Sir, my response to Ken Dow applies to you. You both monumentally misunderstand what foregrounds the celebration of Black History. In my humble opinion, much of the revulsion is personal and internalized/regressive.
Black History Month celebration is not rooted in arrogance if that is what you both believe. It doesn't come out of any need by African-Americans to parallel anything like white "supremacy" (hope you get my drift). In fact, it is to do the very opposite...counter it.
It originates from the need to remember, restore pride and paradise in the greatness of a past stolen and interrupted by enslavement and colonialism: from the racialization and dehumanization of black people by Eurocentrism into thinking that they were inferior and nothing more than beasts of burden...brawn and no brain...can't master certain sports like swimming, tennis because they do not have the mental skills...can only run and sing for example. And that is just the least of the misconceptions.
Hence, the month casts back to the outstanding achievements of the past that defy that white "supremacists" illogic. Hence, we celebrate the achievements of Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles and the Williams sisters as pioneers in debunking that ugly racist lie.
Why is it that whenever black people celebrate themselves people like you and Ken Dow personalize and get into a blue funk? Are we not allowed in a free world of choice? The same choice you both have to black out (no pun) the whole month of February if it's that annoying. It is quite easy to do. I did it earlier this year in Jamaica when William the grandson of Elizabeth Windsor, the former enslaver visited Jamaica. The Crown/UK participated and benefited from enslavement and have not the decency to acknowledge and apologize. It upsets me...I blacked out all reports of the horrid visit. So, you see you have an option...use it or continue to suffer in silence...your choice. We certainly are not going to stop educating firstly, our people or others who have no baggage like you and want to know about who we are.
By the way, I did respond directly to Ken Dow's article. An article that bemoans "black privilege". What black privilege is he referring to? Hence, my referencing the context behind the observation of Black History Month. The understanding of that very context makes Mr Dow's allegations about the media wanting to muzzle opposition uncalled for and unjustified. Mr Dow has a misconception about the celebrations that needed to be debunked. So, if giving a foundational perspective to the need for the month was not the best way to respond, then kindly educate me, Sir.
What privilege is Mr Dow referring to? That of using the shortest month of the year to highlight black achievers? Come now, Sir!
My response was generated by those accusations/observations he made in an article I may add, that seemed contradictory as in the end, Mr Dow seemed to diverge from his main premise. He was seeming perhaps to be at variance with form rather than function. It is certainly not my fault that you came to read my response with prejudices and preconceptions/baggage and not an open mind.
Also, take extreme note of how polite and civil I am in responding to you. I would suggest you learn that art of sociability. Sometimes too it's best to muster all the energies and not say anything, rather than reveal your ignorance because you like Mr Dow are quite unaware of the concept and context behind the celebration of Black History Month. But then again, on the other hand, sometimes it is worthwhile to expose your inadequacies so that people like me can at least try to educate you... that's if your mind is decolonized and open to being educated.
