White history seems to be accepted and respected more than Black history is in the United States. The different levels of acceptance stem back to the definitions of the words white and black. The different levels of acceptance could be accounted for by the views of the general public as well.
White means a member of a racial group having light skin coloration especially of European origin. White can be referred to as Caucasian. The history of Caucasians in America could be traced back to the beginning of U.S. history. They were influential in the development of the government and how the culture was shaped at the time. Some notables from the beginning are Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.
White history is more accepted and respected because it is full of prestige. Thomas Jefferson, for instance, is a prominent figure in U.S. history. He was the third president of the United States. He helped to write the Declaration of Independence and was considered a notable political thinker. George Washington was also a prominent figure in U.S. history. He was considered the "Father of the United States." He helped to shape the United States by commanding the Continental Army that won American independence. He was also the president of the Convention that wrote the Constitution. Caucasian people are noted to shape the beginnings of the greatest nation in the world and the most diverse country as well. It is also easily accepted because the general public has easy access to this history in schools and in libraries.
On the other hand, Black means a member of a racial group having dark skin coloration especially one of African origin. Black people are also referred to as African-Americans. The history of Black in the United States, could be traced as far back as the colonial age but not as positive. They came to this country as slaves and could also take credit for indirectly establishing the U.S.'s economy. Although there were not as many notable figures in the colonial era of the U.S., thye had even more figures during the Civil Rights movement. The Civil Rights movement changed the views of America and helped them to learn about the "other side of town." Some notable figures from this time period were Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.
Black History is full of prestige but took a longer time to be accepted and respected. Martin Luther King was a baptist minister and was considered the main leader of the Civil Rights movement. He was an excellent speaker which helped him to win the support of White and Black people in the United States. For his efforts, he won the Nobel Peace prize in 1964. His legacy was he fought for equal rights through the power of words. Malcolm X was a preacher and missionary for the Nation of Islam. He used the Civil Rights movement as a tool to spread his ideology. He also believed in equal rights but was vehemently against the government. These men were considered controversial figures. They went to jail as a tool to prove a point of equality. Although their people are rarely accredited with helping to shape this nation, they still had an influential part in the process. Plus, it is not accepted because Black History Month coincidentally falls on the shortest month of the year and is celebrated in the same month as Women's History Month.
All in all, Black History is less accepted than White History. White history surrounds us everyday to the point where we are constantly reminded of it. Black history is set aside as a separate subject. Black and White history should both be considered one history. They both helped the nation become what it is today. They should both be respected on the same level because all the figures contributed. Now it is up to the general public to become unbiased.