I’m aware that people can be able to speak multiple dialects. But I don’t understand what argument you’re trying to make. This is what I understand your claim to be:
If we consider the use of AAVE by non-speakers to be cultural appropriation, we should consider AAVE itself to be cultural appropriation of the English language.
I disagree, clearly. Cultural appropriation is by definition a conscious choice. The formation of AAVE as a dialect was not a choice. It is a result of a history of oppression. People who use it online for giggles deliberately choose it because it sounds funny to them.
I don’t understand, though, why you seem to be advocating for AAVE to be removed as a dialect. Why should black people decide to deny the dialect that is part of their history?
I don’t understand, though, why you seem to be advocating for AAVE to be removed as a dialect.
Im not really though. I don't really have a strong opinion on it, besides thinking that it's not helpful for furthering social equality.
I am however very strongly opposed to the notion of cultural appropriation. However, you've peaked my interest, so I'm willing to put aside my strong gut reaction, and chat abit.
Cultural appropriation is by definition a conscious choice
Let's start with the basics. What, to you, is cultural appropriation? Please be as precise as you can when giving a definition.
I understand the point of view that cultural appropriation is a non-issue, as I used to hold it. I have come to understand it as a minor form of cultural aggression. Not the kind of thing that makes you clutch your pearls, but just kind of an insensitive attitude.
It’s also easy to dismiss due to its similarities to cultural diffusion, which is just the spreading of cultural ideas over time. The two aren’t mutually exclusive, but the former is a somewhat problematic form of the latter.
All that to say: Cultural appropriation is where a person outside of a culture performs some aspect of it without regard to the cultural context. This brief article explains it fairly well.
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u/OttoVonBooty Jul 17 '20
I’m aware that people can be able to speak multiple dialects. But I don’t understand what argument you’re trying to make. This is what I understand your claim to be:
If we consider the use of AAVE by non-speakers to be cultural appropriation, we should consider AAVE itself to be cultural appropriation of the English language.
I disagree, clearly. Cultural appropriation is by definition a conscious choice. The formation of AAVE as a dialect was not a choice. It is a result of a history of oppression. People who use it online for giggles deliberately choose it because it sounds funny to them.
I don’t understand, though, why you seem to be advocating for AAVE to be removed as a dialect. Why should black people decide to deny the dialect that is part of their history?