The whole idea of “talking white” is somewhat perplexing to me. I think of it more as speaking intelligently. To me, there is a difference between speaking proper English with a slight accent and speaking with a dialect. For example, there is a difference in getting a call from a person that speaks perfect English, but has a noticeably Southern accent, and getting a call from someone who speaks with a pronounced Southern dialect that may or may not follow the rules of standard English. In either case, the person on the other end could very well be white. Therefore, I think that sounding “white” should be referred to as sounding intelligent. It’s as silly to say that all white people speak proper English as it is to say that all black people don’t. I remembered, during the course of watching the Michele Obama interview, that Bill Cosby had some strong opinions when it came to Ebonics and speaking standard English. As I was looking for a clip that referenced his views, I came across this interview with Randi Rhodes concerning Oprah Winfrey and the speeches she gave during the Obama campaign. During the interview, she is being accused of “talking black” to an all black congregation during a campaign speech. I am beginning to understand the conflict that African-American people must be faced with when trying to assimilate with corporate or “white” America. After watching both videos it seems there is no way to win. If you choose to “talk like a white girl” (as Mrs. Obama said) then you aren’t considered black enough, but if you “talk black” you aren’t considered appropriate for corporate/white America.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiMpaD6qTKY
Sally Elliott
Comments (3)
I totally agree. It's not about "sounding white." It's about speaking with correct grammar. I found the fact you brought up about the way Oprah spoke to an all-black congregation interesting. It really made me start thinking...I naturally speak with a very-pronounced Southern drawl, but I find myself "code switching" quite frequently. I speak naturally at home around family and friends- with a drawl and at other times, ex. at school, I try and "mask" my dialect. Reading the fact you brought up about Oprah made me think about celebrities in general- they must do the same thing. Code-switch depending upon their audience. I guess I've never wondered about how Michelle Obama talks at home, but after reading your post...I do now. Marsha Warren
Posted by Marsha Warren | June 7, 2010 8:54 PM
Posted on June 7, 2010 20:54
I think you hit a very interesting point. African-Americans and maybe even others that don't speak Standard English may feel pressured by their "people" to use the slang of their heritage. I find it interesting that African-Americans are considered "too white" for speaking correct English. Yet, they could be giving up great opportunities in "corporate America" by not playing the game of code-switching and show America how intellectual they really are.
Posted by Angie Sigmon | June 7, 2010 9:38 PM
Posted on June 7, 2010 21:38
Marsha,
I do agree that African American people have a challenge to stay connected by speaking "ebonics" AND make strides in the working world that is majority white. However, I also agree that those of us who have a southern accent often are looked at differently. If you speak in a southern accent in the north, you are often viewed as a "Gomer Pile." I had this experience on a trip to New York City. I got all kinds of looks. I must admit that as time went on, I played it up some. I was just visiting though, not trying to intergrate into the big city. Being a minority is a challenge regardless of the circumstances.
Susan HInes
Posted by Susan Hines | June 11, 2010 1:26 PM
Posted on June 11, 2010 13:26