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History 101
When Carter G. Woodson first started Black History Week he did it in the hope
that by raising awareness to Black History it would eventually be enveloped by
mainstream American history. I think that many people fail to get that point even
today. One view is that it’s unfair for African Americans to have a month devoted
to their history. Another view is that there should be more time to celebrate the
Black culture. The crime that I believe was the most atrocious committed by this
country against African Americans is the lost lineage. More than the Murder, Rape
and Enslavement, I think that our history being ripped away from us are what hurts
us the most.
In school we are taught history. We learn about the Romans, the Greeks, the
Egyptians, and Great Britain, but we learn only one interpretation of it. We are
taught the same history that influences things on a Global scale. Myths that have
been taught so long they become fact. What I mean by that is when you read you
history books the order is usually Greek, Roman, Egyptian (Cleopatra), Britain, then
American. Now when you look at any map it will show you that those cultures are in
distinct places. Yet in movies we are shown that these were all one people. In
Gladiator, one of my favorite films, Russell Crowe plays a Spaniard who serves Rome.
In Alexander Colin Farrell had an excellent performance as a blonde Alexander, and
The HBO series Rome was critically acclaimed. These are some of the most
historically realistic productions of all time, yet all the lead actors speak with
remarkably clear and strong British accents. Africans in these roles like Djimon
Hunsou in Gladiator usually play the “noble savage” role that most minorities do
in the media. Meaning he’ll never save the day or get the girl, but he remains
loyal to his lighter skinned counterpart. In The Mummy all the Egyptians are
portrayed as middle eastern or white. While it’s true that Egyptian people were a
mixed culture that had many shades, only one is ever represented and it’s not the
face of Black Africa. When we have clear Proof of what, some Pharaohs looked like.
These may seem like trivial issues, but self-image and appreciation of ones history
is important in the development of young people. Our youngsters need to know that
they were meant for better things and descended from kings and queens. That type of
message can send a person from This path to This one. So during this Black history
month remember that history is meant to serve as a tool for the future. So lets use
Black history month to improve and better ourselves.