Thoughts On Black History Month, The Super Bowl, And Beyoncé | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Thoughts On Black History Month, The Super Bowl, And Beyoncé

"Progress isn't convenient, especially for those people in power."

18
Thoughts On Black History Month, The Super Bowl, And Beyoncé
gotceleb.com

I am white. As diverse as I'd like to think my friends are, the majority of them are also white. My family is white, my coworkers are mostly white, most of my heroes and idols are, you guessed it, white. An alarming amount of my college professors were white, the population of my campus was heavily in favor of whites. The staff, the students, the town, the people, the individuals I was taught about, also predominantly white. So, what do you call a University, town, history books, stores and populous mostly white? Well, we call it society. What would you call a neighborhood that is predominantly black? If the word that came to your mind starts with a "G" then congratulations, you're a product of a society that has systematically glorified white culture while simultaneously oppressing other cultures deemed "lesser."

There are 365 days in a year, and black culture is compressed to 28 days, 29 if it's a leap year. This month, the month of February, happens to be Black History Month.

"Oh if they get Black History Month we should have a White History Month."

Yeah? Well, the Caucasian race already has a history month. Eleven of them, actually. Caucasians have written the majority what is considered history in this country. See, this month (And any month set aside for a specific culture) is meant to rejoice, glorify and celebrate a culture, its people, its customs, its minds, and its contributions to the world.

This is what we should be doing. We, as an entire culture, should be celebrating and rejoicing in the achievements of this culture. Instead, what are we doing, other than ignoring the aforementioned culture for a sporting event, and then subsequently complaining about a political statement made within the entertainment segment of said sporting event.

Good job, America, you've literally placed trivial games above other human beings and their culture. See, my issue is that instead of glorifying and rejoicing in a culture, we are taught that any pride a Black individual has in their culture, is automatically trying to place themselves over other cultures, when Caucasian culture constantly belittles glorification of black culture (along with others) and manipulates the populace into believing that any form of pride an individual may have in their culture is "reverse racism."

I get it, race is uncomfortable to talk about. But let's talk! Not just this article, I mean as a culture. Our problem is that we don't talk, so when somebody is given a platform and speaks out on equality for the races, it's attacked and called outrageous.

Yes, I am referring to Beyonce's political statement at the Superbowl. Oh my God, you mean that a celebrity used her fame to take a stance on a social issue? It's almost as if no other celebrity has ever done that before.

Look guys, who cares that she made a non-verbal statement about racial struggles? News flash, she's black. News flash, part two, she is a black woman who is proud of her heritage and race. Does that make her racist? Absolutely not, just as me being proud of my race doesn't make me racist. What gets tricky is when a person who belongs to a race that's been oppressed for so many years speaks out for equality with the races, it's shot down.

Queen Bey's performance was empowering. "Oh my god she dressed like the Black Panthers!" *gasps* Yeah, and guess what we're doing? We're talking about race and equality as a result. This isn't easy, and racial divide is still an issue being brought to light, and something that needs addressing. So let's get talking. Let's figure out why this country is still caught up in issues of race. But what we shouldn't do is bend our necks every time a celebrity uses their platform to voice their opinion.

We're a country divided, and we don't even realize it. We should celebrate every culture, every day, and we should learn that equality is far from received. So folks, let's stop focusing on politics, and let's actually use our time to celebrate a flourishing culture- we can't be equal unless we learn equal, and understanding comes through learning.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

182099
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8919
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453705
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24022
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments