Insulted by Ebonics - Do you unknowingly stereo type other people?

Replies are closed for this discussion.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Victoria Finch on July 6, 2009 at 9:58am

The word "girl" is used in slang when said in a particular way. This discussion is not closure for me. It is just what it is a discussion. The nurse figured out that I did not want to be addressed as "girl" so he started calling me "sweetie".

The same question can be asked, Is it appropriate to address someone in a particular way because of their appearance? You have made some great points. Thanks for the input.

Permalink Reply by John Cannon on July 6, 2009 at 10:07am

Interesting question: were you less offended being called "sweetie" or "girl"?

I can see where "sweetie" might be even more politically incorrect by being sexist, depending upon the usage.

Now, please take into account that I'm from the south (Texas) and I've grown up with every clerk, waitress, female receptionist calling me sweetie, or hun, or darlin'. Personally, I LOVE IT when they do, it makes me feel warm, welcomed, accepted and a little bit like home again. It makes me smile.

However, I can see where some women might be offended if I were to do the same thing back to them, especially northern women who aren't (typically) as used to this more familiar greeting.

Personally, if I were the male nurse and I saw thatyou were uncomfortable with me being personal and familiar by calling you "girl", I'd have slipped immediately into a more professional manner, not slip sideways into another kind of familiarity.

But that's just me.

Permalink Reply by Michael R. on July 6, 2009 at 10:10am

How did the nurse "figure it out" that you didn't want to be addressed that way? And, is 'sweetie' really any better??? Sounds to me like the guy was just trying to have a relaxed conversation without the so-called professional barriers. Were you under anesthesia when all of this took place? lol

Permalink Reply by Victoria Finch on July 6, 2009 at 10:52am

LOL. No I was having an asthma attack. The nurse was just being friendly. I do not hold anything against him. I gave him the "ghetto stare" when he called me "girl" You know the one. Big eyes, head tilted, neck stuck out. Just kidding.lol

Permalink Reply by Michael R. on July 7, 2009 at 3:17am

Oh no...you "mean-mugged" him? haha

Permalink Reply by Sage McGreen on July 6, 2009 at 9:03am

James Whitcomb Riley became a famous poet using the Hoosier vernacular. Common speech became the bones of his verse. And yes, Riley had many critics indeed. I see a restless dynamic, a wavy pattern of culture, changing verses and new rhythms of life and liberty.

I'll spin the stereo-typical thought in another direction and ask, "Was the white-male nurse gay? "

Thanks for sharing your experience, I'm sorry you felt insulted. Being professional is important, especially in that type of environment, - medical care. What do you think about those crazy texting words? OMG? Is this a form of Newspeaks from Orwell's 1984? I find some abbreviations funny and others alarming.

The world is changing before our eyes and our words are living proof!

Permalink Reply by Michael R. on July 6, 2009 at 9:07am

"Sage" words from the lady of Sage.

Permalink Reply by Sage McGreen on July 6, 2009 at 9:29am

Oh Chris, we agree. Texting words are ridiculous.
Off topic a bit - Did you know the word choose is spelled "chuse" in the constitution? And my daughter spells the word girl as gurl with her friends. When I asked why she does that, she uses the same explanation I use at times - Because.
After careful research, I'm inclined to believe it's a word evolution combining URL and a girl's experience, insight, etc. It gives her empowerment, at least that's what I like to think.

Is there a standard approach to being professional and warm and friendly?

Permalink Reply by Michael R. on July 6, 2009 at 10:19am

Isn't texting words just a new millenium form of shorthand? What's so ridiculous about it?

Permalink Reply by Michael R. on July 6, 2009 at 9:30am

but our language is not...


If the English language is ever-evolving, how is it not changing?

Permalink Reply by Michael R. on July 6, 2009 at 10:26am

but our language is not...no more than it has year in and year out for the past 200 plus years!

I'm not arguing, I'm trying to get clarification as to what you meant by the above statement? Where did you get the "200" years figure from?

So, is it your stance the the American language as a whole is not any more in-depth or complicated than it was 100 years ago?

Permalink Reply by Michael R. on July 6, 2009 at 10:45am

So, with the addition of things like Ebonics, texting, etc., you don't think the language of here and now is in more of a changing state than the English language of 200+ years ago?

• First
• Previous
• Next
• Last