Race, Culture and Language: How teachers react to ebonics & how black Americans are sometimes viewed

Ebonics which is a corrupted form of English typically spoken by poor black Americans in Large cities is viewed negatively by most teachers and in general.

In an article published by the Virginia Gazette about a discussion held in Williamsburg, we see that the use of ebonics by students is strongly discouraged.

"I let them know that it's not acceptable in my classroom," he said. While he tries to encourage proper language in the school setting, he is careful not to discourage the children from using it at home. "That devalues their home language," he said."

The point is made that it is important to use a more standard form of English when involved in Business.

in order to speak money, you have to use proper business language." He tells his students that he doesn't always "speak green," especially around his own family because they pick on him for "talking white.
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Talking white means that the black or african-American person is speaking using normal standard American English or that the speaker is at least not using ebonics.

Politics is also an important area for not using ebonics.

"The group delved into the criticism Sen. Joe Biden received for referring to Sen. Barack Obama as "clean" and "articulate." The comment was interpreted as an insult to blacks by implying that Obama is an exception."

I personally am also impressed by Senator Obama's English. I think it is very sad that when someone is complemented for his speech that it has to be manipulated by others and used to provoke conflict. I think some people just need a new hobby and learn to crochet or whatever. It saddens me that certain Americans feel that they have to use ebonics to have a sense of identity. Isn't it time to accept yourself and your skin and hair color as being who you are and as being a good thing? Diversity is good when you accept yourself.

I wonder if black Americans don't accept Oprah Winfrey who is a talk show host and business woman who I greatly admire. Do they not accept her because she doesn't speak ebonics?

Thank you Oprah for going beyond society's expectations and for being yourself. I hope one day to be able to go to your show.

The original story is available here.