"You Don't Talk Like a Black Girl"
Start writing a post
Entertainment

"You Don't Talk Like a Black Girl"

But... I am a black girl.

565
"You Don't Talk Like a Black Girl"
Paulette Wooten // Unsplash.com

I was in middle school, sitting at the lunch table. One of my classmates asked me: "Why do you talk like that?" I replied, "Like what?" He answered: "Like a white girl."

I was extremely confused. I knew I was black and I thought everyone else knew, too. Eventually, I declared the incident as one of the stupid things boys say. However, years, and several similar incidents, later, I realized it wasn't just one of those "stupid" things. Some people genuinely wondered why I talked the way I did. It wasn't until high school did I understand what was going on.

I use proper grammar and manners because I was raised that way. Some people took that as acting "white." The craziest part of these incidents is black people asked me these questions. They all looked at me with the same expression: their heads slightly tilted to the side, forehead crinkled as they squinted their eyes at me, judging me for not talking the way they did. I was being stereotyped by people of my own race, something I didn't think was possible.

Now, I also got similar comments and questions from white people, but it hurts the most coming from those that looked like me. The look in their eyes showed a glimpse of betrayal as if they thought I didn't want to be black because I "talk like a white girl." Well, here's what I have to say to that.

Stop associating proper grammar with being white. I don't care what race you are. Stop supporting this stereotype. It's ignorant, annoying, and downright disappointing. Anyone can have proper grammar. It doesn't just appear because of your race.

And you can use it whenever and wherever you please. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't use proper grammar all of the time. I catch myself slipping here and there, especially when I am around people I feel comfortable with. However, do not expect me to not have any knowledge of proper grammar because of my skin color.

Also, there is something I cannot seem to understand:

To the black people that ask black girls that dreaded question, you do realize you're accepting this stereotype? That you are approving this stereotype to be used to define black people? Why are you accepting this insult? Stop allowing this picture to be painted. While you may not realize it, asking this question is like dipping the paint brush into the palette.

Let's kill this stereotype. Please and thank you.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57636
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37144
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958860
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191598
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments