Did you hear that color?
|
Posted By: Aaron Williams on July 24, 2009 *This is an editorial that appeared in the May 1, 2008 edition of the West Side Journal, the official newspaper of West Baton Rouge Parish. The editorial, written by me, won 1st place for Best Editorial in the Louisiana Press Association awards.* Did You Hear That Color? Does color make a sound? If you could hear red, what would it sound like? If you could hear blue, would it sound like a blowing breeze? Questions like this are not even really worth consideration because we all know that a color cannot make a sound. So why is it that when a black man or woman speak eloquently and in a sophisticated manner they "don't sound black"? I thought colors couldn't speak? I am a young black man. I was raised to speak with correct English. Not broken English, not ebonics; I was raised by parents who did not want me to sound ignorant. And because I knew how to avoid the resonance of ignorance, I avoided so many other things that kids and adults alike get into that is rather foolish. I played sports and excelled. I played football at a Junior College in Mississippi. Everything I put my hand to was seemingly blessed. And I attribute it all to my parents, who taught me that vocabulary is important. Learn new words, they would challenge me. My father challenged me to even study the dictionary. Why? Not so that I could come around people and talk and get told I don't sound a specific way I'm supposed to. Black, white, red, blue or green - whatever color you are, vocabulary is important in the world. Even rappers and hip-hop artists know how to correctly use words - that's how they bring forth the lyrics they do. So no matter what race you are, I challenge you to expand your vocabulary and your mind. Don't think that because a person has a certain skin tone that he or she has to speak a certain way. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
Comments
|
Yeah, it's more - but my main point was this - why is it that we as a culture have to sound a particular way? I do the same thing, I speak a certain way when I'm around my friends then when I'm, say, interviewing a city official for an article. So I'm just as guilty as the next guy. But I'm just saying, we can't categorize people by their speech - white, black, yellow, red - it doesn't really matter that much, does it? Why do white people accept black people more when they come speaking like Carlton Banks, yet our own people are more likely to accept me when I talk like I'm from the 'hood? We should get to know one another based on something of more substance than that. A people will only go as far as their own small boundaries as a culture unless a paradigm shift takes place. Then comes the question - How do we expand our boundaries? How do we shift the paradigm? Monday, July 27th 2009 at 9:27PM |
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
Review of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Full-Size SUVTwo years ago, Mazda shook up the big SUV market with the CX-90. It was unique and more enjoyable to drive than many rivals, but it also had some quirks. For 2026, Mazda isn't trying to reinvent the w ...more
Randi Payton • 36 Views • May 11th, 2026 |
 |
Review of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Full-Size SUVTwo years ago, Mazda shook up the big SUV market with the CX-90. It was unique and more enjoyable to drive than many rivals, but it also had some quirks. For 2026, Mazda isn't trying to reinvent the w ...more
Randi Payton • 35 Views • May 11th, 2026 |
 |
Audubon Center now that's a place to find KrishnARun don't walk to your nearest Audubon Bird Center
https://columbusaudubon.org/ ...more
Hija Chang • 62 Views • May 10th, 2026 |
 |
Best Mommy MemorieSAttending a baby shower for my sistA
Attending college graduations during Mommuhs Month
The month of May is hectic or relaxinG
Finals, Graduation,
Traveling, Private Pilot Lessons, Weddings, P ...more
Hija Chang • 76 Views • May 10th, 2026 |
 |
Team mates Central State University 👩🏽🎓👨🏾🎓Capitol UniversityLong Street to thee Gould Coast
Mothers you make life like a Dozen Roses like A to Z each moment each memory each clover is unique🎰
May family life keep our Mommuhs hyppy ...more
Hija Chang • 64 Views • May 10th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 71,315,809 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 119,587 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 77,959 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
Hija Chang • 62,800 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
