. I want to know how much cultural information about other ethnicities you know, and be honest. Oh, and your token black friend, whom you usually only call asking about a Que party on the weekends does not qualify.

Tell me, did you know that Africa had many other kingdoms that ruled over its continent besides the infamous Egypt? Did you also know that the people of Africa and Europe used to trade goods and resources long before they were tricked into slavery by the very same people they once traded with? What about the fact that Africa fought many wars resisting its capture and only few countries were able to successfully win, such as Ethiopia.

I would think not. Many people, white or black, know nothing of this because of one simple fact: We’re not taught any of this in basic core history courses K-12. This is all information that has to willingly be sought out from classes designed to teach about African or African-American History.

The information that’s forced down our throats, ever since we first learn to say the words; “I pledge allegiance to the flag,” has been strictly related to things dealing with American and/or British culture—seldom African-American.

Also, to all ethnic minorities, peoples of British, French, Dutch and German descent are all still considered white. White privilege is real, and it’s the reason some people question why black people have a month and why white people don’t.

Every single day, blacks are reminded of their social standing and for one month, whites are placed on the backburner to realize it’s not all about them, and then complain asking, “Why don’t we have our own month?” Well, that’s why.

It’s a shame that a black man and woman can recite the events of the wars throughout American history, but can’t even name all of the influential black leaders outside of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

February is a month dedicated to us and our accomplishments. Remember, February is only 28, or 29 days. Beginning in March, it goes right back to being all about everybody else.

Roberto Hodge is a senior journalism major. He can be reached at [email protected]