Talking White?

I almost don’t know what to say or how to properly articulate what I want to say, but let’s give it a try. Perhaps I will not be accused of, “talking white”. I wanted to comment on this last week, but didn’t get around to it until now.

Ralph Nader is quoted in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain News accusing Obama of “Talking White”.

Now if you have kept up with this blog for some time, when you hear these sorts of statements you know I couldn’t pass this one up. I have repeatedly corrected people included my own family members for using this type of language.

Using racialized memes in your casual conversations that subliminally suggests there’s something wrong with them and the group you’re characterizing them in by something like speech, style or preferences; it exposes your true racial attitudes.

If you want to “eradicate the slander that says a black youth with a book is acting white” you must begin with yourself and what you say and the context for which you say it in.

This comment was a little personal for me, because I like many others have received the same charge Ralph Nader accuses Barack Obama of, “talking white”. I’ve normally heard these types of comments from Black people. I’ve been told by White people that “I’m articulate” or “I speak with eloquence”.

Now Ralph Nader’s publicity stunt has worked for the moment. I’m surprised to hear these types of comments from him, but I guess the fear or the perception of a Black man raises the ignorance level in many people of various walks of life.

For those who agree with the stereotype that someone can “Talk White” or “Talk Black” I’ll try to throw in some slang next time. Perhaps this will make you feel comfortable or less intimidated. I don’t want to give the impression that I have some education.