I think we all find ourselves speaking differently depending on our audiences. I talk to my husband differently than I talk to parents of students. I talk to my friends much different than I talk to my students or my pastor of my parents. Why? It is almost like I am an actress and In the Delpit article, I can almost hear her daughter talking to her friends. Why does there have to be such pressure to be "white and right"? The Obama article sent the message to me that sounding white=sounding intelligent. I have a hard time with that. Speaking in a certain way should not be a sign that you are smarter than others. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Obviously from the articles, children are encouraged to keep the stereotypes alive. I am afraid that if we encourage children to conform to a certain way of speaking, we will destroy cultural diversity and individuality. At the same time, I do feel that t is extremely important that all people should be able to communicate effectively. There are times when my boys talk to me and I think I might need a translator. It is my hope for my children and my students that they can communicate in a clear, concise manner.
Carol Sherrill