Opting Out of Black History Month Lessons? That’s White Privilege

Black and brown folks don’t get to pick and choose the things they’re expected to learn. Guess why not?

Image: Anatoliy Karlyuk, Shutterstock, standard license, purchased by the author

Imagine the scene: It’s the first day of school, and Cynthia Robinson, an 8-year old black child, walks up to her white teacher, Ms. Jones.

“This is from my mother,” she explains as she hands the teacher a small folded-over note.

“Thank you so much,” replies Ms. Jones, smiling warmly at the presence of this seemingly happy and ready-to-learn third grader.

The teacher unfolds the paper to find the following:

Dear Ms. Jones,

Please excuse Cynthia Robinson from all history lessons or discussions involving the “founding fathers,” the American Revolution, or any history before the Civil Rights Movement, since it was only after that movement that families like ours were remotely free to enjoy the “blessings of liberty.”

I trust this will not be a problem.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Robinson

Now ask yourself, how is this note going to be received? This request?