In an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Morgan Freeman expressed that the concept of black history month is “ridiculous.” Freeman went on to say the only way to get rid of racism is to “stop talking about it.”
I believe the 68-year-old actor, who commonly plays the voice of reason in most of his films, hit the nail right on the head. I think Black History month, like affirmative action, is another stumbling block in the stride toward African American social equality. It is one of the many active forms of segregation that exist in our society.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson introduced the currently outdated holiday in the beginning of the 20th century when African-Americans were still popularly regarded as “subhuman.” I think the annual celebration that honors a group of Americans based on the color of their skin is essentially racist and should be at least modified to emphasize an entirely more meaningful message.
Rather than apologize for centuries of bad history and recognizing African-Americans’ past as being perceived as an inferior race, I believe if we must have an ethnic-based holiday it should acknowledge the strife to overcome racial contention and celebrate the progress we have made as a nation in ending the discrimination against African-Americans. I understand that there are some that may argue Black History Month does just that by trenching up the history of “black oppression.”
However, based on my impressions, Black History Month as it stands merely immortalizes black suffering, and makes no attempt to emphasize the well-sought after vision of ethnic unity envisaged by Africam-American leaders such as Martin Luther Kin,Jr.
King believed in the prospect of a colorblind society that was unadulterated by racial strife. Much of King’s perspective on race is conveyed in his famous speech “I have a dream.”
A number of us came across the heart-rendering speech in grade school, but it’s evident by observing our divided nation that celebrates ethnic based holidays that King’s words have yet to be heeded.