What's So Special About Kwanzaa?

[Fiannan]

http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/12/18/kwanzaa/

A made-up, anti-Christian observance, Kwanzaa is celebrated by blacks who profess Christ. In our politically correct climate, even President George Bush, a believer in Christ, feels obligated to praise this ritual.

Kwanzaa was invented in 1966 by Dr. Maulana “Ron” Karenga, a former black militant, Marxist and convicted felon. Claiming to have the unity of black people in mind, Karenga committed most of his crimes against blacks.

Just five years after his invention, he was convicted of torturing two black women by stripping them naked, beating them with electrical cords, placing a hot iron into the mouth of one and mangling the toe of the other in a vise. During the ordeal, he forced them to drink detergent.

But I digress.

Observed from December 26 to January 1, this “alternative” to Christmas is based on a mixture of East African harvest rituals called first fruits — according to Karenga — and 1960s radicalism, although most ancestors of black Americans were from West Africa.

Participants acknowledge their African roots and promote seven, harmless-sounding principles — unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

While they sound commendable, the guiding principle behind Kwanzaa is based on race, not on faith in the one true living God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I wonder how many people are aware of this?

[arhanegan]

That is crazy about Kwanzaa's roots, I never knew that. I don't think that there is any harm in celebrating it though... it's not like people who celebrate it are out committing crimes. Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith are all positive things that are fun to celebrate. I know that this is off subject, but are you a fan of Freud?

[prisonchaplain]

The source of the OP is obviously anti-Kwanzaa, apparently based entirely on the bizarre life history of the guy who got it started. Like discussions about the Pagan origins of some aspects of our Christmas celebration, I'm not sure it matters much what the founding thinker of Kwanzaa might have done privately, or what his own views of Christianity were.

BTW, here's a more objective article about Dr. Karenga.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maulana_Karenga

[boyando]

The source of the OP is obviously anti-Kwanzaa, apparently based entirely on the bizarre life history of the guy who got it started. Like discussions about the Pagan origins of some aspects of our Christmas celebration, I'm not sure it matters much what the founding thinker of Kwanzaa might have done privately, or what his own views of Christianity were.

BTW, here's a more objective article about Dr. Karenga.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maulana_Karenga

Hi PC,

I must have missed something, because when I read the article, it said the same thing that the OP piece said. It really didn't add much, except to say that the cause of his torture, was a mental break down.

allmosthumble

[prisonchaplain]

Hi PC,

I must have missed something, because when I read the article, it said the same thing that the OP piece said. It really didn't add much, except to say that the cause of his torture, was a mental break down.

allmosthumble

Here's the deal--you're right--concerning the facts. The key difference was tone. The article cited in the OP was snide (imho). It sought to discredit Kwanzaa by discrediting the founder, and was worded to put the bizarre doctor in the worst possible light.

I wouldn't vote for him for any public office, nor would he be on my top six-billion list of favorite people. However, the wikipedia article does mention his mental health problems, and it more accurately divorces the man from the holiday.

90% of communication is tone. B)

[Outshined]

I try to bear in mind the spirit in which it is celebrated. True, the guy who invented it was a sadistic nut, but the people who celebrate Kwanzaa today do so with good intent.

They may not know that some of the "traditions" used are from the wrong part of Africa, just as many people do not know that most Christmas traditions have pagan origins. It's why and how you celebrate the holiday, not who invented it.

Just my 2 cents.

[boyando]

I might not have the whole prospective on Kwansaa, because, non of my African American friends celebrate it.

Many, if not all, religions, have good in them, so I can see were you are coming from. But it is the secular aspect that I don't understand. I don't think that I could tell anyone not to enjoy there kwanzaa, but I will try to lead all men to Christ.

allmosthumble

[Outshined]

I don't think that I could tell anyone not to enjoy there kwanzaa, but I will try to lead all men to Christ.

Christians also observe Kwanzaa; it's not a non-Christian holiday (though its founder called Christ "psychotic"). Knowing what I do about it I think it's rather bogus, but I don't discourage anyone from celebrating the holidays.

[prisonchaplain]

Here's the blurb that came out at my workplace:

KWANZAA, the African-American cultural holiday conceived and developed by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, was first celebrated on December 26, 1966. Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated from December 26 through January 1, with each day focused on Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles. Derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits", Kwanzaa is rooted in the first harvest celebrations practiced in various cultures in Africa. Kwanzaa seeks to enforce a connectedness to African cultural identity, provide a focal point for the gathering of African peoples, and to reflect upon the Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles, that have sustained Africans. Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds practice Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa was born out of the whirlwind of social and political changes of the sixties decade. The sixties represent one of many eras during which the African and African-American struggle for freedom and self-identity reached its historical peak, spawning multiple revolutionary movements.

By creating Kwanzaa, African-Americans sought to rectify the cultural and economic exploitation perpetrated against us during the months of October, November, and December (the Christmas season). During this season, corporate America typically ignored the quality of life concerns of African-Americans, yet encouraged participation in the commercialism of Christmas. Additionally, African-Americans did not observe a holiday that was specific to our needs. A review of the major holidays celebrated in the United States would reveal that not one related specifically to the growth and development of African-Americans. The development of Kwanzaa assumed a reassessment, reclaiming, recommitment, remembrance, retrieval, resumption, resurrection, and rejuvenation of the "Way of Life" principles recognized by African-Americans. These principles have strengthened African-Americans during our worldwide sojourn.

Today, Kwanzaa is recognized by millions throughout America and the world. It is celebrated often in community settings provided by homes, churches, mosques, temples, community centers, schools, and places of work. Kwanzaa allows us to celebrate the season without shame or fear of embracing our history, our culture, and ourselves.

http://melanet.com/kwanzaa/about_toc.html

[shanstress70]

"Additionally, African-Americans did not observe a holiday that was specific to our needs. A review of the major holidays celebrated in the United States would reveal that not one related specifically to the growth and development of African-Americans."

I don't get this. First of all, I don't get the term 'African-Americans'. I don't call myself a Polish-American, and my ancestors came from Poland. I call myself an American.

A review of the major holidays would also not reveal that none relate to the growth and dev't of Polish Americans either, but I'm not complaining about it. :)

Sorry, I know I'm coming across as being cold again, but I don't get all the divisiveness.

Perhaps I will create my own holiday for those of us with Polish ancestry.

[Outshined]

I don't get this. First of all, I don't get the term 'African-Americans'. I don't call myself a Polish-American, and my ancestors came from Poland. I call myself an American.

A review of the major holidays would also not reveal that none relate to the growth and dev't of Polish Americans either, but I'm not complaining about it. :)

Sorry, I know I'm coming across as being cold again, but I don't get all the divisiveness.

It's worse when you read the founder's quotes. Divisive? Yes.

Ron Karenga created Kwanzaa in California in 1966[2], during his leadership of the black nationalist United Slaves Organization (also known as the "US Organization"), in order to give African Americans an alternative holiday to Christmas. He later stated, "...it was chosen to give a Black alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society."

In 1967, a year after Karenga proposed this new holiday, he publicly espoused the view that "Jesus was psychotic" and that Christianity was a white religion that blacks should shun.

The seven principles of Kwanzaa correspond to Karenga's notion that "the seven-fold path of blackness is think black, talk black, act black, create black, buy black, vote black, and live black."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa#_note-0

http://www.dartreview.com/archives/2001/01..._of_kwaanza.php

Perhaps I will create my own holiday for those of us with Polish ancestry.

I think I'll just start observing Festivus like the Costanzas... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus

[shanstress70]

I think I'll just start observing Festivus like the Costanzas... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus

Perhaps the BEST episode!

[Outshined]

Ah, the Airing of Grievances..."I've got a lot of problems with you people!!"

[shanstress70]

Hey... speaking of Poland!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,237824,00.html

[Ray]

Festivus requires the use of a Pole, doesn't it?

And what should you call someone from Poland?

[prisonchaplain]

I don't get this. First of all, I don't get the term 'African-Americans'. I don't call myself a Polish-American, and my ancestors came from Poland. I call myself an American.

A review of the major holidays would also not reveal that none relate to the growth and dev't of Polish Americans either, but I'm not complaining about it. :)

Sorry, I know I'm coming across as being cold again, but I don't get all the divisiveness.

Perhaps I will create my own holiday for those of us with Polish ancestry.

Shantress, 400 years of slavery, another 100 years of Jim Crow, and many good Christian folk coming down on the wrong side of these matters. Poles have suffered at the hands of comedians for decades, but somehow, your suffering doesn't quite measure up to that of our African-American bretheren. Furthermore, I do believe it's common for immigrant communities to refer to themselves in hyphenation. Besides, a holiday that celebrates culture, need not be seen as being "anti" other cultures.

[shanstress70]

Very true, Ray... so maybe 'my people' aren't as excluded as I once thought.

[Outshined]

Not just a pole, an aluminum pole.

And don't forget the feats of strength.

[shanstress70]

Shantress, 400 years of slavery, another 100 years of Jim Crow, and many good Christian folk coming down on the wrong side of these matters. Poles have suffered at the hands of comedians for decades, but somehow, your suffering doesn't quite measure up to that of our African-American bretheren. Furthermore, I do believe it's common for immigrant communities to refer to themselves in hyphenation. Besides, a holiday that celebrates culture, need not be seen as being "anti" other cultures.

This is true PC, and what I said is, of course, tongue in cheek. However, does this separation right the wrong of slavery and the other mistreatments of African Americans? I didn't own slaves, in fact I think it was a hideous disgrace, so why do some A.A.'s want to distance themselves from me and this American culture that belongs to us all?

And I don't consider A.A.'s as an immigrant community... I consider them Americans... period.

IMO, there is nothing to gain by this divide that some would want to foster.

[Ray]

Not just a pole, an aluminum pole.

And don't forget the feats of strength.

OH!

So it's feats... not feets.

I get it now. :)

Very true, Ray... so maybe 'my people' aren't as excluded as I once thought.

Well, unless you're aluminum, you'll have to bring another pole for Festivus.

But don't blame me. I didn't make up the rules.

I say you can come as you are. :)

[prisonchaplain]

This is true PC, and what I said is, of course, tongue in cheek. However, does this separation right the wrong of slavery and the other mistreatments of African Americans? I didn't own slaves, in fact I think it was a hideous disgrace, so why do some A.A.'s want to distance themselves from me and this American culture that belongs to us all?

Celebrating the culture of one's ancestor does not have to imply any separation from the majority culture. To say that one is African-American does not diminish his/her American identity, but rather celebrates the African heritage. And, certainly, to celebrate one's culture through a holiday implies no disrespect to the greater society.

And I don't consider A.A.'s as an immigrant community... I consider them Americans... period.

Of course. On the other hand, does celebrating one's heritage necessarily imply a "separation" from the greater culture? IMHO, it does not have to.

IMO, there is nothing to gain by this divide that some would want to foster.

Why do you see Kwanzaa, or the use of hyphenation as necessarily creating a divide. If I say that I'm a Christian American, do I imply that I want to distance myself from non-Christian Americans? No. Rather, I am acknowledging and celebrating my religious identity.

[Ray]

I enjoy celebrating my Scott Irish ancestry.

And I also enjoy my roots from England.

And I also enjoy celebrating my heritage from Israel, as well as the other roots in my tree.

And I think it really helps me to remember my heritage, and how I came to be who I am.

Every American first came here through others before them.

... including everyone who was originally born here.

[shanstress70]

PC, I guess we have to agree to disagree. I mean no harm by disagreeing with this holiday. It just seems silly to me. Especially when the man who came up with the 'holiday' was such a hideous person.

Sure it's OK to celebrate one's heritage, so would you be all for a holiday for every nation whose people came to America?

[prisonchaplain]

PC, I guess we have to agree to disagree. I mean no harm by disagreeing with this holiday. It just seems silly to me. Especially when the man who came up with the 'holiday' was such a hideous person.

Sure it's OK to celebrate one's heritage, so would you be all for a holiday for every nation whose people came to America?

Octoberfest (Germans), Cinco de Mayo (Mexicans), St. Patrick's Day (Irish), etc. We have them, and nobody thinks twice.

[Ray]

PC, I guess we have to agree to disagree. I mean no harm by disagreeing with this holiday. It just seems silly to me. Especially when the man who came up with the 'holiday' was such a hideous person.

Sure it's OK to celebrate one's heritage, so would you be all for a holiday for every nation whose people came to America?

I think the idea to celebrate African heritage is a good idea... whether it's a National holiday or not.

And yes, I would vote to have other holidays. And I wouldn't mind if I got those days off. :)