By: Cynthia Shaffer, Reel Urban News
In school, my children (elementary age) are taught Black History month (February), but they are not taught Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May, https://asianpacificheritage.gov/about/). Why is that?
From school they know about the slave trade, Jim Crow, and of course, Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., but from school they know nothing about the Japanese occupation of Korea, the Los Angeles Riots, and of course, Susan Ahn Cuddy. Do you?
If you know about the Korean history I listed then you can appreciate the disparity between the months; however, I would also readily appreciate those who criticize there is no comparison. I would still politely ask, “What is the point of any given month commemorated by the government?”
There’s a part of me that is grateful for the unusual amount of current media coverage about North and South Korea, but I’m well aware of the overriding reason, and it’s not because an overwhelming number of Americans are suddenly and genuinely interested in learning about Korean heritage. And really, that’s ok. All the more it highlights to me the nonsense of “equality” and “equity” when it comes to race. It especially emphasizes the silliness of expecting the school system to teach our children about ALL the races in which people are categorized. I don’t know of any official study, but I’m willing to bet it is virtually impossible to do so! And really, that’s ok, too.
What interests me more is the reason why we do what we do. In this case, why does Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month (APIHM) predictably wane against Black History Month? I confess: I wonder why, but does it really matter? I asked my parents and my mother-in-law how they felt about their grandchildren being taught about one month and not the other. The conversation that ensued was most wonderful! It was yet another reminder that character overrides color. Every time.
I hope you test me on this. It is my experience that APIHM generally concentrates on Chinese & Japanese heritage. After all, it is the reason why the month was established. There’s a part of me that thinks the government should have just named it, “Chinese & Japanese Heritage Month”. Why not? At least then it would make sense why APIHM equates to Chinese & Japanese heritage. In the end, if we are brutally honest, does the heated race rhetoric truly include Asian Pacific Islanders? Is that ok?
Cover Photo: Mrs. Chong Sims with daughters Delores Coney and Cynthia Shaffer –
@CyFlys
