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  Case: Why No White History Month?
It is the month of February again, and I am very excited about the Black History month. As a young African American elementary school teacher, I make sure that I fully take advantage of the Black History month in my lessons with my 5th graders. Yesterday, we were talking about important African American political figures, who made life better for all Americans. During this lesson, one of my students raised her hand and asked why there was no "White History month?" "Were White Americans not as important?" I did not have a good answer to her question. I must be doing something wrong to have a student feel this way. How would you answer this question? Do you think it is problematic to integrate African Americans to all my lessons during February? How can I fix this?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
As a white male, my perspective on this issue will be different than other people's perspectives. I do not view "Black History Month" as a racial issue. Rather, I view it as a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the race. The accomplishments of white people are acknowledged 12 months during the year, so a "White History Month" is not necessary. It wasn't until I took a graduate class on multicultural education that I realized nearly everything we teach young students comes from the works and accomplishments of white people. What must it feel like to be an African American student, and be taught that all important things were developed by white people? I believe that Black History month is a wonderful time to celebrate the contributions made by African Americans. I do not believe that every lesson during the month of February must focus on Black History Month. I would explain to the students that Black History Month is not intended to place Black people above other races. Rather, is intended to highlight all of the accomplishments of the race.
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: A positive approach to the issue.
Rated On: January 30, 2013 12:41 am
Rated By: yreZyn
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments:
Rated On: March 2, 2013 11:53 pm
Rated By: eruHeB
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I enjoyed your post. I am glad that multicultural classes are available now and I truly hope more individuals pursue taking them.
Rated On: October 17, 2014 6:55 pm
Rated By: uJasuX
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: The perspective and explanation were spot on.
Rated On: March 2, 2015 4:28 am
Rated By: SeRuru
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is the most thought out and clear answer to your question and is very explainable and understandable for students. I will be referring back to this when I become a teacher!
Rated On: March 3, 2015 12:22 am
Rated By: eWeHaz
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Very well said
Rated On: October 16, 2015 2:47 pm
Rated By: buHeNy
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Great point. In our history lessons we are already learning about past presidents, inventors, explorers, etc. It is nice to shine light on the accomplishments of African Americans in the month of February.
Rated On: October 25, 2015 10:50 pm
Rated By: uSezaV
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is refreshing and completetly correct. Being aware of accomplishments is the best way to state it!
Rated On: October 17, 2016 3:37 am
Rated By: Raven B