Every month seems to bring a new cause to the front, whether it’s Black History Month in February, Women’s History Month in March or Asian American and Pacific Islanders Month in May. This recognition serves as a reminder of the diversity that shapes the world, but as the list grows to 8-9 causes a month, we have to ask, are we diluting the importance by having so many at one time?
The original intention behind recognition months is to show people’s voices and stories that are often unknown and left out of the general public’s knowledge. At first glance, the idea of having multiple recognition months seems like more steps towards inclusivity. But, the effect feels more symbolic than substantive. Instead of having meaningful engagement, we’re left with simply surface-level acknowledgements, like social media posts of corporate campaigns that disappear as soon as the month comes to a close.
The vast amount per month not only waters down the main message, but it also makes this important acknowledgement of minorities feel like a chore. When everything is commemorated, the power of that commemoration is diminished. The historical significance tied to these causes deserves more than just 28 or 31 days a year.
A 2022 study done by Journal of Cultural Research in Art Education found that recognition months often result in “symbolic inclusion.” That’s when these marginalized groups are acknowledged by the public, but attention isn’t sustained and no changes are made. Basically, visibility is achieved, but there’s no impact.
At the same time, it’s important not to swing too far in the opposite direction. Many recognition months exist because the experiences they highlight have been ignored or suppressed in the past. The visibility is still very necessary.
The answer isn’t to eliminate recognition months, but simply to rethink how they are used and perceived. Rather than stacking each month with more and more labels, we should be prioritizing recognition and awareness throughout the entire year. While every group deserves acknowledgement, it’s even more important to make sure that every group’s story is genuinely understood and is followed by change year round. If we really want to honor peoples stories, let’s stop confining them to a calendar and start making them part of our lives.
