RR #21 Smitherman

Summary

With “”God Don’t Never Change”: Black English from a Black Perspective” Geneva Smitherman discusses the inequality and, in her opinion, obvious prejudice that favors “white” English instead of “black” English in academic writing. Smitherman describes Black English as a style of written language, and that it shouldn’t be labeled incorrect, rather given the same respect as White English instead. This wrongly labeled incorrectness leads to oppression and spurs unwarranted racism, Smitherman argues.

Synthesis

“God Don’t Never Change” is similar to Delpit’s article in that they both examine the disadvantages placed upon the minority. With Smitherman, Black English is heavily suppressed and White English is favored instead. This places Black English in a minority position. With Delpit, Gee’s concept of discourse is disputed. She claims that minorities are disadvantaged by Gee’s theory, saying that minorities benefit from education in foreign settings. This education leads to success, success that helps these minorities ascend to a member’s position in a discourse community, something Gee sees as impossible.

QDJ

1. Smitherman incorporates actual Black English into her writing, in an effort to substantiate it, thus successfully achieving the use of Black Idiom in a rhetorical context.

2. Language is controlled. It is subjective and can be questioned, rejected, debated on, agreed upon. This flexibility of language combined with racial dominance can lead to altering, editing, and changing of the language. Those who are in power can tweak language so that it benefits the way they speak, and disadvantages those who don’t speak the same way.

Personal Response

I liked what Smitherman was trying to say. I enjoyed her take on Black English. I don’t think I really agree with her, at least not fully. I do think that content is much more important than presentation or format, but there does need to be a basic standard that is adhered to by every writer. Basic grammar should never be disregarded. It would cause too much confusion, and, possibly, alienation. The same argument can be made against “White” English, but like I said, I don’t subscribe to that idea.