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I'm pretty sure if you look into it you will find out that most Races do in fact have different times of the year in which they celebrate their culture and religion.  
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Most "times of the year" are religious based.  Black History Month is the only racially based 'celebration' that I am aware of.  As far as other races having an entire month, there are not enough months in a year to let everyone have one.  All other races have a day here and there as a celebration.  I have no problem with people wanting to embrace their culture, but there is a point where it is too much to bear.

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I don't mind there being a black history so much as I mind there not being others as well.  What about the Native Americans, Jewish, Asian ect.? I'm not trying to open a perverbial "Pandoras Box" but I am very interested in all your opinions concerning this ;)
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No other race or ethnic group was treated as badly as Blacks were in America.  Not even the Native Americans who had their own land stolen from them.  Several European groups had harsh treatment back in the 1800s, but it was nothing as close as to what African Americans went through with the whole slavery and segregation deal.  And Blacks can't easily blend in the way those European groups eventually did.  Blacks were basically subhumanized for 400 years in America.  I see nothing wrong with them having 1 month of the year for recognition of their accomplishments in America.  

Making a fuss over such things as Black History month, BET, or the NAACP it is pretending like we live in a race neutral world and that all that happened to Blacks never happened.  And unfortunately, we don't live in a color blind/race neutral world.

Perhaps we need to give it another 50 years for everything to even out.  I mean it's not even been 40 years since the Civil Rights bill was passed.  

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No other race or ethnic group was treated as badly as Blacks were in America.  Not even the Native Americans who had their own land stolen from them.  Several European groups had harsh treatment back in the 1800s, but it was nothing as close as to what African Americans went through with the whole slavery and segregation deal.  And Blacks can't easily blend in the way those European groups eventually did.  Blacks were basically subhumanized for 400 years in America.  I see nothing wrong with them having 1 month of the year for recognition of their accomplishments in America.  

Making a fuss over such things as Black History month, BET, or the NAACP it is pretending like we live in a race neutral world and that all that happened to Blacks never happened.  And unfortunately, we don't live in a color blind/race neutral world.

Perhaps we need to give it another 50 years for everything to even out.  I mean it's not even been 40 years since the Civil Rights bill was passed.  
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I agree with what you are saying, but actually, Native Americans were enslaved as well, though not in such high numbers. History tends to leave this out for some reason.

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Most "times of the year" are religious based.  Black History Month is the only racially based 'celebration' that I am aware of.  As far as other races having an entire month, there are not enough months in a year to let everyone have one.  All other races have a day here and there as a celebration.  I have no problem with people wanting to embrace their culture, but there is a point where it is too much to bear.
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Every year here in Montreal, there is a festival held by the natives called a Pow Wow, the Italians close down little Italy for their festival, we have Israeli day, Carifest... the list goes on.

And just out of curiosity, what is it about black history month that makes it too much to bear? No one is forcing you to celebrate it, we aren't reminded about it 24/7 (Christmas, Chanukah).  

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No other race or ethnic group was treated as badly as Blacks were in America.  Not even the Native Americans who had their own land stolen from them.End Quote

I do not agree.

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Every year here in Montreal, there is a festival held by the natives called a Pow Wow, the Italians close down little Italy for their festival, we have Israeli day, Carifest... the list goes on.

And just out of curiosity, what is it about black history month that makes it too much to bear? No one is forcing you to celebrate it, we aren't reminded about it 24/7 (Christmas, Chanukah).  
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Obviously, things in Canada are different.  In Chicago, every local broadcast network has commercials, specials, etc. regarding Black History month.  So, in that aspect, I am reminded of it.  Even some of my black friends think it is overkill.  One, who is a descendent of slaves, thinks that the concept of slavery is wrong, but also feels that she and her relatives have a better life here than if her ancestors hadn't been brought here as slaves.  She also points out that black haven't been the only ones oppressed in this country.  What about the Japanese that were put in internment camps during WWII simply because they were Japanese?  The govt said that was for their "safety" but my HS history teacher's wife was in one of these camps and she said that they were little better than what the Jews went through in the concentration camps in Germany.  They weren't methodically killed, but they were not treated well.  

Some of my ancestors were Native Americans who were enslaved and had land taken from them.  What holiday do THEY have that is nationally recognized?  None that I can think of.  Do I think this is right?  No.  Do I think that any one race deserves to be treated differently than another?  No.  Do I think that Black History month is necessary?  No.  Will it erase what they went through in the past?  No.  Will it help their future?  No.

I realize that some may think I am racist, but I truly am not.  I don't agree with the oppression of ANY race and I do feel that African Americans have contributed a great deal to this county.  I don't judge people based on their skin color, religion, beliefs, etc.   But, I also feel that all races should be treated equally.  

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Do I think this is right?  No.  Do I think that any one race deserves to be treated differently than another?  No.  Do I think that Black History month is necessary?  No.  Will it erase what they went through in the past?  No.  Will it help their future?  No.End Quote

Very well said.  I've often wondered why there is an entire month dedicated to the history of one single race.  

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I realize that some may think I am racist, but I truly am notEnd Quote

you're not racist, you are just not afraid to say what's on yur mind.  Kudos.

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 One, who is a descendent of slaves, thinks that the concept of slavery is wrong, but also feels that she and her relatives have a better life here than if her ancestors hadn't been brought here as slaves.    
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First of all as a white person even I think that that statement is one of the most ridiculous statements I have ever heard. I was going to ask my girlfriend what she thinks about it(she is black) but I won't because no one in there right mind could possibly say something so ignorant. Does your friend ever stop to think that maybe if the slave trade had never existed and that Africa had never been raped of its people and land that maybe it could have prospered like North America and Europe?

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First of all as a white person even I think that that statement is one of the most ridiculous statements I have ever heard. I was going to ask my girlfriend what she thinks about it(she is black) but I won't because no one in there right mind could possibly say something so ignorant. Does your friend ever stop to think that maybe if the slave trade had never exsisted and that Africa had never been raped of its people and land that maybe it could have prospered like North America and Europe?


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And now we come to the modern era, where the Europeans have pulled out and allowed the Africans to self-govern, and the African continent is one of the most disease- and war- and poverty-riddled hellholes in all of history...I'd say the black folk who live in America and Canada have it better compared to their African cousins.

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Edited because i'm just going to respect your point of view and stop before this turns into a debate. I guess I wouldn't know as much as you seeing as the furthest south i've ever been is Boston.
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Don't worry about it.  I am not one to flash the Confederate flag, but I would not get my colon tied in a knot if someone did who wasn't wearing white sheets, but was an honest good ol' boy who just wants to remember his heritage.  Slavery's over, they've moved on, forgive and forget.

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First of all as a white person even I think that that statement is one of the most ridiculous statements I have ever heard. I was going to ask my girlfriend what she thinks about it(she is black) but I won't because no one in there right mind could possibly say something so ignorant. Does your friend ever stop to think that maybe if the slave trade had never existed and that Africa had never been raped of its people and land that maybe it could have prospered like North America and Europe?

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Let's not forget that the Europeans raped North America of its land and people (Native Americans) and we seem to be "prospering".   Therefore, by your reasoning, if the Europeans are the root of all evil in Africa, then North America should be having the same problems as Africa...

BTW, my friend has a masters degree in sociology, with an emphasis in African American studies.  I'll let her know that her education was useless...

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^ said that it represents people against the abolishment of slavery. But, did you know that Lincoln wasn't against slavery? He wasn't fighting the Civil war to abolish slavery...he was doing it to keep the country together. Abolishment was just the cherry on top of the pie.
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Hold on a second there, Mister.  Lincoln wasn't for slavery either.  Granted, before Antietam and the Emancipation Proclamation the preservation of the Union was in the driver's seat.  After that...
Having said that, I'll grant that the fate of the slaves was never a primary motivator.  I mean, Lincoln did seriously consider the Liberia experiment (deporting African-Americans to colonize Liberia.)  http://www.click-smilie.de/sammlung/cool/cool030.gif

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Slavery's over, they've moved on, forgive and forget.
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bravo bravo.  

That phrase should be a bumper sticker.

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I would only need 2, Irish & American Indian.  And, I've always wondered why I can drink like a fish (though I choose not to anymore) and be a little bit feisty ;)
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  Therefore, by your reasoning, if the Europeans are the root of all evil in Africa, then North America should be having the same problems as Africa...
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No that is not my reasoning. That would mean that every continent the Europeans have colonized would be in the crapper, and that would just be silly.

As for telling your friend that her education was useless, I wouldn't say that, but i'll bet that there are people out there with the same credentials as her who might not agree with her views. Having a masters degree in sociology does not necessarily mean that everything she says is right.

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No that is not my reasoning. That would mean that every continent the Europeans have colonized would be in the crapper, and that would just be silly.End Quote

Well, then who is to blame for Africa not being prosperous?  The Europeans colonized America and those same "Americans" were the ones who "raped" Africa of their people and land.

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As for telling your friend that her education was useless, I wouldn't say that, but i'll bet that there are people out there with the same credentials as her who might not agree with her views. Having a masters degree in sociology does not necessarily mean that everything she says is right.
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Obviously, there are people who don't share her views.  I don't necessarily agree with her, but I was just stating how ONE African American who has lived with the issue of slavery her entire life feels.  She will be the first to admit that she is in the minority.  However, she bases her opinion on facts that she has learned through her studies of sociology and African American culture/history.  If that makes her ignorant, then so be it.

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Well, then who is to blame for Africa not being prosperous?  The Europeans colonized America and those same "Americans" were the ones who "raped" Africa of their people and land.
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The difference being that Africa had colonial rule imposed on it.  America was settled by a conquering race.  In other words, we practiced genocide to create America, whereas in Africa the native people were left in place.  

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The difference being that Africa had colonial rule imposed on it.  America was settled by a conquering race.  In other words, we practiced genocide to create America, whereas in Africa the native people were left in place.  
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That doesn't follow what was said.  

Quoting:So you don't think that European occupation and the oppression and exploitation of the black man in Africa has anything to do with the way Africa has turned out?End Quote

Quoting:Does your friend ever stop to think that maybe if the slave trade had never existed and that Africa had never been raped of its people and land that maybe it could have prospered like North America and Europe?End Quote

Were the Africans oppressed, exploited, raped of persons and land or just left in place?  If they were just left in place, how were they brought here as slaves?

I think this is an issue that is never going to be resolved, especially on a message board.

Back to the topic...no, I don't think anyrace deserves an entire month.

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Also realize that not everyone in the south owned slaves. Only the rich people- which were in short supply seeing as the south was very poor.End Quote

Not only that, but not all slaves were treated badly. We just don't hear of those very often.

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No other race or ethnic group was treated as badly as Blacks were in America.  Not even the Native Americans who had their own land stolen from them.End Quote

The Native American Indians were treated just as badly, IMO.

A great percentage of Caucasians were also treated very badly:

Caucasians, specifically children from all over Europe were kidnapped from the streets and also taken out of orphanages and sent to America to be made into slaves and work in factories and mills during the times that lead to/the beginnings of the industrial revolution. These children would work upwards of 15 hours a day and be lashed when falling asleep at the machine. Many of these children died or bacame mangled/deformed for life with absolutely no compensation. Women were also made to work under similar conditions, sometimes side by side with the children.

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Back to the topic...no, I don't think anyrace deserves an entire month.

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IMO a race can take a month, two months, a year, however long they believe it will take to celebrate their history. But I think that it should be celebrated within their own community. Like I said earlier we have all kinds of different celebrations throughout the year, but I guess unlike you, we are not bombarded with specials and advertisements for them, or made to feel guilty if we don't participate in them.

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Obviously, things in Canada are different.  In Chicago, every local broadcast network has commercials, specials, etc. regarding Black History month.  So, in that aspect, I am reminded of it.  Even some of my black friends think it is overkill.  One, who is a descendent of slaves, thinks that the concept of slavery is wrong, but also feels that she and her relatives have a better life here than if her ancestors hadn't been brought here as slaves.  She also points out that black haven't been the only ones oppressed in this country.  What about the Japanese that were put in internment camps during WWII simply because they were Japanese?  The govt said that was for their "safety" but my HS history teacher's wife was in one of these camps and she said that they were little better than what the Jews went through in the concentration camps in Germany.  They weren't methodically killed, but they were not treated well.  

Some of my ancestors were Native Americans who were enslaved and had land taken from them.  What holiday do THEY have that is nationally recognized?  None that I can think of.  Do I think this is right?  No.  Do I think that any one race deserves to be treated differently than another?  No.  Do I think that Black History month is necessary?  No.  Will it erase what they went through in the past?  No.  Will it help their future?  No.

I realize that some may think I am racist, but I truly am not.  I don't agree with the oppression of ANY race and I do feel that African Americans have contributed a great deal to this county.  I don't judge people based on their skin color, religion, beliefs, etc.   But, I also feel that all races should be treated equally.  
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Practically reached in and took the words right out of me ;)

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Not only that, but not all slaves were treated badly. We just don't hear of those very often.
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::)

What does it really matter if a slave is not treated badly or not?  He or she is still a SLAVE!

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::)

What does it really matter if a slave is not treated badly or not?  He or she is still a SLAVE!
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You need to read all of the points Hair was making. A person did not have to be a slave to be treated badly. Read Hair's post about women and children :

Quoting:The Native American Indians were treated just as badly, IMO.

A great percentage of Caucasians were also treated very badly:

Caucasians, specifically children from all over Europe were kidnapped from the streets and also taken out of orphanages and sent to America to be made into slaves and work in factories and mills during the times that lead to/the beginnings of the industrial revolution. These children would work upwards of 15 hours a day and be lashed when falling asleep at the machine. Many of these children died or bacame mangled/deformed for life with absolutely no compensation. Women were also made to work under similar conditions, sometimes side by side with the children.  End Quote

ergo some "free" people were treated worse than some slaves were treated. And what is the good of having freedom without the economical means to change your lot in life? These people might not have been slaves per se, but they were just as unable to change their lives.

 

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You need to read all of the points Hair was making.End Quote

Thanks, shazz.  :)

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Considering that I need at least 4 months to honor my mix, I declare March-June to honor Race's Races. ;D
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Let's see, since St. Patty's day is already in March, and it might be confusing for some, let's put the Irish side of me in March and the Native American side of me in hmmm...November? Thanksgiving?

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Let's see, since St. Patty's day is already in March, and it might be confusing for some, let's put the Irish side of me in March and the Native American side of me in hmmm...November? Thanksgiving?
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St Patty's day is great, but many natives don't think much of Thanksgiving, perhaps take November anyways, drop the Thanks part and just call it "Indiangivings".  Ouch, that was bad, sorry :-[

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We all have so much diversity. I am mainly Irish/Cherokee Native American (BTW Cherokee have several different nations under that, Cherokee is kind of generic  ;) or so my Grandpa told me) End Quote

I think most of them are like that, I think mine is mostly Sioux.  Oglala Sioux
I seem to recall my dad telling me that one of my cousins was one of the Navajo 'codetalkers' though.?.

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Good point!
Okay, how about August (or is it September) when "Indian Summer" begins? ? ?
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We all have so much diversity. I am mainly Irish/Cherokee Native American (BTW Cherokee have several different nations under that, Cherokee is kind of generic  ;) or so my Grandpa told me) but I am sure that I have so many other nationalities in the mix somewhere... I like that 'Race's Races'. Verry clever! ;D ;D ;D
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Go with September, a beautiful month for a beautiful woman. :)

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AWWW, you're making me  :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-*

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Why can't we have a White holiday or a White month?  

The coloreds get all the special treatment in our society.
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