Canada doesn’t have a single unified culture. While America can be called a Christian nation (and this might be stretching it for some people), Canada can be referred to as a multicultural mosaic. We, as Canadians, are encouraged to express our culture and beliefs. In fact, some of us are even paid to do it. But when you take a public school and start segregating it, then in my opinion you are crossing the line. This idea of an “all black” school would only work if we took a bunch of black kids and taught them “white” history, while taking all the white kids and teaching them “black” history.

However, this school brings far worse problems. How are we ever to achieve a state of equality when we are constantly reminded of slavery and atrocities committed long ago? I agree that we should never forget them (history has forever recorded them anyway), but we live in a society now that frowns upon and even prevents slavery. Why should we view blacks as an oppressed people? Yes, maybe black ancestors were once oppressed, but my current black friends certainly never were. By erecting this school we are stepping back into a more ignorant and hateful time.

This logic can be applied to all different minority groups. Take for example, homosexuals. But wait, the Toronto district school board even has school for them! How are homosexuals ever to be viewed as equals if we keep separating them? How are blacks, and every other group you can think of, ever to be viewed as equal, if we keep separating them?

The answer is, they never will. We will always view them differently. Black History Month does the same thing. During the four weeks of Black History Month we are reminded of Blacks who did great things. We are reminded of “black” history. Firstly, I don’t want to sound rude, but if you want to study history, there are history books that could teach you far more than some “black” month could. And secondly, why on earth are we only honouring people from one type of race during this month? Where is this logic coming from? Oh wait, we have to because the “black” race was once oppressed in the past, and now that they aren’t any more is only makes sense for everyone to reminded of how “special” the entire “black” race is.

I am white. I’m not a racist. I would say out of every 10 of my friends, only 1 is white. And I don’t mind at all. In fact, I love it. I am very grateful for Canada’s multiculturalism. When I am with my black friends, I don’t think about how their race was once oppressed in the past. I don’t know anybody who does. I treat them like human beings, the way I want to be treated. This is all very obvious. I don’t even know why I’m saying this. Everyone knows how you should treat another human being. Having things like this “all black” school and a Black History Month only reminds us of how blacks were once oppressed. I think I speak for everyone when I say this, but, we don’t need to be reminded of that.

Here are some links to articles. [1][2][3]

Edit: I thank you all for the comments. I realize this is a controversial issue, but let me clear up some misconceptions some people seem to be having. I do not think this school was created to further segregate the black community because they were once oppressed. I only said what I said above because by having this school, it inadvertently segregates the black community, whether we like it or not. For more details, read the comments below.