Sunday, December 26, 2004

Political Correctism Run Amok Files: Kwanzaa

Dec.26-Jan.01
Today is the first day of Kwanzaa, and here is the official website. For those that may have been in some other dimension for the last few years, Kwanzaa is celebrated annually by many in the African American community. However, due to its proximity to the end of the calendar year, Kwanzaa is viewed by many (incorrectly) as some sort of substitute for Christmas. Thus it has come to symbolize the political correctism that has further divided the country.

Because of the history behind Kwanzaa's founding, (and especially its American founder, Maulana Karenga) I find that I focus more on the negative aspects of the event's inception, and less on what should have been a very positive concept of reminding African Americans about their common heritage. Sadly, I must think of it as a "manufactured" holiday, much like those that have been created by those !#@#!* greeting card companies.

The MUSC Tiger takes a
thorough and insightful look at the history of Kwanzaa, its self-proclaimed founder, (and his scrapes with the Law) as well as some of the issues that arise from the commemoration of this seven-day event.