As we’ve read through several of the novels in this class, I have noticed the interesting use of language. Particularly, colloquial or “slang” language. The best examples of these have come from the novels The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Coming of Age in Mississippi. Since both novels were written around the same time, the language used is similar. However, it is how the language compares to that of today that intrigues me the most.
First, both novels make use of the word “cool.” Of all the words such as “groovy” and “hip,” it is interesting to see that this word is still used today. As seen through popular culture, as soon as people outside of the “in” community, usually adults or “the man,” use these words, they are considered “un cool” and drop from common use. The word “cool” has remained in popular use, however, and was considered both then and now to be an acceptable term for all.
The word “hipster,” however, has changed the most since it was used in the 1960s and 1970s. When Malcolm X used this term to refer to himself and those he associated with. It meant people who were cool and “with the times.” Here, it was the people who wore the sharp zoot suit and attended the dances held at various clubs. The meaning of this word has vastly changed in the 21st century. If you did a quick search of the internet, you would see the term “hipster” pop up in various places, and it is never usually used in a positive manner. Today, “hipsters” are people who wear the thick glasses, t-shirts with old cartoon characters on them, and listen to music that no one has ever heard of. They typically hate anything that is considered “main stream” which includes music, movies, and television. Due to their tendency to criticize the main stream media, they have generated much hate throughout the internet and out in the “real world.”
No, I did not feel that this would provide a good topic for discussion in class, but I felt it was an interesting point nonetheless. By reading through these books, we, as readers, are provided with a glimpse into a past most of us were not alive to witness. As English majors, we are able to point out small details like this and examine their uses through time. While both of these words remain in popular use, “cool” has retained its original use while “hipster” has taken on a completely different, and now negative, meaning.
I feel like that is an interesting observation. I have always been intrigued with language throughout the years. From the way slaves spoke to the way that some African Americans still speak today interests me. I would often correct my grandmother on certain word choices that she would use and also found myself wanting to correct other elderly people….but i know better than that. Lol. I find that some of the blacks that I am around (sometimes) do not correct their toddlers when they use incorrect words. That just urks me. I always take it upon myself to correct small children so they will know the proper way to speak. I myself, at times, have been accused of “talking white” just because i may use a word that’s not commonly used or i may not use as much slang as the next person. Language should constantly evolve. And yes Lacy, I also think it’s “cool” how the same word can mean two totally different things.
Since I’m in the education field and have worked with my mother in her various classrooms, I have noticed the young children speaking incorrectly and have often had to correct them. But, if their parents do not enforce correct grammar and language, what we tell them in the classroom basically just goes in one ear and out of the other.
I am not sure why, but when you said that people have often accused you of “talking white,” it reminded me of one of the earlier episodes of The Boondocks (yes I have watched this show). When the two boys were observing white people, one of them made a remark concerning how white people talk. According to him, they say “The Whole Word Like This” in a very slow and articulated manner. A lot of times, as we noted in class, people only say bits of words or jumble them all together. It is as if some of the world has become lazy with their language and speech.
I would say that this may result from the slowly declining use of language. In modern societies, people would often rather text someone or Facebook them than call them on the phone or speak to them in person. We can use whatever kind of language we like and vocal speech is gradually becoming less important. But, again, I know we have all seen people on Facebook and in text messages who use words such as “mii,” “da/duh,” or “guh” which mimics their spoken language.
The elderly are often impossible to correct as I have had experience with. Even if you tell them what is correct, their speech patterns have been ingrained in them since they were young. I have experienced this many times with my grandfather. We can’t change how they speak, but hopefully, we can create a future generation where our children are not quite so lazy with our language.
@Leilani, your comment about “talking white” made me laugh. I have a friend (She’s black) who says that she can turn it on and turn it off. She knows when to speak properly and when she can get away with her slang. I think this is normal. I talk to my husband in our home in a more casual way than I would at an interview. But, this complete different language that you hear sometimes is just sad. I have honestly not been able to understand people at the bar (where I work)… from pronunciation, to content. This is a terrible feeling. I read an article once when I was in Linguistics that said that some subculture reject the norms of language to make a statement. I’m not real sure what this statement is though. People judge others by the way they speak. It may be a statement to say certain things, but I’m afraid the wrong statement is being received. Surely, our generation can’t be as ignorant as our words make us seem. Surely. What is this rebellion of proper English? Where does it stem from? Is is just fun? Help!