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Brownbeauty123
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Brownbeauty123
Post Number: 2119
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 02, 2007 - 02:27 pm: | 
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---First winner of America's Next Top Model writes a blog explaining why there should no longer be a month dedicated to Black/African Americans in American history---- read below
This is gonna be hard guys. I LOVE the comedians on BET. I also LOVE the fact that they play my favorite show of all time, In Living Color. However, I do not believe in seperating [sic] ANY RACE in America. WE ARE AMERICANS! How dare we have Black History Month! In my eyes, the Native Americans deserve it MUCH more, seeing how we destroyed their ENTIRE SOCIETY. There are hardly any of them left! They also have been proven to have the WORST living conditions on their reservations. I want AN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH. One where we learn about EVERY race, ALL OF OUR LEADERS, EVERYONE! I think by having a month dedicated to one race, and not one for any other, is RACIST. Every fund set up to only help people of one race is SICK and RACIST.
Yes, I get it. Black people were slaves here once. You know what? That does suck some major b*lls, however, it is time to move the f*ck on. Do we hear the Jews crying that they were made slaves for thousands of years? Do we hear them whine that they should OWN the pyramids in Egypt because THEY broke their backs making them? Do we hear them ••••• and moan about Hitler, etc? (my hubby is a Jew) Nope, we dont. It's time for us to UNITE AS ONE. I do not think that singling out one race, giving one race opportunities to go to college (I know a TON of poor white.asian, indian, american indian, etc etc that could use that too!), giving one race the EXCUSE to blame things on others for being whatever nationality they are, is a good way at making sure we NEVER kill racism.
I am over this shit. WE ALL CAME FROM ONE BLACK WOMAN FROM AFRICA, THAT is our EVE! It has been proven by science, and I stand by it. If any other race had a chanel [sic] dedicated to just them, we would think it was racist. If any other race demanded a month be set aside for ONLY them, they would be considered racist. I am NOT living by this double standard any longer.
Think I am racist? I am not. I know what racism is. I dated a guy named "Justin" in Junior high. Nothing serious, but I really liked him. He was the blackest of black. ...BEAUTIFUL skin, kinda like Alex Wek's. He was handsome, and athletic, etc. I was called a [N Word] lover. But you know what? I was called that by a whole 2 people out of a school with HUNDREDS of students. THAT is why I am NOT buying this racist shit anymore. Let us teach or children that there is NO DIFFERENCE! We are all human. I hope one day aliens land and try to kill us. Maybe THEN we would finally realize that WE are ONE.
So, I will no longer tune into BET. This is going to suck, but I do NOT like the idea of having a chanel for only 1 race. In the year 2007 in a country that is supposed to be the most advanced and equal. This is unexceptable! [sic] I will also no longer acknowledge Black History Month. Instead, I will see it the way that Morgan Freeman does (I have the quote at the bottom of my last blog on Obama/jesseJackson, and OJ). AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH! I will read/watch/and learn about ALL the people who made a difference in this country.
I am asking you ALL to join me. Black, White, Indian, Asian, Russian, Australian, etc etc.....lets be AMERICANS together! What happened to the African American community was AMERICAN HISTORY, not BLACK HISTORY. If you want to celebrate in a way that excludes others and singles one race out, count me the •••• out! I am soooo proud to be an American. I am SO proud that I have friends of every race, and none of us see each other as anything but what we are..people. Lets change Black History Month to 2 months of AMERICAN HISTORY. We will still learn about all the black leaders and people who made a difference....just not with the racist name of "Black History Month". It has to start somewhere. I am going to do my part in making sure we are all treated EQUAL in a country that CLAIMS we are. NO MORE SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR ANYONE WITH ANYTHING!
It will never happen. At least, that is what many of you will say...FINE! My number one priority here is being able to die and know that I stood up for what I believed in, and that I did not add to the SEPERATION OF AMERICANS!! I love my country, I love the people in it. I love our history, good and bad. We should LEARN from it,not dwell in it and not move forward. That's why I am done with this shit. You are all my brothers and sisters.....even if I think you suck ; ) As Bono said, "One life, with each other..sisters...brothers!"
now, have fun burning me at the stake ; )
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Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5373
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 02, 2007 - 02:45 pm: |
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Like we should give a damn what this brainless stankho thinks.
I hope she gets a raging case of the clap in the mouth. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2713
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 02, 2007 - 04:21 pm: |
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Oh well, it's just someones opinion. No need to become hysterical about the thoughts in her head. I could care less what she believes or thinks. It's a free country to express one's beliefs. I can't stand the gross distortions and misleading hyperbole by Ann Coulter, Dick Morris and Rush Limbaugh. But they have the right to express their opinions. Don't like it? Don't listen to or read it. E'nuff said..........
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Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5375
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 02, 2007 - 04:25 pm: |
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t's a free country to express one's beliefs. I can't stand the gross distortions and misleading hyperbole by Ann Coulter, Dick Morris and Rush Limbaugh. But they have the right to express their opinions. Don't like it? Don't listen to or read it. E'nuff said..
(They're free to say what I want and I'm free to say what I think about those piles of shit even though I'm NOT white.
I know it really upsets you when you see black people ranking on white folks. Tough.
Get used to it. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5376
Registered: 03-2004
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 02, 2007 - 04:26 pm: |
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She's a stupid funky stankho. She needs to crawl back into the incestuous trailer where she was conceived. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2715
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 02, 2007 - 04:38 pm: |
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"I know it really upsets you when you see black people ranking on white folks. Tough. Get used to it."
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! That's funny. But you have me pegged wrong Chris. I could care less who you rank on -white, black or other. They have a right to express their thoughts and so do you. I'm a big First Amendment disciple. So enjoy yourself excoriating who you want. Got it?? |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10127
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 02, 2007 - 05:28 pm: |
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No, he doesn't get it. Chrishayden thinks everybody is wrong but him. |
Nels
Veteran Poster
Username: Nels
Post Number: 953
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 02, 2007 - 08:19 pm: |
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Hey Chris... Valium? |
Nels
Veteran Poster
Username: Nels
Post Number: 954
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 02, 2007 - 08:35 pm: |
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For more than 40 years it has been said repeatedly that if "black" America proper doesn't get over the mental shackles of slavery that were endured by its ancestors, then it will never move forward. At least the American Indian had sense enough to swap their Teepees for billion dollar casinos. As far as the American negro is concerned, all they've seem to do is go from well spoken basketballeezers to illiterate denigrating hip-hop junkies, sans Oprah, Colin and a few others still high on the super glue of economic success and social acceptance. That said, if you can pick ten blacks at random who could all speak (their primary language) English correctly, then have I got some prime ($1 an acre) beachfront property for you. |
Imtiredowaiting
First Time Poster
Username: Imtiredowaiting
Post Number: 9
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 01:31 pm: |
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i think that past "actions" definatly effect the future.
if it didn't there would not be such a fuss going on about our ancestors and how they behaved and how they were treated.
i could be wrong but, perhaps one reason "white people" don't like to be reminded about the past, is because they feel ashamed when they are reminded their their white ancestors took our black ancestors away from Africa by force to the usa to work as slaves.
if my assumption is correct, i would say that they shouldn't feel guilty about the past because they played no part in it.
we are only accountable for what we do during our lives now.
the good thing is that thanks to our creator
all those that died as slaves and even those that died as slave masters will get the chance to live again and learn how to treat each other as equals
and brothers and sisters regardless of race.
it is too easy for us black people to use the slave trade as a stick to beat white people today.
they don't deserve that.
the challenge for us today is to learn to live together peacefully and leave the past..in the past. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2716
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 02:18 pm: |
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"That said, if you can pick ten blacks at random who could all speak (their primary language) English correctly, then have I got some prime ($1 an acre) beachfront property for you."
 ...........................
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Yvettep
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 2310
Registered: 01-2005
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 02:36 pm: |
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Nels, I wonder where you live and/or work such that you couldn't pick 10 random Black folks who would turn out to be articulate. It would be harder for me to randomly pick 10 inarticulate Black people in my surroundings... |
Imtiredowaiting
Newbie Poster
Username: Imtiredowaiting
Post Number: 13
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 03:04 pm: |
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i can understand the point nels made about being articulate.
who would disagree that the English language spoken by our black brothers and sisters today has changed but not for the better.?
how did "dawg" and nigguh find their way into our vocabulary?
terms that were inappropriately coined and used to describe african people such as "••••••" have now become acceptable amongst african americans!
and dawg?
where did that come from?
if we express ourselves in that way and use words
like that to describe each other then people like nels will always have cause to ridicule African American people.
we are people..not "nigguhs or dawgs!
ok i know those words are classed as slang or street words but i think we can do better than that. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2720
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 03:33 pm: |
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"if we express ourselves in that way and use words
like that to describe each other then people like nels will always have cause to ridicule African American people. we are people..not "nigguhs or dawgs!
ok i know those words are classed as slang or street words but i think we can do better than that."
Thank you. Your point is well made. I agree.
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Nels
Veteran Poster
Username: Nels
Post Number: 955
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 08:47 pm: |
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Imtiredowaiting --
"if we express ourselves in that way and use words like that to describe each other then people like nels will always have cause to ridicule African American people"
[dis, dat, wiff, baffrom, liberry, heem, dey, toof, aks (i.e., ask), and on and on and on]...absurd, ridiculous and inexcusable, at a minimum. Ignorant black America is constantly blaming someone else for its predicament and its virtually always looking for an excuse to (not) have to follow any rules, standards, or guidelines, even if those boundaries originate from within the black community itself. Slang may get you directions to the bus stop, but it won't get you a job.
Point is, get command of the fundamentals (of which spoken language is one) before showing ignorance, and/or self worth.
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Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 544
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 09:10 pm: |
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Nels, I believe you and I will always disagree that poor pronounciation and enunciation is a "Black thing". To me, it depends on social status and education level. I've heard Whites butcher the English language just as bad as Blacks, in some cases worse. If we operate on the theory that this is a class and educational issue, then I think you'll agree that Whites speak English worse than Blacks simply because there are more poor uneducated Whites in America than Blacks.
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Nels
Veteran Poster
Username: Nels
Post Number: 957
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 09:20 pm: |
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Urban --
"then I think you'll agree that Whites speak English worse than Blacks simply because there are more poor uneducated Whites in America than Blacks"
Interesting summation, and well noted. However, the problem is that poorly-speaking white folks don't use bad English as a crutch. Additionally, black-speak (not necessarily Ebonics) precedes and undermines the efforts of many black folks who try to get ahead, only to be shot down at the initial phone interview. Obviously, the entire subject is much more complex than that. |
Yukio
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 2468
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 10:48 pm: |
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this topic of speaking "english correctly" is interesting. in the past, i could appreciate the argument that black folk struggle because as a group, many of us are functionally illiterate. but, as i have traveled a bit around the country, i have learned that speaking english correctly means very little if you have certain skills and occupational connections, be they familial or friend.
There are so many jobs available, and many that require very little talking where one can make a decent living...plummer, construction workers, bus driver. . . especially in large cities, where few people speak standard english... |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10155
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 - 11:51 pm: |
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YUKIO! Where you been, baby??? |
Nels
Veteran Poster
Username: Nels
Post Number: 959
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 04, 2007 - 01:12 am: |
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Yukio --
"but, as i have traveled a bit around the country, i have learned that speaking english correctly means very little"
Don't count on it.
From one seasoned traveler to another, English 'IS' English, but modified English just doesn't cut the mustard.
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Misty
Veteran Poster
Username: Misty
Post Number: 1167
Registered: 02-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 04, 2007 - 10:46 am: |
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can understand the point nels made about being articulate.
who would disagree that the English language spoken by our black brothers and sisters today has changed but not for the better.?
how did "dawg" and nigguh find their way into our vocabulary?
terms that were inappropriately coined and used to describe african people such as "••••••" have now become acceptable amongst african americans!
and dawg?
where did that come from?
if we express ourselves in that way and use words
like that to describe each other then people like nels will always have cause to ridicule African American people.
we are people..not "nigguhs or dawgs!
ok i know those words are classed as slang or street words but i think we can do better than that.
what group DOESN'T use slang?? i bet you most of those blacks who use slang could still do pass a grammar test...and im with yvette on this one. i remembner when i was in highschool a few of the kids who sounded the most "ignorant" were making some of the best grades in the class. To me what nels is talking aobut is purely cosmetics |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10158
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 04, 2007 - 10:58 am: |
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Well, there's Ebonics and then there's slang. I agree with Yukio, that in certain lines of work, being proficient at your trade can to some degree neutralize your poor grammar. There's pretty much a consensus that being bi-lingual, - being able to switch back and forth between black talk and standard English under any given circumstances is the ideal ability to have. |
Imtiredowaiting
Newbie Poster
Username: Imtiredowaiting
Post Number: 29
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 04, 2007 - 12:59 pm: |
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looky here sistuh
eyes go-nah fix me somes cornbread an re-ibs..eyes sure would appreciate you coming over to share it wits me!
10 points to anyone that can convert that into perfect English?
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Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9703
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 04, 2007 - 01:14 pm: |
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Am I the only one here who's laughing at the irony that some young, dumba$$, PWT, uneducated reality TV show MODEL has inspired Black foks to debate how WE should communicate? |
Nels
Veteran Poster
Username: Nels
Post Number: 961
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 05, 2007 - 12:38 am: |
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Misty --
"To me what nels is talking aobut is purely cosmetics"
Cosmetics? Hardly. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2739
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 05, 2007 - 02:07 pm: |
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"i bet you most of those blacks who use slang could still do pass a grammar test..."
Sorry, but I don't think so........
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Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9713
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 08:24 am: |
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Who in America (other than uptight English professors) DON’T regularly use some form of slang?
WHO?
This vilification of Ebonics is ridiculous. Because implied within it is the gross FALLACY that only poor, undereducated Blacks use non-standard English.
One thing I found laughably ironic about the august DR. Bill Cosby’s initial tirade (in 2004) about ignant ghetto Black foks was how poorly WORDED his commentary was.
And even now we have a 2-term President whom I seriously doubt could conjugate a fuhking verb.
Yet foks want to get their self-righteous row off po’ Black foks?
This is REALLY all a sort of very detestable intellectual (and racist) bullying. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10194
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 11:40 am: |
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White skin can void poor grammar. Knowing how to speak standard English is a black weapon in the war against racial discrimination. Slang is a different vernacular from Ebonics. How can anybody not be encouraged to be bi-lingual? |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5422
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 11:44 am: |
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Knowing how to speak standard English is a black weapon in the war against racial discrimination
(Lord, it's time for you to call her home) |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5423
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 11:47 am: |
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i bet you most of those blacks who use slang could still do pass a grammar test..."
(I use slang and could WRITE a grammar test. Ever read "Uncle Tom's Children" by Richard Wright? Ever read anything by Zora Neale Hurston?
I thought this was a book site! Who let these functional illiterates in here!) |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10195
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 11:54 am: |
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I know I've said something valid when chrishayden has to resort to invoking the lord's name in lieu of a valid response. If you think that a black person who knows how to speak standard English doesn't have a leg up in a competitive world, then the lord needs to call you home, sucka. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2756
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 07, 2007 - 06:07 pm: |
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"Who in America (other than uptight English professors) DON’T regularly use some form of slang?"
I don't think that's the point ABM. Everyone use some slang in one form or another. But when the English language is so hacked and butchered it's rendered almost unintelligible, well.....then there may be a problem.
"This vilification of Ebonics is ridiculous."
I don't think so. When you are restricted to poor grammar, double and triple negatives, it only serves to handicap you in the real world. It's ok for your homies and life in the hood but when you can't communicate beyond that particular circle, well, you're going to have problems in the bigger world.
"Because implied within it is the gross FALLACY that only poor, undereducated Blacks use non-standard English."
I think anyone would be hard pressed to make a compelling argument that only poor blacks use non-standard English. Most people do. I know I do. But that's not the problem. The problem is when the English becomes so convoluted, it's difficult for the users to communicate effectively, written or oral, beyond their sub-group. Not having the ability to write or speak English in a reasonable manner only serves to handicap an individual. There are no advantages to poor and limited language skills.
"And even now we have a 2-term President whom I seriously doubt could conjugate a fuhking verb."
I agree. The man is pathetic. And he was supposed to be the savior and reformist of our failing national public education system. Yet he sounds like a victim of it. No acceptable excuses for his embarrassing inarticulation can be made.
"Yet foks want to get their self-righteous row off po’ Black foks?"
Self righteousness has nothing to do with it. It's recognizing a serious problem that only limits, not enhances ones chances outside their sub-group.
"This is REALLY all a sort of very detestable intellectual (and racist) bullying."
I couldn't disagree more. I have a number of junior college and working adult night class university (Phoenix, National, etc) students I help with their project papers and speech classes. Their English is bad. They really struggle. It's sad. Not saying mine is much better but at least I can put a few sentences together and I can address a group of people without them scratching their heads wondering what I'm trying to say. Once again, the advantage goes to those who have reasonably mastered the language, not those who struggle to be understood outside their peer group.
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Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9718
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 07, 2007 - 08:46 pm: |
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Ntfs,
The degree of disimilarity between standard English and Ebonic is false argument against or indict of Ebonics. Yes, much of Ebonics strays from standard English. But it's as similar to standard English as other American English dialects.
Black people have always had different methods of speaking English. But that didn't prevent those of us who wanted/needed to speak the Queens English from being able to do.
This issue is whether or not those who regularly speak Ebonics are also willing to learn to effectively wield standard English. In that respect, it's no different from whether or not one who primarily speaks Spanish or Polish are willing to properly speak English.
Those who put forth sufficient effort will learn to effective do BOTH, much like how a bilingual person speaks English in certain environments and situations and Spanish for other purposes.
But this particular condemnation of Ebonics has a very racist and classist tone and objective. It's NOT just about teaching discourse. It's just one of MANY ways to demean and degrade poor Black people. And many of those foks KNOW they are being ridiculed and they, to everyone's detriment, rebel against learning standard English. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10214
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 07, 2007 - 09:24 pm: |
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I agree with you, NTFS. Any learned well-spoken black person can use slang. But a person mired in Ebonics cannot speak standard English. People who continue to speak Ebonics just to prove a point are only hurting themselves. Tough love suggests that those who struggle with grammar should learn to take constructive criticism. Bleeding hearts apparently believe that poor folks should not be corrected but should just be humored and pitied. What does that accomplish?? If you can't offer a solution to a problem, then you are a part of it. |
Nels
Veteran Poster
Username: Nels
Post Number: 963
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 01:38 am: |
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Ebonics is purely assinine bullshit any way you cut it, and it hovers around the most ignorant of the ignorant. Mispronounciation is one thing, but Ebonics is a total lack of command of the formal lauguage and its fundamentals, contextually or otherwise. It represents not the unwillingness, but the inability to properly comprehend and execute in virtually any linguistic capacity. Many blacks have a tendency to champion Ebonics, only to see the detrimental effects of its embracement retard the progress of those who preach its virtues. Ebonics is nothing but a crutch. |
Brownbeauty123
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Brownbeauty123
Post Number: 2124
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 09:13 am: |
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I honestly, don't know any Black people who speak Ebonics as a first language. Certain individuals are just taking this too far.
The only time I hear Ebonics is in rap music. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10216
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 11:05 am: |
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Rap is not Ebonics; it's free stylin. Ebonics is the fractured English spoken every day in the inner cities. Standard English is the langugage of educated professionals. If people don't want to aspire to that level then nobody is forcing them to change the way they speak. |
Brownbeauty123
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Brownbeauty123
Post Number: 2125
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 01:42 pm: |
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Ebonics is used in rap music. That's how most young kids learn the latest slang.
I am from the inner city, and most of them do speak standard English. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10221
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 02:22 pm: |
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Rap music is a form of poetry, BB. And once again slang is not Ebonics. Maybe in your part of the country, underclass kids use proper grammar but elsewhere they don't, and one reason cited for this is that they don't want to sound "white." |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2761
Registered: 10-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 03:36 pm: |
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"The degree of disimilarity between standard English and Ebonic is false argument against or indict of Ebonics. Yes, much of Ebonics strays from standard English. But it's as similar to standard English as other American English dialects."
I don't think so bro. Ebonics is so far removed from standard North American English, that it is unlike any other form of non-standard English spoken. And I don't mean in a good way.
"Black people have always had different methods of speaking English. But that didn't prevent those of us who wanted/needed to speak the Queens English from being able to do."
Good. The sad part is that not enough blacks have made the effort to speak and write standard English. Once again, you seem to believe there is nothing wrong with speaking poor English for the sake of some kind of misguided racial pride. Such a mindset (believing standard correct English is an thinly disguised racist assault on po' black foks, as you say) has resulted in countless numbers blacks being isolated from opportunities and playing fields simply because they lack the required language skills.
"This issue is whether or not those who regularly speak Ebonics are also willing to learn to effectively wield standard English. In that respect, it's no different from whether or not one who primarily speaks Spanish or Polish are willing to properly speak English."
You are joking -right? I have yet to hear "one advantage" of being limited to speaking so-called Ebonics. NOT ONE! Not to mention the fact that "Spanish" and "Polish" are legitimately recognized languages. Once again, if you want to impress your homies with the latest slang from listening to hip-hop or watching BET, MTV or VH1, fine. But if you want to impress a potential employer during a job interview or if you want an executive level job with IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, Exxon, General Motors or a Fortune 500 Company, I strongly suggest you make the effort to speak standard English -not so-called Ebonics.
"Those who put forth sufficient effort will learn to effective do BOTH, much like how a bilingual person speaks English in certain environments and situations and Spanish for other purposes."
Again, you're joking -right? ABM, your argument seems to revolve around somekind of fierce respect for so-called Ebonics. Which is ok as long as it is not the only means of communication. But what you fail to realize is the long term effects of being limited to speaking sub-standard English. Your argument seems to suggest a so-called Ebonics speaking child should be respected and we should tolerate individual differences. But in reality, the truth is that not immediately correcting the child's substandard English, is in itself, disrespecting the child even more. Why? Because whether it is a non-standard English speaking hillbilly child or a black child, respect for the child has little to do with tolerating or not tolerating incorrect English. What should be the primary goal is ensuring the child has the proper lingusitical skills necessary to make him or her competitive in a world where standard English is the norm.
"But this particular condemnation of Ebonics has a very racist and classist tone and objective. It's NOT just about teaching discourse. It's just one of MANY ways to demean and degrade poor Black people."
Now I know you're joking. First of all, so-called Ebonics "is not" a language. It is a mixture of a dialect and slang. There is nothing wrong with that, but slang and dialect have no place in a professional workplace or the classroom. You cannot seriously believe black children can advance educationally or professionally in a world that does not recognize so-called Ebonics. Is so-called Ebonics the answer to help black students with their academic performances? In Oakland (where the so-called Ebonics debacle became national news), 71 percent of students in special-education classes are black. They have the lowest grade-point average of any racial or ethnic group.
Now, you may attempt to argue that the Black students deficiency in verbal skills and self-esteem is because of the lack of respect given to their immersion in street slang and non standard English (so-called Ebonics). But legitimate self-esteem is gained from academic achievement, not flattery. Accepting and encouraging so-called Ebonics tells students that it is OK to accept lower standards. We shouldn't cheat future generations of blacks by expecting less of them than was expected of previous generations. So-called Ebonics is not the answer to helping black people achieve academic parity or professional success. It hurts rather than helps them.
One more thing. To illuminate the urgency and seriousness of grasping standard English, even Jessie Jackson (of all people) said, "I understand the attempt to reach out to black children, but this is an unacceptable surrender, border-lining disgrace (so-called Ebonics). It's teaching down to our children." E'nuff said.............
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Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2762
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 03:41 pm: |
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"People who continue to speak Ebonics just to prove a point are only hurting themselves. Tough love suggests that those who struggle with grammar should learn to take constructive criticism. Bleeding hearts apparently believe that poor folks should not be corrected but should just be humored and pitied. What does that accomplish?? If you can't offer a solution to a problem, then you are a part of it."
Ummmmmmmm......Ms. Cynique, I think thats a rap...we're done here.....
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Brownbeauty123
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Brownbeauty123
Post Number: 2126
Registered: 03-2006
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 07:51 pm: |
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"Rap music is a form of poetry, BB. And once again slang is not Ebonics. Maybe in your part of the country, underclass kids use proper grammar but elsewhere they don't, and one reason cited for this is that they don't want to sound "white."
That is so far from the truth.
I often have to wonder Cynique, when was the last time you've been around a bunch of inner city kids besides "relatives"? Are you just going by what has been passed down to you or firsthand experience? Because I can confidently tell you that the stereotype that all inner city kids speak Ebonics is just that a "stereotype" that has been exaggerated to the 100th degree.
As for "sounding white" it has less to do with speaking perfect grammer and more to do with the "tone" of your voice. Those kids who have that White accent are the ones who get teased for sounding White. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10227
Registered: 01-2004
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 09:10 pm: |
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Rap lyrics are verses that rhyme - and as such are a form of poetry. So what is it you are wondering about, BB? You said absolutely nothing that proved me wrong. All you are doing is drawing from your limited sphere of experience. Teachers and black leaders would be not lamenting the ill effects of Ebonics if it was not a wide-spread problem among the children of the underclasses. I am not just making all of this up. There is a also much evidence that inner city black kids associate standard English with acting white. Just because all of this doesn't set right with you doesn't make it false. All you are doing is substituting indignation for rebuttal. And I thought you were supposed to be this middle-class college student. Have your circumstances changed? Puleeze. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10230
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 09:41 pm: |
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BTW, I don't get this info second hand or from relatives. Lord knows, I hear it every day, loud and clear as crowds of kids troop past my house on their way home from school every afternoon. The town I live in is about 80 percent black and there is a very prevelant inner city element within it and their grammar is terrible. |
Brownbeauty123
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Brownbeauty123
Post Number: 2127
Registered: 03-2006
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 09:51 pm: |
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So middle class people are only allowed to associate with other middle class people? I guess where you live people from different social economic classes never cross paths with each other.
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Brownbeauty123
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Brownbeauty123
Post Number: 2128
Registered: 03-2006
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 09:52 pm: |
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No one else should dare have an opinion on anything since you know every damn thing, Cynique. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10232
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 10:09 pm: |
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You stated you opinion as fact and you certainly had a problem with my opinion, didn't you, BB? And suddenly you are privvy to inner city children when before, you claimed to be a middle-class college student. Get your stories straight and your panties out of a bunch. LMAO. |
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