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

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Permalink Reply by Michael R. on July 8, 2009 at 2:59pm

This thread is all kinds of awesome:)

Permalink Reply by Victoria Finch on July 8, 2009 at 3:35pm

Thanks I agree. I decided to leave it open for a little longer.

Permalink Reply by Kevin L. Johnson on July 9, 2009 at 9:05am

How much longer. I must admit I'm jumping in on the tail end of things, and I may say some stuff that has already been said, but hey. I'm a young blackman that owns his own medical practice, and I speak ebonics when I wanna. There is a time and place for everything. I have many family members from Belize, when they are around each other we talk "Ras-talk". But, everyone is capable of speaking the Queens english properly.

Do I use "I be" in the business setting? Certainly not. Do I use ebonics around my white friends, yep, sometimes, as do they.

Do I get offended when "whitey try to slap me some skin" instead of giving me a proper handshake? Yes.

Where am I going with this? Not sure, but it was fun chiming in.

Ayo Peace

Permalink Reply by Lindsey Taylor on July 9, 2009 at 10:38am

I do not think you are beig overly sensitive, and I also think that a professional shouldn't address anyone in any other nature except professional while at work. So that was unprofessional on his part!

As far as my addressing people (any person) I feel out the situation. I try to be myself, which at times can be extremely white LOL, but I can't change that. I work with Midwest Leak Magazine (a hip-hop magazine) and I encounter issues like this alot, but you know what I just go on and try to have control of that situation as much as possible, and be professional. Even though they are artists I still don't say things like "What's up dawg" etc. First off it isn't me and second, like you said, I don't know that person.

So, no I think you are right for being offended, and that doesn't make you any less of anything, just adult!

Permalink Reply by Lindsey Taylor on July 9, 2009 at 10:53am

As I was looking through all the comments I just can't believe what I walked in to, now I have something else to say LOL! First off, some of the comments were just crazy (some in a good way some in a bad way). Victoria, I hate that you had to defend yourself on many occasions just because you felt offended at the time, you know what, that is how you felt and nobody can make you change that. As far as ebonics goes, there are ebonics with every age group, I don't want to say race, but younger people black, white, asian, etc. all speak ebonics it doesn't mean they are stupid, uneducation, "don't speak English", or whatever, it is just the product of society and societal influences.

Thanks Victoria for spicing up my day!!!! And make no apologies for how you feel EVER.

Permalink Reply by Victoria Finch on July 9, 2009 at 4:22pm

Chris,
Valid question. Let me clarify. I was not offened by the nurse. What I find hightly offensive is someone speaking differently to me or anyone based upon appearance.

Permalink Reply by Becky Reich on July 9, 2009 at 1:05pm

Interesting topic. I think, as a white female, that it is NOT a concious decision for me to use ebonics or slang with a black person simply beacuse of tehir skin color...it is more common for me for all uses. Maybe this is because I have many black family members and friends, coach at a predominately black school, etc. Ebonics is a part of my environment too. Now, I do feel that people in certain positions should treat strangers with a higher level of respect, no matter the color of their skin. It should be maam, or greeting by name...no matter who is greeting and who is being greeted.

So, I apologize for offending someone, if I ever have. But at the same time, I don't know that it is fair to assume that because I am white, I have no right to use words that are in my vocabulary and in my daily environment too, or that my doing so to you was only because you are black...because that is insulting to me.

Great discussion.

Permalink Reply by Kevin L. Johnson on July 9, 2009 at 1:44pm

I have a problem with the black community that settles for mediocrity. I'm more insulted by kids and grown ups in their 30's wearing their pants around their ankles. But I won't hijack your thread..OUT

Permalink Reply by Victoria Finch on July 9, 2009 at 4:34pm

I have a problem with the black community that settles for mediocrity.

I don't understand.

Permalink Reply by Victoria Finch on July 9, 2009 at 4:30pm

This has been a long discussion. Earlier I commented that I did not hear the nurse address his white patients or his colleagues in the same manner. Also, some of my white girl friends have posted comments that they have always called me girl. We as women tend to me more familiar with one another so it seems natural to be called "girl" by women no matter what the color.

So, I apologize for offending someone, if I ever have. But at the same time, I don't know that it is fair to assume that because I am white, I have no right to use words that are in my vocabulary and in my daily environment too, or that my doing so to you was only because you are black...because that is insulting to me.

I do not believe anyone who has posted has indicated that is it wrong to use any words. This is a discussion on the context in which certain words are used.

Permalink Reply by Kevin L. Johnson on July 10, 2009 at 10:46am

Ok, yes I agree with you on the mesopotmain area as being where civilization began as we know it to be. However, there are other beliefs that there were many more civilizations, and much more advanced than the few we know of that were the "beginings".

I have not read all the post. I ain't got that much time(ebonic use here). But I don't sit around and tally up who is this color or that either. I just think people need to realize slavery here is a relatively recent happening. Also, black people were treated as less than human in my dad, and probably your fathers time as well. Hell, I remember being chased by white teenagers when I was a boy. I have been called names, and spit on by those types of people. My experience is not unique. I think that is where the sensitivity comes from with black folks.

Anyway, I wish you well in your business endeavor, and thanks for adding me as a friend. Someone should end this discussion before there are anymore hurt feelings. Laters.

Permalink Reply by Loree Everette on July 10, 2009 at 11:21am

I don’t want to downplay anyone’s right to feel offended, but I’m sure the nurse did not intend to make you feel anything other than comforted. Could it be that this is just his usual MO? I cannot change what people will say to me or, especially, how they say it. What I can change is MY perception and understand that most everyone comes from a place of friendship. Most often, unless you’ve fist offended, they do not intend to upset you. This is an interesting tread of discussion, but could we all just loosen up?

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