There’s nothing quite like sitting in class and overhearing white teenage boys who have trust funds, million-dollar homes, cars nicer than the average American ever will, who will never have to worry about their futures because they grew up wrapped in a blanket of privilege, complain about Black History month because “it’s not fair” that they don’t have a special day to celebrate how special their rich whiteness is. 

Well, guess what?

For as long as anyone can recall, straight white men HAVE been glorified — at the expense of everyone else.

This is not me being a man-hater. This is me being confused. The opinion that there should be a White History Month just because there is a Black History Month, or a Straight Pride just because June is for LGBTQIA+ Pride is laced with ignorance and insecurity. 

We do not need to have time set aside to uplift and encourage white straight men just because they are white and straight and men. That’s what the last twenty centuries have been for. 

We celebrate Black History Month in February because black Americans have been subjected to extreme violence and racism, and then they fought tooth and nail for civil rights. Black History Month is meant to educate us on the amazing contributions black people have made to the U.S. and how diversity and inclusion is the key to growth and the promotion of equality.

We celebrate Indigenous People’s Day to recognize the painful history that the American government inflicted on Indigenous groups. When Indigenous people are honored instead of Colombus, it represents the idea that native culture won’t be erased and that their suffering won’t be forgotten, but instead shown respect and understanding.

We celebrate National Women’s History Month, Pride Month, Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month, and so many more because each and every one of those groups had to fight to be where they are today to be recognized and respected, and to be seen as equals in their societies.

We celebrate Men’s Mental Health Month in June because men’s mental wellness problems often go unnoticed or are ignored due to societal expectations and the stigma surrounding these problems. Men’s Mental Health Month was created to bring necessary attention to these underrepresented issues.

So no, we don’t need a White History Month or a Straight History Month because neither of those traits has ever been underrepresented in American history. We set aside months or days for groups who deserve to be uplifted because they have not been in the past. These people deserve to be spotlighted because it should never be forgotten that America has a lengthy past of racism, sexism, homophobia, and pretty much every ism or phobia you can think of. These groups are entitled to a celebration of their race, culture, language, religion, sex, etc. I’m about to be cliché, but truly, it is necessary to praise the uniqueness of our country and the diversity of our peoples, while also recognizing the struggles they faced to get to where they are today. This starts with educating oneself and stepping out of the veil of ignorance to which so many Americans hold themselves. We don’t need white and straight pride. We need respect and acceptance for those whose lives have been repressed for things they cannot control.