Imagine a Navy that celebrated important events of our service and our nation instead of one that celebrates monthly based on race, gender, sexual preference, religion, national origin, or ethnicity.
Department of the Navy (DoN) policies are designed to promote “an environment in which all personnel can perform to their maximum ability, unimpeded by institutional or individual biases based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex or religious stereotypes,” according to OPNAVINST 5354.1. However, the segregation of celebrations—which are intended to build unit cohesion—creates division.
The Navy celebrates the history and culture of African Americans, for example, every year for the month of February. Is celebrating black history a good thing? Yes. Sailors are given the opportunity to learn more about black culture and possibly better understand what major obstacles African Americans have had to overcome in their quest for equal rights. Is celebrating black history month a bad thing? Yes. Sailors spend a month segregating one group of people at the exclusion of all other races.
Why do we celebrate Women’s History Month? In 1980, the founders of the National Women’s History Project made a case that a perception existed in the country that women did nothing that was historically significant, because only 3 percent of published texts documented women’s contributions. So, the members of the project lobbied Congress and the White House, and in 1987 Women’s History Month was born. Now, the entire nation segregates and celebrates one specific demographic, creating another divide.
Segregating some Sailors from other Sailors for a month at a time multiple times a year has negative consequences by creating doubts, confusion, and division. Moving forward, the Navy should stop celebrating specific demographics. Sailors are first and foremost Americans. We are not black, white, Filipino, Mexican, male, female, Hispanic, Asian-Pacific Islanders; we all are simply Americans. The Navy needs to recognize Sailors as Sailors, and the colors blue and gold.
How about a Naval History Month, where the Navy educates Sailors on the Navy’s accomplishments throughout its 200+ years? Naval Heritage Month could celebrate the Navy’s customs and traditions. Celebrate Navy Medal of Honor Recipient Month, and honor other Navy heroes. Imagine a Navy full of Sailors who were educated on, and celebrated, an all-inclusive demographic—U.S. Navy Sailors. Our Sailors would be more prideful, more dedicated, and more motivated.