I read on Facebook from one of my friends, and I use the term loosely since other than we play games together I have no idea who she is, but she said in one of her posts that it was Black History Month and she was surprised that there didn't seem to be an awareness of it. There were no special events or promotions going on to celebrate or educate people of what had happened before or what was going on. I wanted to reply to her post that there is so much going on around her that there was so much going on around her that she would have to do is stand up, open her eyes and see.
From the earthquake and its aftermath in the first black and second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere to the first black President of the United States, black history was going on and being developed all around her and still she didn't get that these were the culminations of what had happened before and may happen again and perhaps much more important than a TV show or a dance. Anyway, I probably don't have the skills to inform you and show you the events that have helped shape the world into what it is in any meaningful way. Instead I will just show you what has helped developed me for good or bad.
When I was young, around 4 or 5, my mother would sing the following song to me. Maybe it explains who I am, maybe it doesn't. I don't know, I just remember it now and again.
I am still Curious!
ReplyDeleteFB...and we no friends?!
You wanted to say it...but you didn't? Why?
There is so much going on.
It's interesting you mention Haiti as from my understanding Black History Month was rather a black American thing. I guess some tend to see the bigger picture, others don't.
ReplyDeleteThat song is sweeeeet!
This month normally comes along and just goes by with the wind. This year the time is going by so fast I am sure it will speed right ahead as well.
ReplyDeleteBlack History Month - personally it is sad we had to have a month like this. We should celebrate Black History Month every day not only in February.
Black people has built and contributed so much to this world - we need to get up and stand up for our rights.
There's a Black History Month in the UK too...
ReplyDeleteBlah Blah Blah - I have about 800 friends on Facebook, out of which I know about 20 who I can really call friends. The rest are just people that I play Mafia Wars with. When those people post something on their pages that's not game related I try to ignore it since 9 times out of 10 it's not something that I don't want to read like how they have been suffering since Obama became President or there has been too much focus on Haiti or suspected criminals(read Blacks, Latinos and Muslims) should be shot on the spot. I know that unless I really want to get into it, I'm not going to change any minds. It's bad enough that I called someone a Fkn racist bitch on Youtube the other day, so I don't want to get like that on my "social network" and just avoid conflict with everyone.
ReplyDeleteEduardo - If it was called African American History Month then maybe I would be able to see it being limited, but it's not. So why not incorporate all that the African diaspora has to offer and get a fuller and richer picture of what being Black is and how it affects you no matter who or where you are?
corvedacosta - I used to feel the same way when I was younger. Now I look at it as the same way that patriots look at Flag Day, or Christians look at Christmas or vegetarians look at Brussels Sprouts Day. Those things are honored or thought about everyday but there is a point on the calendar when just a little more attention is applied to them. Why not Black History?
Garçon Stupide - Black History Month in the UK, that must be new. I know that when I was living London, that idea would have been furthest thing from anybody's thoughts. Baroness Thatcher must be rolling around in her undug grave.
But then I guess that reflects the point that there is a need for Black people to no longer be recognized as incidental or insignificant no matter where they are.
Eduardo - Oh no, I was just pointing at my wrong assumption as I've discovered Black History Month this year (we don't do it in Spain or France). As you say, the bigger picture is richer.
ReplyDeleteI just went through my friend list and deleted anyone that I have never met, not spoke to, or reached out to for networking in at least a year. I realized I was just accepting "friends" for no reason. I don't play any of those games so...makes it easier in not acquiring numbers.
ReplyDeletePlease don't go around calling ppl fuqing bitches...racist is ok.
I must agree there hasn't been much attention given to Black History Month especially this year; in fact I haven't even seen the McDonald's commerical that generally airs with a Black History Theme.
ReplyDeleteI understand that Haiti is being focused on right now, and Black History Month isn't being given much attention. There are events taken place, but one must search for them with a fine tooth comb.
Blah Blah Blah - You know there is nothing wrong with a little colorful language now and again. It can help bring home a point like no other way can sometimes.
ReplyDeleteChet - Well I don't think that we have to wait for McDonald's or Budweiser to justify recognizing history and celebrating the achievements or even failures of those who came before us. We need to constantly look back at where we were before so we can see where we are today and figure out where we want to be tomorrow without it being spoon fed to us by others.