Black Studies?-Where?
The initial stages of the struggle against
racism in America found black students
occupying catalystic roles in the
desegregation of businesses and public
facilities. After the passage of appropriate
legislation outdated such roles, the students
focused their attention on the idea of
studying their cultural heritage: a concept
known as black studies.
The widespread exposure of this
development has resulted in considerable
dismay among the ranks of many white
liberals who warmly supported the students
in their initial confrontation with white
racism during the early 60's. In fact some
whites, thoroughly disgusted by the desire
of black students to examine their cultural
heritage, have labeled proposed black
studies programs as racist oriented.
Before too many Americans subscribe to
such a rash conclusion, perhaps we should
consider the aspirations of black students
for the study of their cultural heritage in
comparison with those of other ethnic
groups in our society. Such a comparison
would elicit many questions concerning
accepted ethnic practices: Should we label
the Anglo-Saxon student a racist for
choosing to study the Magna Carta or other
aspects of his cultural history? Must all
German-Americans be labeled racists
because they like German food and beer?
Was the admission of Columbus's birthday
to our calendar a concession to
Italian-American militants? Are
Polish-American parents prejudiced because
they experience satisfaction discussing their
forefathers industriousness with their
children?
There are those who defend such status
quo ethnic practices while criticizing those
proposed by black students due to the type
of communicative channels the accepted
ones employ. They maintain that ethnic
pride and interest are best transmitted
informally through a clannish home and
community structure.
While no one can deny the advantages of
such a system, the fact remains that black
communities are not so oriented. Thus in
reality schools and colleges are the only
structures where black studies can be
pursued.
