Ladies and Gentlemen (if any),

I was just sitting at my computer, smoking an El Producto and sipping on some Night Train wine when I got to wondering about Euro-American culture, or really the absence thereof. See, I'm Euro-American. That's how I view my ancestry. I'm a dab German, a gob Norwegian, and dashes of various other European countries of ancestral origin. I got to thinking that I ought to be proud of these people who also have heritage in my homeland. You know, Louis Pastuer, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Tom Hanks. I was thinking that in ten or twenty years, when us white folks are no longer the majority in the U.S., we ought to have a White History Month. Heck, we ought to be able to say right out loud that we are white and proud of it. After all, black folks can get away with it, why not me? I'm not talking about racial supremacy. Other ethnic groups would have nothing to do with it. It wouldn't be a "hate thing" in any manner. Of course with multiculturalism being all the rage, Euro-Americianism would get a green light, just as African American culture has gotten the green light. It'd be only fair, right? Now the trick is, reversing political correctness.

Your Always Thinking Pal,

Tucker E. McCampbell, Esq.

Isn't that what we study in history class in every highschool across the country? Isn't that what we honor on most of our national holidays?

Don't forget that the term "White" history has been bastardized by the Nazis and KKKs of America.

It's called "Black" history because while Blacks belong to various African ethnicities, they don't know which ones - this was lost somewhere during slavery. They don't have a link to the past like the rest of us do. Even the Native Indians know there own history.

Btw, I know plenty of European cultural celebrations. In my multicultural city you have the Irish, Italians, Greeks, and Lord knows who else celebrating various traditions in the streets year round.

T.B.,

"It's called "Black" history because while Blacks belong to various African ethnicities, they don't know which ones - this was lost somewhere during slavery. They don't have a link to the past like the rest of us do. Even the Native Indians know there own history."

See, that's just it, I don't have a single country for a ancestrial place of origin. I'm a whole bunch of European countries thrown into my backround. A lot of white folks are like that. I'm no different than black folks and Africa in that regard. So, hey, how about if I say I'm white and proud?

Your Hero, I'm Sure,

Tucker I. McCampbell, Esq.

Every month is white history month - just open a textbook, or look at a list of national holidays.

Eventually, if some other ethnic group becomes dominant, they'll re-write the textbooks. That'll be the time to have your "White History" month - to draw attention to what's been forgotten, or isn't being acknowledged.

But for now, I guess it must be the "Night Train" talking, because you seem to be equating dominant culture and minority culture, and that's just irrational. I understand Night Train can do that to you - just like that long lamented, departed, favorite of the Southern Proletariat, TJ Swann.

See, that's just it, I don't have a single country for a ancestrial place of origin. I'm a whole bunch of European countries thrown into my backround. A lot of white folks are like that. I'm no different than black folks and Africa in that regard. So, hey, how about if I say I'm white and proud?

Um, no. You do know your places of origin. Having multiple places of origin and knowing them is NOT the same as NOT KNOWING one's history.

See, that's just it, I don't have a single country for a ancestrial place of origin. I'm a whole bunch of European countries thrown into my backround. A lot of white folks are like that. I'm no different than black folks and Africa in that regard. So, hey, how about if I say I'm white and proud?

This is why you should say I'm American and proud.

Besides, I already explained to you why using "white" and proud is probably not a good idea. Type "White Pride" into google and see what results you get. Does this really have to be spelled out to you?

G.D.,

Whether I'm in the dominant culture or the minority culture, I'm still just one guy. and as one guy I don't see why I should be forbidden to be openly proud of my heritage when others are given the opportunity to be proud of theirs. Whether it's Night Train talking or even a better label, such as Ripple, it's still a valid question.

Your Pal,

Tucker P. McCampbell, Esq.

T.B.,

Ahh, so since "white pride" sounds bad I, and others with a mixed European heritage, ought to just give it up. Words can be such trouble, can't they. Heck, I remember when "gay" was synonymous with happiness and not a sexual preference.

Your Ally, Tucker A. McCampbell, Esq.

Ahh, so since "white pride" sounds bad I, and others with a mixed European heritage, ought to just give it up.

It doesn't just sound bad. Did you do the google search?

You're free to use that term. I'm merely telling you what should be obvious: if you use it, don't be surprised if people, you know, get the wrong impression of you. It's not your fault. It's the fault of all those who have abused the term.

Sure, maybe in a couple decades the meaning will have changed and your longing for using the term "white pride" will become a moot point. But, don't hold your breath.

You could put up appropriate yard decorations of each of your heroes on their birthdays, for instance - is someone stopping you? Around here, one community has "Swiss days", and I occasionally see people flying Swiss or Swedish flags outside their homes. Does anyone complain?

You don't need a white heritage month - you've got one every month. And if you're one guy who wants to celebrate, you go right ahead and celebrate. Whose going to stop you?

TMcCampbell, Louis Pasteur "has heritage in your homeland"? If you mean the French scientist Louis Pasteur, I am not aware that he ever set foot outside of France, let alone immigrated to the US. Or do you have reason to count him among your ancestors? Whatever do you mean?

It is amazing to me, coming from Europe as an adult, that North Americans of European origin, who are the vast majority, feel that they need to actively emphasize "white" culture, which totally surrounds them. Perhaps they forget this fact just as we forget that there is air all around us, or just as a fish probably does not know that it lives in water. Not only that, but because English is the dominant language by far, just about every scientific discovery or literary achievement is attributed to English people, or those using the English language - considered the "real" whites. Name the greatest playwright in world literature? Of course it will be Shakespeare - no mention of writers like Calderon (Spanish) except for those majoring in Spanish in college. Immigrants from other European backgrounds hardly learn anything about those in school - but they have usually blended socially with other whites and therefore adopted most of the general culture as their own. This has not been the case for the "black" minority, who until recently (and still in many cases) were not allowed to mingle with the rest of the population. "Black" month and similar celebrations are an attempt to stand up to this prevailing "white" culture and make the voices of their minority heard. If those voices seem strident at times, it is because they want to make sure they will be heard over the din made by the majority. So hear, hear! and listen.

Dear lafount:

Re: Not only that, but because English is the dominant language by far

Not anymore. I customarily have to call a manager to help me translate Spanish-language signs in supermarkets and banks into English. Cashers don't even attempt to talk to the customers in English. At Home Depot, a greeter at the entrance, greets everyone in Spanish. The automatic answering for electric power and telephone, give instructions in Spanish FIRST, and then in English. Club applications at my local supermarkets are available in Spanish only, and a customer service person graciously offers to translate it for me into English.

The funniest thing happens at classical music concerts: the first announcement is given in Spanish when almost no one in the audience speaks it.

Is Spanish translation of Shakespeare any good?

Not anymore. I customarily have to call a manager to help me translate Spanish-language signs in supermarkets and banks into English. Cashers don't even attempt to talk to the customers in English. At Home Depot, a greeter at the entrance, greets everyone in Spanish. The automatic answering for electric power and telephone, give instructions in Spanish FIRST, and then in English. Club applications at my local supermarkets are available in Spanish only, and a customer service person graciously offers to translate it for me into English.

So your little anecdote is supposed to illusrate what exactly? That English is not the dominant language but Spanish is?

freeepeoplearenotequal: Where do you live? I doubt that the situation in your supermarket or other local store is typical of the whole US. And what is the language of the schools in your area? And is Calderon or Pirandello translated into English any good?