Speaking correct english vs. talking "white"
31 replies
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7468 views
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Started by R-Tistic
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Jul 2004
R-Tistic
Los Angeles, CA
Alright...this is an issue that I always hear about. It seems that some blacks are told that they talk white, or that they sound white, and whenever it happens these blacks will usually take offense. They will usually say something like, "Just because I speak correct english doesn't mean I talk white" or "just because I don't sound ignorant doesn't mean I sound like I am white."
To me, I don't think there is a definition of what it means to sound black or white, but I definitely do think there is something that we can generally say is sounding white and black, not even dealing with speaking correct english or not. From how I see it, sounding white and speaking correct can be different...it is more in having a "white" accent than just speaking correct. Jackie Reid doesn't sound that white to me, neither does Kobe Bryant or Kevin Frazier or most people of that level. Talking white to me is more less the white accent, slang, laugh, and voice. Sayin "like" 5 times a sentence, stuff like "awesome!" "like, oh my God!" and phrases like that will classify as sounding white to me. So if someone is told they sound white just because they speak proper, that person is ignorant for saying it...but if they say it for the reasons I just listed, then I could agree with them. Also, there is nothing wrong with sounding white, especially if that is who you grew up around, I have a lot of friends who sound white and I joke about it sometimes but it is nothing serious at all.
I expect to get all types of replies, and I know some people may be offended or come with the whole speech about "there is no such thing as sounding black or white" and all that, so go ahead with it..this is just how I see things.
#1
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It's hard to define, you know it when you hear it, and I agree, It has nothing to do with grammar and syntax,etc. More like the tone and pitch of the voice.. Bryant Gumbel, white, Colin Powell..Black.
#2
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hmmm...
I'd say I do feel most of what you're saying....
but at the same time...some Black people really are quick to call the voice of a Black person who speaks correctly "White"...
some don't like to hear too many big words :roll:, y'know...
I think that's all of what it is....
it's especially apparent when you come to the South....NO OFFENSE 2 native southerners, but ya'll know very well as I that a lot of people born on this side tend to have more of a slack way of speaking...& so when a Black who articulates, enunciates, and correctly pronounces his/her words in the presence of certain Southerners...they start acting as if that person feels he/she better...or superior...when that usually isn't the case...
but yeah, some Blacks do just have that "valley girl/surfer dude"-soundin' voice, lol....and I guess that's what most Blacks mean when they say one is sounding White...
nothin' wrong with it as long as you're not jus' puttin' up a front...& be someone you're not....
#3
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I feel wat ya sayin tho
co-sign that sh*t!Quote:some don't like to hear too many big words , y'know...

