http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&brand=&vid=a2e5e2fe-2bfb-4591-9407-2ef77b52ec3e
I find that this video shows many of the controversial sides of the Ebonics or AAVE debate. I think that this video shows the many struggles and thoughts that we have debated over this semester. I don’t agree with many of Tucker Carlson’s views of Ebonics or AAVE. I find that he presents AAVE as a very negative language and stereotypes these students and the language as being ignorant. He commented how Ebonics is “associated with failure.” After our discussions this semester and reading the various articles, I disagree with this statement. I have seen through my observations how many of the students who use AAVE can be very intelligent and insightful. I do agree with his points about how accents in the workforce can hurt or hinder job chances. I think that this discussion shows how language is very important part of our society and the conflicts that can arise from it.
I find myself being very conflicted when taking into consideration Ebonics in the classroom. Should teachers stress Standard English entirely or is there a place for Ebonics to work with education. I think that the opposing views expressed in this discussion present how AAVE can be used to improve test results. I am left with several questions from the discussion in the video. Should results on a test determine what is correct or not correct in the classroom? Should our society and the education field be mainly concerned with students getting jobs? I am very curious to hear other people’s opinions about the comments that were expressed in this discussion.
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While watching this video, I found myself nodding at everything Tucker Carlson said. I do think that actually "teaching" ebonics and allowing it to go on full-time in the classroom is doing the children a complete disservice. They will never succeed with people catering to ebonics. I think that teachers should stress Standard English almost entirely. I do, however, think that at the begining of class when students are talking to the teacher and to other students they should be allowed to express themselves in the language they feel most comfortable. Well, as long as it is somewhat understandable. In response to your second question, I think that America has come to rely on tests too much. Now, teachers are only teaching to the test. I agree with Tucker Carlson, just because they pass a test has nothing to do with getting a job. School should give students an education that not only makes them smarter but also gives them the tools to succeed in the real world. Prepare them for college, prepare them for the workplace, the main point here is to prepare them to succeed. Don't hold them back like their ancesters were held back.
ReplyDeleteWhat a provocative debate--great fodder for discussion.
ReplyDeleteI don't want to impose my own opinion here (for a change, right?) but can't help but point out that there is a profound misunderstanding at work in this video, one that we've read about/discussed in class. I'm not saying it negates either side of the debate, but perhaps it would complicate some of the points made. Anybody else see it?
I’m sure that the Santa Bernadino County schools are not going to start teaching Ebonics. They are probably going to use Ebonics to help students understand Standard English. Nevertheless, I have to agree with many of Katelin’s points. Like Tucker Carlson points out, Ebonics is essentially associated with failure. Very few people listen to a person speak in African American Vernacular and consider the cultural aspects behind their dialect. It’s unfortunate, but rather they just assume ignorance, poverty, and criminality. While I do not like the idea of high stakes testing, it is a practice that is not going to disappear. Students need to be able to pass these tests in order to further their education. If using Ebonics is the method that is working best for these kids, then so be it. However it is unfortunate, because I think educators are using a negative to produce a positive (If that makes any sense). While I do not like the idea of using Ebonics in school, I don’t currently have any better ideas to help them pass tests.
ReplyDeleteLike the immigrants that come into America and teach their children unaccented English, I think teachers need to focus more on when Ebonics is appropriate and when Standard English is appropriate. Immigrants have a home language that is very different from Standard English. Similarly, these students need to use AAVE at home and realize that Standard English is accepted just about everywhere else. I guess it comes down to code-switching again. It’s a touchy subject. How do tell someone to throw away a part of their culture and adopt another one in order to gain success? I’m not even sure I’d be willing to do that.