Page 1 of 7 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 154

Thread: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

  1. #1
    God/dess Mr Hyde's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Tampa
    Posts
    4,035
    Thanks
    278
    Thanked 586 Times in 346 Posts

    Default Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    OK let's see if this starts a firestorm...

    I have an acquaintance who was at the Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta this past weekend. He said he and his family took a tour that was led by what appeared to be a very nice, well-dressed, and well mannered black woman in her early 20s. However...

    He said that she spoke in a very distinctly non-professional manner the whole tour...not her choice of words, but the way she talked. He said she'd say things like "How's y'alls be likin Coke?" He didn't use the term ghetto, but I got the impression that it was what he was trying to describe. He said if he was president of Coke, and this was the representative that Coke had for guests at the museum, he'd be horrified.

    So....my question is...is it racist to be taken aback when a black person speaks in such a way in situations like this?

  2. #2
    Featured Member Lunarobverse's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Portland, OR
    Posts
    1,434
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    My first and last post in this thread:

    Yes.
    Visit my home on the internets:

    Lunar Obverse

    Where I talk about strip clubs, atheism, computers, and whatever else I wanna.

  3. #3
    God/dess SundayMorning's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    3,152
    Thanks
    5
    Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    I don't know. I kind of liken it to how Hollywood will cast actors with British accents for roles where they're supposed to be mystical and intelligent and insightful. Just a perception of what's "educated" or "cultured." I think that if the tour guide had been white and spoke with the same accent as you describe above (not uncommon in many areas) then your acquaintance would likely have had the same reaction. That's what would keep me from calling racism, I think.


  4. #4
    God/dess Mr Hyde's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Tampa
    Posts
    4,035
    Thanks
    278
    Thanked 586 Times in 346 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    Quote Originally Posted by Lunarobverse View Post
    My first and last post in this thread:

    Yes.
    Sorry, you don't get off that easy.

    Why?

    What if YOU owned the business...wouldn't you want someone articulate in such a role?

  5. #5
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Temporary Lurkmode...
    Posts
    12,609
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 79 Times in 35 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    Maybe her speech is more like a dialect of the English language. It sounds like her speech wasn't derogatory in nature or in intent. I don't think it makes them racist but more or less ignorant of how people speak. I see you're in Tampa and thats not far from the south. I've heard southern people speak much differently than us Californian people. I view different forms of English language could be termed improper use but they are no different than your Jersey or Wisconsin accents.
    you live like an ivy vine
    you can only survive by clinging onto trees
    that's your flaw
    put down some roots so you can stand on your own
    -Kenpachi



  6. #6
    God/dess hockeybobby's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    4,969
    Thanks
    1,811
    Thanked 597 Times in 382 Posts
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    It's down in the deep south right? That's how a lot of people talk down there as I recall. And the lady is guiding tourists and out-of-towners most likely. Her talking like that is probably what is expected by the patrons and will only add to the flavour of the experience I believe.

    Now, if it had been more acceptable coming from a white person, well I suppose then that would be racist.
    hb

  7. #7
    High_Heel_Lover
    Guest

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    I don't know perhaps if the person was white and used a horrid vocabulary would it be racist to point it out? I think it perhaps was directed at the way the woman spoke but not her race?

    I for instance, according to my husband have a slight accent, I'm from Puerto Rico but he says that the only reason you can tell is because I try hard to pronounce words so proper people know that I am not a local.

    In order to work at a place where speech and being able to understand the person speaking I believe it is very important that proper English is spoken, no matter what race, now if that was the only obstacle that the person has but has very good people skills and was the most qualified person for the job then too bad for those who wish to be spoken too in a better way.

  8. #8
    cameron_keys
    Guest

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    I dont think I'd be horrified..she isnt the CEO, shes a minimum wage tour guide. And I've heard a lot of white people who speak "ghetto" as well..it isnt just limited to one race

  9. #9
    Featured Member AznExtasy's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    1,880
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 33 Times in 23 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    I don't think it's racist. Ebonics or talking "ghetto" can be more suitable for elsewhere, but a museum guide should use proper grammar. I assume people from all over the world would come to see a Coca Cola museum, not just from Atlanta where they could all understand her with no problem.

  10. #10
    Veteran Member sparkleeyz's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Where I dream of Brooklyn, PA
    Posts
    705
    Thanks
    3
    Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    I take it that your friend isn't from the south? Besides that, NO, it's not racist to decry how the woman spoke. It becomes racist when you/he generalize her way of speech to be a common factor associated with ALL black people. The situation/question addressed here really had nothing to do with the fact that the woman was black.....or did it? Would he have had the same reaction if the woman was white? If so, then there is no problem. If not, then yes, it is racist. I understand that we as people feel the need to describe people by skin color/ethnicity. ie. There is a group of 4 men, one man is taller than all the rest. If you are trying to tell your friend to look at the taller man, most would tend to say "The black guy" rather than saying, "the tall guy". I do it all the time. My point is, I understand why he described the woman and included her ethnicity. But my take, I don't think he was being racist.
    "I Can Sell Raid To A Bug. i'm A Hustler I Can Sell Salt To A Slug" -Cassidy

  11. #11
    God/dess twisterinAZ's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Scottsdale
    Posts
    2,228
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 9 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    I think it's almost like having a southern twang or regional dialect. What's the big deal ? Not everyone speaks like an English Lit. professor.
    Feel the fear and do it anyway.

  12. #12
    Banned i.breathe.in's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2006
    Location
    ohio
    Posts
    4,967
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    i think ghetto speak is freaking annoying. i dont care if your blue purple southern or northern, its tacky, and most of the time i cant understand a damn thing they are saying.

    why was the race mentioned? becuase most people who speak ghetto-ese are black. its a hard sentence to read for some people but come on how many articulate speakers are in predominantly black areas. lets be real.

    im leaving my comments there, and gonna sit back and watch the flames rise.

    now feel free to insult my lack of spelling and capitalization
    Last edited by i.breathe.in; 03-03-2008 at 12:14 PM.

  13. #13
    God/dess hockeybobby's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    4,969
    Thanks
    1,811
    Thanked 597 Times in 382 Posts
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    Oh c'mon...where does this "ghetto" stuff come from? It's just a southern drawl. It's a regional accent. Not unlike our Maritimers in Canada. Sometimes you can't understand what they're saying because it's so different from what you are used to, but it's unique and interesting and totally appropriate to the area.

    I don't see how race enters into it at all.
    hb

  14. #14
    Banned i.breathe.in's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2006
    Location
    ohio
    Posts
    4,967
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    Quote Originally Posted by hockeybobby View Post
    Oh c'mon...where does this "ghetto" stuff come from? It's just a southern drawl. It's a regional accent. Not unlike our Maritimers in Canada. Sometimes you can't understand what they're saying because it's so different from what you are used to, but it's unique and interesting and totally appropriate to the area.

    I don't see how race enters into it at all.
    hb

    yes deffinatly southern dialects are different, but ghetto-ese is spoken all over the country. its hard to say if the person in question just had a southern accent or was rocking the ebonics.

  15. #15
    Banned jasmine's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2002
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    1,728
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    No, it isn't racist at all.
    Hell, I was raised to speak horrible, broken, southern redneck english, and I learned to speak properly and lost a lot of my twang in order to work in a professional environment. If I hadn't corrected my speech I never would have been hired for any office job and no one would ever question that decision. Diction and pronunciation are very important and some people have to work a bit to overcome what was ingrained during childhood.

  16. #16
    Banned Katrine's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2003
    Posts
    13,855
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    It sounds more like elitism rather than racism.

    Either way, racist/elitist/sexist/classist/xenophobic/ageist thoughts occur in all of us. We are products of our environments, and I know few people from extremely open and tolerant backgrounds. Its our actions now that matter.

    Would they have said the same thing if it was a white guide with a heavy appalachian accent? Or a foreign guide who spoke heavily accented english? Point is, it may or may not be racist. Did it really affect their positive experience of a tour of a goddamn factory?

    "Have you ever been to American wedding? Where is the vodka, where's marinated herring?" - GB
    "And do the cats give a shit? No, they do not. Why? Because they're cats."-from The Onion

    Quote Originally Posted by Mia M
    If a cupcake was tossed at me... well, I'd only be upset if it missed my mouth

  17. #17
    God/dess
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    San Diego, CA
    Posts
    2,210
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    My hand is too swollen to type:
    You can't love something you think is flawless - me


  18. #18
    God/dess scarlett_vancouver's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Vancouver, BC
    Posts
    6,699
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 22 Times in 20 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    Sounds racist to me, because it impies tha only black people speak that way. Which is obviously not true.

    Feature costumes for sale!

  19. #19
    God/dess Bella21's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2003
    Location
    SoCal
    Posts
    7,772
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 40 Times in 35 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    Well, I don't think race enters in to the benefits of speaking proper English (or, speaking properly for whatever area you are in). The title of the thread, however...
    If you think school is hard, try being stupid.

  20. #20
    Veteran Member sparkleeyz's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Where I dream of Brooklyn, PA
    Posts
    705
    Thanks
    3
    Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    Quote Originally Posted by i.breathe.in View Post
    i think ghetto speak is freaking annoying. i dont care if your blue purple southern or northern, its tacky, and most of the time i cant understand a damn thing they are saying.

    why was the race mentioned? becuase most people who speak ghetto-ese are black. its a hard sentence to read for some people but come on how many articulate speakers are in predominantly black areas. lets be real.

    im leaving my comments there, and gonna sit back and watch the flames rise.

    now feel free to insult my lack of spelling and capitalization
    I venture to ask you how many predominantly black areas you have been in long enough to suggest your hypothetical "lack" of articulate speakers there. Sounds to me like you are reaching. I've NEVER in my life heard any black person recite a sentence like "Hows yalls be liking..." And I've lived in predominantly black neighborhoods on the east coast my whole life. Speak from experience, not from assumption. It's more of a REGIONAL thing, but you for some reason, with your self informed logic decided to come here and turn it into a race issue. I'm sure you have not met MOST black people, so how can you assume that most black people speak "ghetto-ese"? (As you so eloquently put it.)
    "I Can Sell Raid To A Bug. i'm A Hustler I Can Sell Salt To A Slug" -Cassidy

  21. #21
    Banned i.breathe.in's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2006
    Location
    ohio
    Posts
    4,967
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    Quote Originally Posted by sparkleeyz View Post
    I venture to ask you how many predominantly black areas you have been in long enough to suggest your hypothetical "lack" of articulate speakers there. Sounds to me like you are reaching. I've NEVER in my life heard any black person recite a sentence like "Hows yalls be liking..." And I've lived in predominantly black neighborhoods on the east coast my whole life. Speak from experience, not from assumption. It's more of a REGIONAL thing, but you for some reason, with your self informed logic decided to come here and turn it into a race issue. I'm sure you have not met MOST black people, so how can you assume that most black people speak "ghetto-ese"? (As you so eloquently put it.)
    i live near 2 projects in akron ohio. trust me. you missed where i said i dont care if you are black purple blue whatever, it annoys the shit out of me.

    anyway this racist piece of shit is voting for obama. thats how incredibly racist i am

  22. #22
    God/dess cutey5032's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2007
    Location
    the woods
    Posts
    2,215
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 17 Times in 14 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    I think its racist, because lots of white people talk like that too. Its not just limited to black people.

  23. #23
    God/dess
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    San Diego, CA
    Posts
    2,210
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    Many blacks(and whites) speak in that manner of pigeon English. It's a regional thing.

    We didn't talk that way in NYC, but if you go into the Deep South, you will hear it. Just listen to some Southern Rap.

    "Articulate speaker" is a bit hard to qualify. In both of my career fields thus far, I have appreciated CLARITY of message over sparkling grammar and vocabulary. Many so-called fans of articulate speech disdain brevity is a virtue. Most college students approach business communication as an exercise to impress the SAT Scantron machine, not to communicate a point.
    You can't love something you think is flawless - me


  24. #24
    Banned
    Joined
    Feb 2007
    Location
    ATX
    Posts
    3,502
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    No, I do not think it's racist because I would be horrified if anyone said ""How's y'alls be likin Coke?"" to me!

  25. #25
    God/dess hockeybobby's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    4,969
    Thanks
    1,811
    Thanked 597 Times in 382 Posts
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Is it racist to decry how a black person speaks?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sh0t View Post
    My hand is too swollen to type:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPr37BpjuEU
    I think this video quite effectively answers the OP's question. Thanks Sh0t.
    hb

Page 1 of 7 123 ... LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 61
    Last Post: 03-02-2012, 03:32 PM
  2. Are you a day person or a night person?
    By Magdalena_666 in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 70
    Last Post: 05-28-2006, 11:39 AM
  3. Nobody speaks English!
    By Yekhefah in forum Hustle Hut
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 09-15-2005, 05:57 AM
  4. Replies: 5
    Last Post: 03-05-2005, 09:05 AM
  5. Barbra Speaks Out
    By Tigerlilly in forum Political Poo
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 11-09-2004, 12:31 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •