Even writing this piece takes courage. How sad is that? Back in the early 70s there was a movement, part of black pride, to stop correcting black children for spelling and grammatical errors in speech and writing, to allow for natural and authentic expression. Ebonics was being talked about and supported.... All, a sure route to illiteracy and unemployment. This was the fair and virtuous path to a black child's future?
As an early childhood educator, I was horrified. Bad enough that this came from self-righteous, white progressives, but that this insanity was supported by trusted black leaders was downright frightening. And so it has continued. Heartbreaking. I was angry then, even more so, now. Racism is a route to power, for whomever wields it.
Even writing this piece takes courage. How sad is that? Back in the early 70s there was a movement, part of black pride, to stop correcting black children for spelling and grammatical errors in speech and writing, to allow for natural and authentic expression. Ebonics was being talked about and supported.... All, a sure route to illiteracy and unemployment. This was the fair and virtuous path to a black child's future?
As an early childhood educator, I was horrified. Bad enough that this came from self-righteous, white progressives, but that this insanity was supported by trusted black leaders was downright frightening. And so it has continued. Heartbreaking. I was angry then, even more so, now. Racism is a route to power, for whomever wields it.
Great conversation between two thoughtful people :)
Dmitri's perspective is very interesting and thought provoking especially for me, an American who has never been to Israel or the middle east.
I hope more people discover JFBT!
Great Questions. Great answers.
The only thing I missed was mention of the large portion of Jews to which I belong - atheists.