Discuss this perhaps as well?

**Hannibal** · October 21st, 2001, 11:57 PM

Alright, about hidden meanings within words, I suppose I could bring up the WHOLE "language" of ebonics *which is bullshit* but, one word bothers me. Flossin'... what the fuck. I thought it had to do with teeth cleaning, but apparently it means someone who is rich?

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As miserable as life may be I hold it pretty precious...

If I lose the light of the sun, I will write by candlelight, moonlight, no light. If I lose paper and ink, I wil write in blood on forgotten walls. I will write always, I will capture nights all over the world and bring them to you.

**Alex** · October 22nd, 2001, 12:14 AM

I though "flossin" meant walking on the beach in a thong.

Why exactly is ebonics BS?

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Alex

**MxTxL** · October 22nd, 2001, 12:25 AM

Well, ebonics is a language that they invented to communicate with inner city youths. In essence it is a language that consists of about every slang work you can imagine. It's about the most racist thing you can think of. It's a way to classify young black kids as foreign language speakers and for that reason, at a disadvantage in society. It's really disappointing to see that people would resort to this in an attempt to classify black kids as unable to learn regular old english.

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**Alex** · October 22nd, 2001, 05:53 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MxTxL:
Well, ebonics is a language that they invented to communicate with inner city youths. In essence it is a language that consists of about every slang work you can imagine. It's about the most racist thing you can think of. It's a way to classify young black kids as foreign language speakers and for that reason, at a disadvantage in society. It's really disappointing to see that people would resort to this in an attempt to classify black kids as unable to learn regular old english.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm a little bit confused by your statements.

When I read your statement, it sounds like you are on both sides.

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Alex

[This message has been edited by Alex (edited January 13, 2002).]

**SHATOUSHKA** · October 22nd, 2001, 12:29 PM

*sheepishly raises hand*

um, sir...what would you consider to be just 'regular old english'?

a) regular, old english
b) regular Old English
c) regular old ENG~lish, damn it (you know, like what AME~ricans speak, damn it)
d) pwain o' wegwa engwish (take your pick: 6 year old or a man with no teeth)
e) reggla anglish (in the south)
f) reg. eng. (in the west)
g) english (in the north)
h) English (just about anywhere else other than the US)

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~~share some greased tea with me~~

General Philosophy

**MxTxL** · October 22nd, 2001, 04:34 PM

I am by no means both sides, i am very much against it. My feeling on the matter, and what may have caused the ambiguity, is that although it is done with the best of intentions (to get the underprivileged extra attention and funds) it's still racist and downright rude to think that the underprivileged can't learn the same as everyone else. To classify them as a minority, for whatever reason, is VERY wrong.

And, pardon my America-centric view, i meant C) like what americans speak, damn it!

Sure there are the many different types of the English language that Shatoushka mentioned, but amongst all of them is a standard language, generally defined to be the classic, corn-fed, midwestern dialect. I'm referring to the language where there is very little use of slang and where grammar and punctuation rules are followed. Few of us on the net, or in regular life use this language perfectly, just for simplicity sake, but most of us can function in it and can use it as our medium of communication. Thinking that black or poor kids aren't able to learn this language is downright disgusting in my view point.

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**SHATOUSHKA** · October 22nd, 2001, 05:05 PM

over this summer, i had an interesting discussion with my professor on the very same topic.
being tight-assed about the english language (not that anyone could tell based on my posts...lol) i felt that ebonics was a new and interesting means of communication. however, i understand your stand on the 'racist' issue.
first let me point out that i do not agree with the term 'racist' because in order to be racist, one must believe in 'race'...something that is obsurd. but thats another thing.
anyway, my professor told me that she also was interested in (the up and coming possibility of) learning/teaching ebonics, not as a second language, but rather a derrivative of standard american english...a dialect, if you will.
her standpoint is this: because she is white, she is prohibited in being taught ebonics.
this conversation was so intriguing, she raised it in class.
the bottom line is this:
ebonics, as well as american english, is a stem of convergent language within a given society.

i think what is underlying this thread is the fact that america promotes cultural divergence...and at the same time, slits its own throat.
'we' want all cultures to feel free to express themselves without inhibiting their freedoms. however, by tearing down walls, one tends to replace them with new ones.
we stand for cultural divergence...but cannot be allowed entrance.
as in the case of ebonics and my professor, we stress individuality...and deny anyone from outside of our clan, because if we allowed 'others' permission to enter, where would our 'culture' go?

this is what needs attention--NOT the other way around.

its things like this that angers me about the human race.

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~~share some greased tea with me~~

General Philosophy

**Hannibal** · October 23rd, 2001, 12:42 AM

Looks like I've made good conversation, I just wondered about the word "flossin" because it got used a TON the other day with a particular person I was with. It grated on my nerves after a while.

------------------
As miserable as life may be I hold it pretty precious...

If I lose the light of the sun, I will write by candlelight, moonlight, no light. If I lose paper and ink, I wil write in blood on forgotten walls. I will write always, I will capture nights all over the world and bring them to you.