On Women's History Month

History is in the past, so why study it? Why not focus on a more interesting and perplexing aspect of life? The American Heritage College Dictionary defines history as "A chronological record of events, as of the development of a people, often including an explanation of or commentary of those events."

Taking into consideration the definition of history, let's list the pros and cons of the subject. We'll start with the cons of history: 1) boring 2) ancient 3) it's HISTORY!!! Now let's see if we can come up with some pros. Hmmm… 1) satisfies the general education credit. Umm…are there any others? Of course, there is the most important reason of all, "You must know where you have come from to know where you are going," as stated by Leopold Sedar Senghor.

The significance of taking history courses or enlightening oneself about history can easily be stated through the definition of Sankofa: "Turn back and get what you left behind. Before you can go forward, you must know where you have been." To be unaware of past histories causes blindness-blindness to the ignorance of human development. This illiteracy of history creates a separate sphere of ignorance where history repeats itself or the development of mankind begins to regress.

Moreover, if you are considering taking any history courses within your EMU college career, why not Women's History? Don't knock it before you try it, because you might just like it. Women's History as a whole is stereotypically viewed as a course that focuses on feminism, but don't let the word fool you. Just think of it as empowerment of women. Doesn't that sound better than the negative connotations represented by the word "feminism?" Well, it should. Everyone should be thankful to the strong-willed woman or women within their life. You wouldn't be here if it weren't for a woman, so learn more about the struggles women went through so you would have the rights that you have today.

Significant women figures that helped pave the way for the future empowerment of women include Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Catherine Beecher Stowe, and many more. These women fought against the social norms of society both within the private and public spheres, breaking the ideas of female domesticity and enlightening others on the rights that both men and women deserve under the laws of the United States of America.

It's a privilege to be amongst such intellects, so be blessed.