Why is it that when someone of a different ethnic background is able to speak in clear consice, manner people say that the individual is speaking like a white person. The last time I check speaking properly was not restricted to only white people. I have noticed that both black and white people say this: "You speak like a white person"
Well I gues my question why do we associate the use of proper language with being white?
2007-08-09 06:30:50 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
People who say such things are racist. Sadly, there are people of all races who are racist.
Why do people associate the use of proper language with being white? I'll tell you.... There is no such thing as speaking "proper". Languages have evolved so much over the years that there is no one specific way of speaking any of them in a "correct" manner. What it all boils down to is that there are particular ways that a number of white Americans speak (just as there are particular ways that a number of other people speak). It's a matter of culture, NOT "proper" English (or "proper" whatever other language). The "white way" of speaking came to be known as "proper" due to the fact that our country (and other countries) has been dominated by whites for quite some time... And, unfortunately, other cultures buy into the "white lie" so to speak (thinking that white = proper/correct).
It's ok to speak in a manner that others refer to as "proper". You don't have to adhere to a particular culture. Individuality is far more important than culture or anything else. Please know that you are NOT talking white, black, or whatever. You are talking how YOU WANT TO TALK.
2007-08-09 07:00:06 · answer #1 · answered by SINDY 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
This is a legitimate question and I'm faced with this on a daily. I speak in a clear concise manner and I always have. I'm told on a daily that I sound like a white girl. I was raised in Columbus, Ohio and I would emulate my teachers because I wanted to talk like them (My reading teacher was black). I loved to read as a child and I guess that helped with pronouncing words clearly. Now my 12 year old daughter is the same way.
After moving to Florida she is now trying to change the natural way she speaks and add in more broken English and slang. She's doing this to fit in. I tell her all the that it's not cute to sound stupid or uneducated no-matter what your race is. Not that standard English is proper English; however I know that when I go to visit my private banker or physician, if they start talking Ebonics I will turn around and walk out. It's okay as an adult when around friends as long as you can really be professional when needed.
2007-08-09 13:49:01 · answer #2 · answered by honeyb 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's because the basis of our language (English) is derived from a white, European ethnic and cultural background. As a result the standard for correct or proper usage is associated with that ethnic background.
Even though many 'whites' don't use proper grammar, especially on Y!A, the correct use is still regarded as primarily a white trait.
Probably if we had a language from some other tradition, it's correct use would be associated with that culture.
2007-08-09 13:45:25 · answer #3 · answered by Mark S 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you might actually sound like a white person. Not because you speak english properly (which few people do) but because you just sound like a white person.
See I dont think sounding white means sounding proper either. Sounding white just means sounding white. I know, that was very politically incorrect.
2007-08-09 14:22:11 · answer #4 · answered by $0.02 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
because racism is insidious and manifests itself in politics, economics, culture and language.
Read Jacques Derrida for more - or Ferdinand De Sassaure.
2007-08-09 13:34:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
bravo....
yeah...and i have felt it....one time i had a conversation with someone over the phone...they promised to let me use my check..and when i showed up in person...the claimed the never said it.....on countless occasions.....both black and white fall into this trap...it is unfortunate...but i think that we tend to put ourselves and other people in little "boxes" and don't want them to come out....cause if they do...it makes us have to think
2007-08-09 13:37:16 · answer #6 · answered by spice g 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have a clue - it's really dumb
personally I think the whole subject just perpetuates racism and separatism to another level.
2007-08-09 13:45:29 · answer #7 · answered by Lady D 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west all the time!
2007-08-09 13:34:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I agree, If you speak clearly that is not speaking white. I know very few whites where I'm from that speak intelligent. I say they speak "backwoods" or "ignorant"
2007-08-09 13:34:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
They're probably so shocked that you can be so articulate, but yet so naive. wtf...it kind of saddens me to think that there are more lost, ignorant, dumb, in denial people like you.
omg!
2007-08-09 14:44:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋