I believe there are times in our lives whether black or white that we are uncomfortable in our own skin or in our learned vernacular and speech. I do realize that black language and speech reflects the culture and upbringing of that race and they along with many other races are perceived as using speech and accent and slang that is unbecoming to the race in power. Historically, yes, the white race and the way of expression and articulation have made up the majority of the upper class echelon in many ways including the educated. With that being said and also understanding the taunts and jokes that surround our social network, I must also say that all races are victims in this respect. I grew up in a small cotton manufacturing community in a primitive Baptist church. All families were poor and had to work very hard in cotton, farming, milling, and tobacco to make a living. I grew up with an extreme southern accent unless I compare it to a friend of mine from Georgia. I was very comfortable with my accent, sayings, drawing out words, using extra vowels in words until I attended Appalachian State University. There I discovered that my way of speaking was held in low esteem as compared to some of the students in other states. This is a perception that may not ever change and not unlike the black vernacular in the eyes of others. After teaching a year in Randleman, NC., I began working for Burlington Industries in management. Although this company was located in a southern county, most of the upper management were from Virginia and northward. They spoke professionally and articulated well. Eventually I was given an opportunity to attend a workshop on, "Conquering Your Southern Accent". I declined this opportunity and was somewhat irritated that they thought my accent was offensive. I realized in their eyes that I sounded stupid and inept. This is the same hurt that blacks feel and have felt over history.
In Michelle Obama's video I don't think she is apologizing for not lapsing into her born and bred vernacular and the same with President Obama. Over time I have realized that we all have several different ways of communicating depending on the circumstance. I can easily lapse into my best southern drawl when I am home and with family. I can choose to use my public speaking voice when I am in a mixed crowd. I have a completely different way of communicating when I write and would not use much of this language as everyday speech. I don't think that any of us can ever overcome what we were born with but we can choose to respect our very diverse nation when addressing them. Michelle Obama did make it clear that she grew up in a middle class working family but she had the motivation to make good grades and excel. Perhaps we should all follow her example to not only try to be more comfortable in our own skin or situation but also be comfortable with everyone's.
Candy Kee
Comments (8)
Hi Candy! It is so true that no matter what race you are, there are times in life when you are uncomfortable with yourself and can lose your identity. It is important that we are proud of who we are and where we come from, and we should definitely teach our students to feel that way too. I can't believe that they actually wanted you to attend that workshop to conquer your accent- I would have been so offended! I believe everybody has different ways of communicating, we just have to be able to determine which way is most appropriate. My writing is also much different than the way I speak. Sometimes, I wish I could speak the way I write because it seems like things come out better in my writing. :)
Posted by Lisa Beach | June 7, 2011 12:40 PM
Posted on June 7, 2011 12:40
Candy,
I agree that we all are code switchers and use the langauage that we feel is required in certain situations. I also tend to slip back into my "country" language when I visit my friends and family at home. While I recognize that many of us do this with ease, I question why it is necessary. Why should you need to attend a workshop to correct your southern accent?? Just because we may speak slower, it sure doesn't mean that our mind is slower!!! As long as there are people like those in the upper echelon of that company who perpetuate the stereotypes, there will be a need for code switching.
Posted by Leslie Rothenberger | June 7, 2011 2:13 PM
Posted on June 7, 2011 14:13
I think it is important for people to feel comfortable with who they are...it's just a healthy thing to do. With that being said I think it is just as important to respect who others are. I, like you, were born in the south and have a very drawn accent and I catch myself at times sounding very unprofessional. I really try to be aware of what I am saying and how I am saying it. I think it is important for our students to understand that it is important for them to speak correctly. I'm not asking them to change who they are, but just be aware that there is a difference.
Posted by Karin Scott | June 7, 2011 4:41 PM
Posted on June 7, 2011 16:41
Candy,
It sounds like this topic was one that you made personal and strong connections to. I am not from the south and do not have an accent of any type but I do understand there is a stereotype attached to people all over the country who speak in different dialects or accents native to their location or culture. It is unfortunate that those people, like yourself, must find ways to adapt to the norm to prove themselves to others. Maybe more public awareness of tolerance in language like skin color could be a national objective in our country???
Michelle Carlson
Posted by Michelle Carlson | June 7, 2011 5:42 PM
Posted on June 7, 2011 17:42
Candy,
Your comment about writing resonated with me. It is very much another form of language that we communicate with. Perhaps it is another type of code switching. We have many different audiences for which we write. A note or a diary entry, or a formal letter or essay will each look and sound purposefully different in tone and grammar.
Posted by Karen Massey-Cerda | June 7, 2011 8:55 PM
Posted on June 7, 2011 20:55
I also think it is important for each of us to feel comfortable in our own skin. I am not certain that code-switching is a sign that we are not comfortable, however. As I read these articles I realized that I code-switch frequently in my daily life, from home to school, to meetings and to grad school classes, even when we are out on a Saturday night. I am comfortable knowing that I have a pretty pronounced southern accent, and in some cases, I speak with a southern dialect, too...and I am certain that our accent does not mean that our minds are as slow as our speech! I, too, would have been offended that my place of work thought less of me because of my accent. I think that we code switch because we are aware of different roles we play in society, and there is a time and place for us to use each of those codes.
At the same time, though, I think it is important for our student to know how to speak effectively in Standard English because, like it or not, there are times when speaking that way helps you to "put your best foot forward." I believe that helping our students to help themselves is an important goal for us as educators.
Posted by Marlee Wright | June 7, 2011 9:55 PM
Posted on June 7, 2011 21:55
Candy,
I think I would have been offended having been asked to attend a workshop on how to speak and not to speak. I also feel that we should feel comfortable with ourselves and not depend on someone else to mandate how we should speak.
Posted by Karen Gold | June 8, 2011 8:51 PM
Posted on June 8, 2011 20:51
Candy, Thank you for sharing your personal connection to the readings! I think you provoked some good thinking in your peers. It is wonderful that you have learned to "code switch" given your social situations -- I can't imagine a better teacher of language use than someone who has direct experience with discrimination. I am sorry that you experienced that, but I do believe that it has made you a more insightful and aware person and teacher!
Posted by Dr. Jackson | June 9, 2011 11:12 AM
Posted on June 9, 2011 11:12