whiteStripes: The State of the Black Union (LINK)
July 22nd 2008 00:25
So where did this idea that proper English was a white thing come from? I have been volunteering at a summer program with some underprivileged youth, in a severely economically depressed area in New York state. Why you ask? A combination of things, I feel as if I have been lacking in giving back to the kids we have given up on, and thrown away, I don’t work, well I do work but I make my own schedule, and I tend to get more things done when I have more on my plate. And it pressed me to see a group of children who have no idea about the world that surrounds the very small, and limited world they live in. I own my own company, and I wanted to show these kids how heir imagination can create opportunities. It does not occur to these kids the amount of wealth that exists in their heads, and how it is a resource that can be tapped into and shaped into a business where you are the boss. I heard a young lady about the age of twelve remark that being proficient in the English language, staying out of jail, and saving money were white characteristics. I asked quickly where she got that idea. She explained with detail that her family were interested in being contributing members to society. Where oh where did our people get this idea that crime, bad credit, murdering the English language, and ignorance were synonymous with black culture? When did black culture become just rap music, vulgar tasteless 3 minute advertisements, bad language, hanging jeans, degradation of women, and calling women shawty? Now don’t get me wrong we all know that we have so many characteristics and inner cultures that make us both proud and sad, that sponsor sarcasm, and provide humor. Yes we don’t like to read the directions to putting things together we look at the picture and put it together according to the human eye, yes we have perfected getting the phone both cell and landline in our 12 month old sons name because we have already ruined our credit. Yes our mothers boast in admonishment “don’t you start acting brand new.” no we don’t believe in letting our kids think they are little people who have rights. “I brought you in this world and I’ll take you out.” But by the same token we are responsible for doctors, lawyers, traffic light inventors, and Nobel Peace prize winners. Yes when you stop by Sister so and so’s house she will offer you something cold to drink and become insulted if you refuse. Yes we still have Sunday dinners, and love a reason to eat, and feel the need to go shopping every Easter for Easter outfits. The white house stands for one reason and one reason only Benjamin Banneker, we tell time (the clock) for the same reason. So what is with this idea that speaking without a “ nah mean “ at the end of your sentence is a white thing. I wasn’t aware that white people had a contractual monopoly on the English language.
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Comment by Smooth Political
I feel your pain. I am constantly trying to change what my nieces and nephews consider to be cool. It's lack of history and education.
Comment by Anonymous