Ah, February. The month of love, chocolate hearts, and, of course, being reminded that Black History Month is not just about celebrating black culture but also about pointing out white people’s supposed downfalls. A conservative columnist can’t help but admire the irony. All this hoopla around black greatness, from rap music to societal contributions, makes one wonder if the focus is perhaps just a wee bit misplaced. Recognizing positive cultural contributions is important, but there seems to be a bit of selective amnesia when it comes to the less-than-flattering statistics that should also spur community reflection.

Let’s take a detour to that courtroom drama in Louisville. A judge decided to be generous because the judge felt that a certain young black man’s 65-year sentence for a real buffet of criminal activities was, you know, racially inconvenient. Apparently, accountability these days feels just a touch passé. The judge reminded us, firmly, that she wields the almighty sentencing pen, not some pesky jury. Long sentences? Not her thing. After all, being tough on crime is just so 1990s.

Now, this isn’t just some light law and order here. We’re talking robbery, kidnapping, and various other delightful felonies. The perpetrator is an exemplary case for what not to allow at your dinner party. But apparently, expressing remorse is for other people. Why learn from one’s mistakes when society itself is the root cause? The blame game is alive and well, and it tends to quietly dismiss the victims and celebrate misconduct under the guise of offering second chances.

Public schools—or should we say “government brainwashing academies”—have perhaps done too good of a job. They’ve taught that accountability means making someone else accountable for your actions. Hollywood and mainstream media love to showcase this backward logic, only to have reality nudge them slightly off their podium from time to time. And whenever these courtroom follies emerge, where’s the outrage? Where’s the Hollywood script on this tragicomedy? As long as it doesn’t fit a certain narrative, it remains conveniently overlooked.

Finally, just because it’s out there doesn’t mean it should be left unremarked. Politicians and media elites, bless their hearts, have mastered the art of divisiveness, knowing that pointing fingers keeps them from navigating their own nuanced worlds. Be it noise about population statistics or unfounded claims of systemic villainy by “those darn whites,” there’s a reliable chorus always at the ready. Thus, the cycle continues, one confused January at a time until the next socially prescribed moment of remembrance and grievance. And round and round we go.