[Rocky Coggins]

While living in New Orleans I was witness to a very powerful and self destructive activity. Wonderful kids in the black community with immeasurable potential were literally and figuratively attacked if they spoke anything other than the very distinct street dialect found in New Orleans. The dialects are so distinct that it may be limited to a single area of the city. I am sure it happens in other communities but I first encountered it in New Orleans. The city is broadly integrated racially and economically and has been for much of its recent history. The city is 75-80% black and 100% black controlled. An oppressive “white” majority is not THIS problem – it may be an excuse – but it is not the problem giving life to this self inflicted injury. Why? Why use a specialized and limiting dialect to the exclusion of Standard English. Well constructed written and spoken communications are tools that may allow potential to be realized. Why is “U B tri-en to be white!” so powerful when for the attacker “dat B all he got.” Can a black mom and dad hoping for a better life for their child and sacrificing to make it happen compete with the “power” on the street?

User Detail :  

Name : Rocky Coggins, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Christian, Age : 56, City : Pullman, State : WA, Country : United States, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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