On April 7th, Richmond, Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell, revived a controversy that had been dormant for eight years, by declaring this month will be Confederate History Month in Virginia. The seven paragraph declaration calls for Virginia citizens to "understand the sacrifices of the Confederate leaders, soldiers and citizens during the period of the Civil War" yet makes no mention of slavery in the language whatsoever. Is this yet another classic case of distorting history in the wake of African American oppression in the United States or does the state of Virginia have a right to honor a confederate past that has been erased due to political correctness despite a large African American population?
I wish I could say I was torn on the issue. I really don't see how being politically correct has anything to do with it. The simple answer is that in my opinion, Confederate History Month is stupid. Especially when it's become the half-truth we've become accustomed to throughout the retelling of our history. Now they're going to just completely delete slavery out of the dialogue altogether?!?!?
C'MON SON!!!
Talking about textbooks, that's what this is...a textbook example of our history being constructed and thus perpetuating more racism. If you're going to celebrate the deaths and the lives of the men who were slain trying to uphold the institution that kept men, women and children in bondage for over 400 years, the least you could do is acknowledge the fact that African Americans were in bondage during these "honorable men sacrificing their lives".
It's laughable at best, not to mention a blatant slap in the face to the entire African American population of Virginia. Stop the madness. The only thing that would make it more scary is if other former Confederate states follow in Virginia's example and adopt this abortion of a holiday. If Governor McDonnell gets elected to a consecutive term, I'd ask for a recount. It's safe to say he won't get the black vote.
Logging you in...