Blog 6

Original:
In her article Lisa Delpit touches on some very interesting points in her article. In particular, the cases of code switching, Ebonics, and accented workers being considered less intelligent. All of these things are brought forward with a background based, at least somewhat, on race. This is what makes this issue difficult. There is close ties to racism in Delpit's article, and really serves as a lightning rod for controversy. For example, the issue of Ebonics targeted specifically what is called "African American English". Is it a surprise that many people were upset? Not at all. In my opinion it may be difficult to understand someone who speaks with what Delpit calls a "ghetto" or "chetto" accent, but it also can be difficult to understand a deeply southern drawl type accent regardless of color. This I think is an important idea. Anytime a problem is labeled with a race or color, regardless of whether or not it is true, the issue becomes more controversial. However, Delpit is right in saying that more proper English can help many be more successful. I also believe Delpit is correct when she talks about code switching. In reality it is nearly impossible to force a style of language on kids; they will often ignore this as Delpit said. This is where code switching can be stressed. Kids learning when and where to speak a certain way can be very important to success, regardless of where they are from and what accent they may or may not have.

Revised:
Lisa Delpit touches on some very interesting points in her article. In particular, the ideas of code switching, Ebonics, and accented workers being considered less intelligent. All of these things are brought forward with a background based, at least somewhat, on race. Race makes this issue difficult [simple]. There is close ties to racism in Delpit's article, and this really serves as a lightning rod for controversy [compound/coordinating conjunction]. For example, the issue of Ebonics targeted specifically what is called "African American English". Is it a surprise that many people were upset? No [one word sentence]. In my opinion it may be difficult to understand someone who speaks with what Delpit calls a "ghetto" or "chetto" accent, but it also can be difficult to understand a deeply southern drawl type accent regardless of color. This is a critical idea [long+short sentence for emphasis]. Anytime a problem is labeled with a race or color, regardless of whether or not it is true, the issue becomes more controversial. However, Delpit is right in saying that more proper English can help many be more successful [complex]. I also believe Delpit is correct when she talks about code switching. In reality it is nearly impossible to force a style of language on kids; they will often ignore this as Delpit said [compound/semicolon]. This is where code switching can be stressed. Kids learning when and where to speak a certain way can be very important to success, regardless of where they are from and what accent they may or may not have.