“Group of the Month”

For those of you without “Diversity Calendars,” we are in the midst of National Hispanic Heritage Month.  Next month is Disability Awareness Month.  However, it is also Polish-American Heritage Month.  November is Native-American Heritage Month, followed by _______ month (please let me know).

While many organizations and communities observe these “groups of the month” with celebrations, lectures, exhibits, and so forth, setting aside these months to honor and educate raises some questions I think.

If we celebrate “groups of the month,” are we:

  • Alienating people, particularly those belonging to groups that are not honored?  For example, is there a month set aside for those who identify themselves as multiracial?  Or those who are adopted?
  • Creating misperceptions?  For example, some African Americans resent the idea that Black History Month is seen by some as their celebration, and not as important for Whites and other races.
  • Celebrating on a superficial level?  To some, there is a feeling that once the “group of the month is over, “we understand it, we “get it,” and we can move on to other populations and issues.  Or instead of celebrating diversity among a group such as Latinos, there is a  tendency to celebrate the Latino, or the Latino experience, whatever that is.  Instead of countering stereotypes, this type of celebration can promote stereotypes.
  • Accentuating differences and neglecting similarities?  Acclaimed poet and writer, Maya Angelou, makes the point that we are all much more alike than we are different.  Do these celebrations help us realize our common humanity?

Clearly, it is time to reevaluate the “group of the month” approach.  Perhaps, we need to move beyond heroes and holidays.  While celebrations are positive and necessary part of honoring any group, they are not enough.  Awareness and understanding of a group’s experiences, perspectives, and contributions require a whole lot more time, commitment, and hard work on our part.

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