Posted on Mar 22, 2015
Are Cultural Group recognition months helpful?
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In the three years I've been in the Army I've seen Native American heritage month, Black heritage month, Asian heritage month , and Hispanic heritage month. While I love diversity, I always wonder that if we keep adding groups to a finite number of calendar months , who do we leave out? And what is the real intent of the recognitions ? Do they work? Again, I've attended these celebrations but I still wonder what the real outcome is that we hope to achieve? There will be some groups who feel they are left out I'm sure. Your thoughts?
Garrison
Culture
Heritage
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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CH (MAJ) William Beaver
Sir - I have also attended many of these celebrations and enjoy the history and guest speakers. I also know a lot of Soldiers don't attend "their" celebrations, some say they don't need a month to remember where they come from, others attend because they feel obligated. Those are some of the things Soldiers have told me as a unit Equal Opportunity Leader and as a battalion CSM.
I personally have mixed feelings. On one hand I think they are awesome because of the history aspect and most guest speakers are very motivating. On the other hand they inadvertently remind us we are "different" from each other, which in a way continues to propel racism.
I would definitely encourage Soldiers to attend every celebration regardless of your race, gender, etc. You may even learn something.
Sir - I have also attended many of these celebrations and enjoy the history and guest speakers. I also know a lot of Soldiers don't attend "their" celebrations, some say they don't need a month to remember where they come from, others attend because they feel obligated. Those are some of the things Soldiers have told me as a unit Equal Opportunity Leader and as a battalion CSM.
I personally have mixed feelings. On one hand I think they are awesome because of the history aspect and most guest speakers are very motivating. On the other hand they inadvertently remind us we are "different" from each other, which in a way continues to propel racism.
I would definitely encourage Soldiers to attend every celebration regardless of your race, gender, etc. You may even learn something.
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As a individual, I think they do more to divide than bring together. Have a general "heritage month" and invite all groups to participate to SHARE their heritage. No one gets left out, everyone is included.
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