(But you don't have to be! There's no shame in educating yourself or turning yourself around after receiving new information.) Do not choose to remain ignorant in this age of information!
I continually see ignorant memes regarding all kinds of human rights, religions, and political topics shared on Facebook. Today, I'll be breaking down the meme below and explaining why it's problematic, or, frankly, racist. It may be difficult to read, but I will be typing out each of its points anyway.
"only in America can an ethnic group have..."
Only America? This is completely false right off the bat. For example, Canada also observes Black History Month in February. Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands observe Black History Month in October. Black holidays are celebrated worldwide. Black universities are an American thing, but they were and are still necessary, which I will explain later. In addition, the universities are NOT "black-only." Dating sites can obviously be used globally. Blacks and people of color are also members in social clubs all around the world.
"Ethnic group" refers to any population of people who share the same descent or cultural background. Caucasian is an ethnic group, as white people are, to a great extent, of European descent. Caucasians have access to history, holidays, colleges, dating sites, bars, and clubs, too. That pretty much makes this entire meme irrelevant already.
Only America? This is completely false right off the bat. For example, Canada also observes Black History Month in February. Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands observe Black History Month in October. Black holidays are celebrated worldwide. Black universities are an American thing, but they were and are still necessary, which I will explain later. In addition, the universities are NOT "black-only." Dating sites can obviously be used globally. Blacks and people of color are also members in social clubs all around the world.
"Ethnic group" refers to any population of people who share the same descent or cultural background. Caucasian is an ethnic group, as white people are, to a great extent, of European descent. Caucasians have access to history, holidays, colleges, dating sites, bars, and clubs, too. That pretty much makes this entire meme irrelevant already.
"black awareness month"
First of all, it's called Black History Month. It celebrates everything that Black people throughout this nation's long history have contributed to society. Much of history is white-washed and celebrates white contributions more than black ones. So many African Americans have done important things for this country throughout its history and they have often gone unnoticed or unrecognized. Black contributions include the areas of, but are not limited to, science, technology, mathematics, medicine, music, art, and literature.
Examples:
First of all, it's called Black History Month. It celebrates everything that Black people throughout this nation's long history have contributed to society. Much of history is white-washed and celebrates white contributions more than black ones. So many African Americans have done important things for this country throughout its history and they have often gone unnoticed or unrecognized. Black contributions include the areas of, but are not limited to, science, technology, mathematics, medicine, music, art, and literature.
Examples:
- Madam C.J. Walker was the first black and female self-made millionaire in the US. We have her to thank for hair products such as growth treatments and conditioners. She also improved the existing hair straightening tool, the "hot comb," by creating a version with wider teeth.
- Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system. Her system included microphones, a camera and monitors, peepholes, and an alarm button that would contact the police.
- George Washington Carver was an agricultural scientist who discovered two types of fungi, and introduced the practice of crop rotation (using soy or peanut plants, which take nitrogen from the air and release it into depleted soil) to poor southern farmers. He also developed 300 ways to use all the leftover peanuts, including paste, paper, insulation, lotion, soap, and medicines such as laxatives.
- Though a white man was credited, we have computer scientist Lisa Gelobter to thank for Graphic Interchange Formats (GIFs.) She played a major role in the emergence of online videos and laid the groundwork for the GIF program through her development of the animation used to produce the moving images.
- Gerald Anderson Lawson created the first home video gaming system that was able to use interchangeable game cartridges. This meant that people could play multiple games on one system. His idea paved the way for the creation of the Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation video gaming consoles that we enjoy today.
- Garrett Morgan is known for creating the modern-day gas mask and the automated traffic light. After witnessing an accident between a car and a horse buggy at a busy intersection, Morgan invented a traffic signal with three lights, representing stop, go, warning, and stop in all directions (which helped pedestrians safely cross the street.)
- The first black female physician to be awarded a patent, Dr. Patricia Bath, invented a medical device and technique called a laserphaco probe that pioneered the field of Opthalmology and was vital for cataract surgery.
- A lot of music that we enjoy has roots in Black culture. Gospel, blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, R&B/soul, hip hop, black pop, and rap would not exist without Black people. It is impossible to imagine what music would be like without African American influence!
- Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Ralph Ellison, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Amiri Baraka, Octavia Butler, Roxanne Gay, James Baldwin, Harriet Jacobs, Tanarive Due, and countless more contribute(d) to American literature with beautiful poems, essays, and novels spanning all genres and subjects.
The list could go on. These people and their accomplishments are just a few reasons why we celebrate Black History Month. Have you heard of any of them? If you're familiar with the names, are you familiar with how their inventions, discoveries, and contributions have affected your life? We learn about a few of these incredible people in school history classes, then we forget if we let ourselves. Some, we have never heard of at all.
My second point is this: be glad that you as a white person do not NEED a "white history month" to recognize the many Caucasian contributions to society that are celebrated pretty much every other month of the year.
My second point is this: be glad that you as a white person do not NEED a "white history month" to recognize the many Caucasian contributions to society that are celebrated pretty much every other month of the year.
"a black holiday"
Saying "a" black holiday is confusing. Which black holiday? Juneteenth? Emancipation Day? Harriet Tubman Day? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (which is celebrated in Canada as well as Holland and Hiroshima, Japan?) Kwanzaa? First, I'm going to assume this is talking about Kwanzaa, then I'll touch upon MLK Day, just in case.
Kwanzaa lasts a week long, honoring African culture and traditions. I do not understand why this holiday would be a problem for anyone. America is composed of a rich landscape filled with many traditions and cultural influences, which are reflected in the many holidays observed here. We have Christmas Eve and Christmas, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, Good Friday, Easter, Ramadan, Epiphany, Cinco De Mayo, etc. White people get to celebrate Thanksgiving and St. Patrick's Day with no problem. Why on earth would we take issue with Black people having a holiday in which they are able to celebrate the culture of their ancestors, too?
Though VERY unclear, I suppose this statement could also be referring to a federal holiday, in which case it would be talking about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. Again, our other federally-observed holidays include Columbus Day (I call it Indigenous People's Day,) George Washington's birthday, Independence Day, etc. These are all white holidays celebrating white people and/or white "accomplishments." It is only fitting that we have black holidays celebrating all of the valuable and historically significant black accomplishments that we and Black communities have benefited from time and time again.
Saying "a" black holiday is confusing. Which black holiday? Juneteenth? Emancipation Day? Harriet Tubman Day? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (which is celebrated in Canada as well as Holland and Hiroshima, Japan?) Kwanzaa? First, I'm going to assume this is talking about Kwanzaa, then I'll touch upon MLK Day, just in case.
Kwanzaa lasts a week long, honoring African culture and traditions. I do not understand why this holiday would be a problem for anyone. America is composed of a rich landscape filled with many traditions and cultural influences, which are reflected in the many holidays observed here. We have Christmas Eve and Christmas, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, Good Friday, Easter, Ramadan, Epiphany, Cinco De Mayo, etc. White people get to celebrate Thanksgiving and St. Patrick's Day with no problem. Why on earth would we take issue with Black people having a holiday in which they are able to celebrate the culture of their ancestors, too?
Though VERY unclear, I suppose this statement could also be referring to a federal holiday, in which case it would be talking about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. Again, our other federally-observed holidays include Columbus Day (I call it Indigenous People's Day,) George Washington's birthday, Independence Day, etc. These are all white holidays celebrating white people and/or white "accomplishments." It is only fitting that we have black holidays celebrating all of the valuable and historically significant black accomplishments that we and Black communities have benefited from time and time again.
"black only colleges"
Let me tell you why Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) exist. These institutions were established in the 99 years between the end of the Civil War and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. HBCUs were founded so people within the Black community could extend their educations past high school in a time when no other colleges (predominantly white institutions) would admit them. So again, we have a necessity that was born out of this country's racism. Without HBCUs, Black people would not have been able to go to college until 99 years after the Civil War. 99 years! They were also founded not only for free blacks and emancipated slaves, but also anyone else living in lower socioeconomic areas. This included white people, as well as non-black people of color.
HBCUs continue to admit non-black people. It does not make any sense to refer to them as "black only colleges" when that is clearly not accurate or truthful. They welcome everyone. They are called "Historically Black" because they exist due to the very fact that black people were largely denied higher education, not because of who the schools admit. These colleges made a significant and historical effort to educate all who had been denied a higher education by any institution, and they continue to play an important role in black communities. They are still relevant today.
Let me tell you why Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) exist. These institutions were established in the 99 years between the end of the Civil War and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. HBCUs were founded so people within the Black community could extend their educations past high school in a time when no other colleges (predominantly white institutions) would admit them. So again, we have a necessity that was born out of this country's racism. Without HBCUs, Black people would not have been able to go to college until 99 years after the Civil War. 99 years! They were also founded not only for free blacks and emancipated slaves, but also anyone else living in lower socioeconomic areas. This included white people, as well as non-black people of color.
HBCUs continue to admit non-black people. It does not make any sense to refer to them as "black only colleges" when that is clearly not accurate or truthful. They welcome everyone. They are called "Historically Black" because they exist due to the very fact that black people were largely denied higher education, not because of who the schools admit. These colleges made a significant and historical effort to educate all who had been denied a higher education by any institution, and they continue to play an important role in black communities. They are still relevant today.
"black only dating sites"
Online dating is generally a negative experience for a lot of people. For minorities, the experience is even more negative, which necessitates dating apps and sites that allow them to easily meet single people with similar experiences and backgrounds.
In the United States, black women receive the fewest messages and fewer responses to their sent messages. When they do receive messages, they are more likely to be hypersexual and fetishized. Eternity Martis spoke on her online dating experience, saying, "not much has changed the minds of men who think that black women have no talents except those in the bedroom." She herself has received messages like I love black women. They are fire in bed. These harmful assumptions and stereotypes about black women are why Black-focused dating sites need to exist.
Black dating sites can be compared to other dating sites that cater to specific demographics. JDate is for Jewish singles. Minder is for Muslim singles. Christian Mingle is for Christian singles. Dig is where dog lovers can meet each other. Bristlr is where beard lovers can meet beard havers. Farmers Only targets farmers, ranchers, cowboys/girls, etc. These last three are nowhere near as necessary because the categories of "dog lovers," "beards," and "farmers" have not faced the marginalization that minorities have for centuries.
White people can't be mad that there are Black dating sites when Black people are constantly pursued on regular sites because of how they represent (or don't represent, in some people's minds) the color of their skin and the assumptions white people have about them. There are Black dating sites that allow non-black people to join if they are authentically looking for a Black partner to share their life with instead of fulfilling some racist sexual fantasy. Black dating apps are working to change society's perceptions of Black people. Many cultural issues still contribute to Black people being able to find love and life partners on general dating sites, so Black sites are spaces in which they can find each other and bond over their values, shared experiences, heritage, and goals.
Online dating is generally a negative experience for a lot of people. For minorities, the experience is even more negative, which necessitates dating apps and sites that allow them to easily meet single people with similar experiences and backgrounds.
In the United States, black women receive the fewest messages and fewer responses to their sent messages. When they do receive messages, they are more likely to be hypersexual and fetishized. Eternity Martis spoke on her online dating experience, saying, "not much has changed the minds of men who think that black women have no talents except those in the bedroom." She herself has received messages like I love black women. They are fire in bed. These harmful assumptions and stereotypes about black women are why Black-focused dating sites need to exist.
Black dating sites can be compared to other dating sites that cater to specific demographics. JDate is for Jewish singles. Minder is for Muslim singles. Christian Mingle is for Christian singles. Dig is where dog lovers can meet each other. Bristlr is where beard lovers can meet beard havers. Farmers Only targets farmers, ranchers, cowboys/girls, etc. These last three are nowhere near as necessary because the categories of "dog lovers," "beards," and "farmers" have not faced the marginalization that minorities have for centuries.
White people can't be mad that there are Black dating sites when Black people are constantly pursued on regular sites because of how they represent (or don't represent, in some people's minds) the color of their skin and the assumptions white people have about them. There are Black dating sites that allow non-black people to join if they are authentically looking for a Black partner to share their life with instead of fulfilling some racist sexual fantasy. Black dating apps are working to change society's perceptions of Black people. Many cultural issues still contribute to Black people being able to find love and life partners on general dating sites, so Black sites are spaces in which they can find each other and bond over their values, shared experiences, heritage, and goals.
"black only bars and clubs"
This one made me laugh because the majority of white people had no problem with these during the Jim Crow segregation era. A Black-owned bar isn't going to kick you out if you aren't Black. Spaces designed for people of color are not new. In fact, they have been in existence since the 1800's. White spaces have historically been segregationist, while black spaces are focused on subversion. Segregation, as we hopefully all know, refers to the systemic separation of people into ethnic groups in all aspects of life. This includes non-white people being forced to use separate schools, hospitals, churches, restaurants, bus seats, and even public restrooms and water fountains.
To subvert means to overthrow or undermine the authority and power that an established system holds. Contemporary black spaces such as bars and social clubs exist to subvert the long history of segregation in this country. We need more spaces centered around marginalized groups, especially people of color; gender, sexual, and romantic minorities; and women. Why? I already said it - they've been marginalized (treated as 'Other' or insignificant) for hundreds of years in this country.
For the case of black spaces, you would first have to understand and accept that racism is systemic; it is deeply ingrained into our institutions and consciences. There have always been "white spaces," and people of color have been forced to navigate through the white superiority and opposition to diversity that these white spaces were founded on. In contrast, black spaces are built upon true lived experiences of struggles, working against systemic and systematic oppression. Black spaces allow people of color to speak about their experiences, socialize, and network with each other. It's a community. A community that empowers and encourages its members. Black groups and spaces help the people within the community maintain their cultural identities. They are established to protect the rights of Black people against racially biased actions committed by white people. LGBTQ+ clubs and bars do the same for the LGBTQ+ community.
Some of the social clubs actually do not discriminate, but anyone who is non-black or non-brown joins knowing that the meetings will focus on black and brown experiences, because that is what they were created to do. Private clubs require membership dues and members with the same backgrounds and interests. In the same way that sororities and fraternities hold recruitment events, send out "bids" (offer you to join,) and require you to pay new member fees and continuous dues, some Black social clubs require paid membership. You can find plenty of free, non-exclusive social clubs, too. While on the subject of Greek organizations, I also want to point out that African American sororities and fraternities were born out of the necessity for social organizations providing sisterhood and brotherhood for Black people in college. Black people were not welcome in the existing college Greek organizations in the early 1900's, so they created their own. Again, these organizations provided them with bonding and networking opportunities that they would not have had access to otherwise.
This one made me laugh because the majority of white people had no problem with these during the Jim Crow segregation era. A Black-owned bar isn't going to kick you out if you aren't Black. Spaces designed for people of color are not new. In fact, they have been in existence since the 1800's. White spaces have historically been segregationist, while black spaces are focused on subversion. Segregation, as we hopefully all know, refers to the systemic separation of people into ethnic groups in all aspects of life. This includes non-white people being forced to use separate schools, hospitals, churches, restaurants, bus seats, and even public restrooms and water fountains.
To subvert means to overthrow or undermine the authority and power that an established system holds. Contemporary black spaces such as bars and social clubs exist to subvert the long history of segregation in this country. We need more spaces centered around marginalized groups, especially people of color; gender, sexual, and romantic minorities; and women. Why? I already said it - they've been marginalized (treated as 'Other' or insignificant) for hundreds of years in this country.
For the case of black spaces, you would first have to understand and accept that racism is systemic; it is deeply ingrained into our institutions and consciences. There have always been "white spaces," and people of color have been forced to navigate through the white superiority and opposition to diversity that these white spaces were founded on. In contrast, black spaces are built upon true lived experiences of struggles, working against systemic and systematic oppression. Black spaces allow people of color to speak about their experiences, socialize, and network with each other. It's a community. A community that empowers and encourages its members. Black groups and spaces help the people within the community maintain their cultural identities. They are established to protect the rights of Black people against racially biased actions committed by white people. LGBTQ+ clubs and bars do the same for the LGBTQ+ community.
Some of the social clubs actually do not discriminate, but anyone who is non-black or non-brown joins knowing that the meetings will focus on black and brown experiences, because that is what they were created to do. Private clubs require membership dues and members with the same backgrounds and interests. In the same way that sororities and fraternities hold recruitment events, send out "bids" (offer you to join,) and require you to pay new member fees and continuous dues, some Black social clubs require paid membership. You can find plenty of free, non-exclusive social clubs, too. While on the subject of Greek organizations, I also want to point out that African American sororities and fraternities were born out of the necessity for social organizations providing sisterhood and brotherhood for Black people in college. Black people were not welcome in the existing college Greek organizations in the early 1900's, so they created their own. Again, these organizations provided them with bonding and networking opportunities that they would not have had access to otherwise.
"and turn around and call everyone else racist"
If this is referring to the concept of "reverse racism," I am writing to remind you that the concept is made-up. Reverse racism does not exist. It would be wise to stop perpetuating such a myth.
Let's begin with the definition: Reverse racism or reverse discrimination is the concept that affirmative action and similar color-conscious programs for redressing racial inequality are a form of anti-white racism.
Racial prejudice exists among all ethnicities and races. We all have underlying assumptions and stereotypes in regard to people who look different than us. Racism and prejudice are two completely different terms that many people use interchangeably. This is why some white people believe that people of color can be "racist" toward them. It is also why non-black people of color are calling out their own ethnic groups for being "racist" toward the Black community.
Racism is prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.
Though racism involves racial prejudice, racial prejudice cannot involve racism. This is because racism (and any "-ism," i.e. sexism, classism, ageism) involves a specific power dynamic between an assigned superior and inferior. White people and white institutions, since the conception of the United States, have been in control, labeling themselves as superior and anyone 'Other' as inferior. The occasional mistreatment of white people by people of color and the systemic and systematic oppression of people of color at the hands of white people that has been ongoing for centuries are two things that cannot be compared. Though expressions of prejudice may hurt a white person personally or individually, they do not and have never had the power to affect white people's privilege or white people's status as power-holders in politics, economics, and the social sphere.
Therefore, racism can only exist as something directed from white people against Black people and all people of color. Our institutions were built on a foundation of racism from the beginning.
If this is referring to the concept of "reverse racism," I am writing to remind you that the concept is made-up. Reverse racism does not exist. It would be wise to stop perpetuating such a myth.
Let's begin with the definition: Reverse racism or reverse discrimination is the concept that affirmative action and similar color-conscious programs for redressing racial inequality are a form of anti-white racism.
Racial prejudice exists among all ethnicities and races. We all have underlying assumptions and stereotypes in regard to people who look different than us. Racism and prejudice are two completely different terms that many people use interchangeably. This is why some white people believe that people of color can be "racist" toward them. It is also why non-black people of color are calling out their own ethnic groups for being "racist" toward the Black community.
Racism is prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.
Though racism involves racial prejudice, racial prejudice cannot involve racism. This is because racism (and any "-ism," i.e. sexism, classism, ageism) involves a specific power dynamic between an assigned superior and inferior. White people and white institutions, since the conception of the United States, have been in control, labeling themselves as superior and anyone 'Other' as inferior. The occasional mistreatment of white people by people of color and the systemic and systematic oppression of people of color at the hands of white people that has been ongoing for centuries are two things that cannot be compared. Though expressions of prejudice may hurt a white person personally or individually, they do not and have never had the power to affect white people's privilege or white people's status as power-holders in politics, economics, and the social sphere.
Therefore, racism can only exist as something directed from white people against Black people and all people of color. Our institutions were built on a foundation of racism from the beginning.
Many of these points were easily debunked by knowledge that I already had, because I have studied African American history in my college courses. I've also conducted my own research about topics I have been unsure about, or topics I wanted to know more about. It's not difficult to learn new things. There is no excuse for people to not know why Black-focused months, holidays, clubs, schools, and dating sites are important to (and necessary for) the Black community and still relevant in today's society as a whole. They are the complete opposite of "racist."
Before sharing a meme that says things like "black only colleges," you should really do some research on the colleges themselves and work through the history of them to understand why the statement is absolutely false. If you do not know something for sure, do not share it.
It's kind of silly to me that in an era in which most of us literally have a plethora of information right at our fingertips, so many people are still living in ignorance. It's silly, but it does not surprise me because I know that these people are choosing to remain in the dark.
It's past time to actively step into the light.
Before sharing a meme that says things like "black only colleges," you should really do some research on the colleges themselves and work through the history of them to understand why the statement is absolutely false. If you do not know something for sure, do not share it.
It's kind of silly to me that in an era in which most of us literally have a plethora of information right at our fingertips, so many people are still living in ignorance. It's silly, but it does not surprise me because I know that these people are choosing to remain in the dark.
It's past time to actively step into the light.