Sunday, February 11, 2007
Posted by Renee Kirchner
February is Black History Month. This annual celebration started in 1926. Dr. Carter G. Woodson organized the first annual Negro History Week in February 1926. Over time the week-long celebration evolved into Black History Month. Dr. Woodson wanted our country to celebrate the contributions blacks have made to our country throughout history.
While Margaret Mead did not specifically address the establishment of Black History Month, she might have had this to say, “If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.”
Posted by Renee Kirchner
For the first time in history, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has stated with 90 percent certainty that carbon dioxide from human activities is causing global warming. If we continue to mistreat the planet, humans will face rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and melting polar ice caps. However, if we act quickly, we can substantially slow down the effects of global warming.
On this latest report on global warming, Margaret Mead might have said, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
When asked if she has a solution for global warming, she might have said, “Prayer does not use up artificial energy, doesn’t burn up any fossil fuel, doesn’t pollute. Neither does song, neither does love, neither does the dance.”
Posted by Renee Kirchner
I am establishing this blog to allow Margaret Mead, anthropologist, author, and scientist, to share her thoughts on contemporary issues. Ms. Mead was a liberated woman, but she preferred not to be called a feminist. Although she made many important contributions to society, her most critical roles were as an interpreter of world events and an observer of human nature in different cultures. She was a woman ahead of her time and I’m sure she would have a lot to say about the state of the world today.