Did you hear that color?
|
Posted By: Aaron Williams on July 24, 2009 *This is an editorial that appeared in the May 1, 2008 edition of the West Side Journal, the official newspaper of West Baton Rouge Parish. The editorial, written by me, won 1st place for Best Editorial in the Louisiana Press Association awards.* Did You Hear That Color? Does color make a sound? If you could hear red, what would it sound like? If you could hear blue, would it sound like a blowing breeze? Questions like this are not even really worth consideration because we all know that a color cannot make a sound. So why is it that when a black man or woman speak eloquently and in a sophisticated manner they "don't sound black"? I thought colors couldn't speak? I am a young black man. I was raised to speak with correct English. Not broken English, not ebonics; I was raised by parents who did not want me to sound ignorant. And because I knew how to avoid the resonance of ignorance, I avoided so many other things that kids and adults alike get into that is rather foolish. I played sports and excelled. I played football at a Junior College in Mississippi. Everything I put my hand to was seemingly blessed. And I attribute it all to my parents, who taught me that vocabulary is important. Learn new words, they would challenge me. My father challenged me to even study the dictionary. Why? Not so that I could come around people and talk and get told I don't sound a specific way I'm supposed to. Black, white, red, blue or green - whatever color you are, vocabulary is important in the world. Even rappers and hip-hop artists know how to correctly use words - that's how they bring forth the lyrics they do. So no matter what race you are, I challenge you to expand your vocabulary and your mind. Don't think that because a person has a certain skin tone that he or she has to speak a certain way. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
Comments
|
Yeah, it's more - but my main point was this - why is it that we as a culture have to sound a particular way? I do the same thing, I speak a certain way when I'm around my friends then when I'm, say, interviewing a city official for an article. So I'm just as guilty as the next guy. But I'm just saying, we can't categorize people by their speech - white, black, yellow, red - it doesn't really matter that much, does it? Why do white people accept black people more when they come speaking like Carlton Banks, yet our own people are more likely to accept me when I talk like I'm from the 'hood? We should get to know one another based on something of more substance than that. A people will only go as far as their own small boundaries as a culture unless a paradigm shift takes place. Then comes the question - How do we expand our boundaries? How do we shift the paradigm? Monday, July 27th 2009 at 9:27PM |
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
College Road Trip 101: The Most Powerful Series Production Minivan Ever MadePerformance is a relative thing. For example, if you have a modern, high-tech supercar that looks sensational, but only makes 250 horsepower, that would be a huge letdown. However, should a company ma ...more
How May I Help You NC • 85 Views • March 12th, 2026 |
 |
“Looking for her Matt” 🐼 Mattel has a few gifts to add to an “Action-Packed Easter Baskets” Big Brother says his kids love flipping through his car magazines asking to test drive the latest Mustang or the sleekest Porsche 💨
Dads grab your wife and head to the nearest retail shop to ...more
How May I Help You NC • 93 Views • March 12th, 2026 |
 |
Join us for a day of golf, networking and purpose. FORE the Children Golf Tournament
FORE the Children Golf Tournament
April 24, 2026 | 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Hawks Landing Golf Course
BUY FOURSOMES
DONATE
VIEW SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
https://chsfl.org/events/fore-the-childre ...more
How May I Help You NC • 87 Views • March 12th, 2026 |
 |
WHAT PRODUCT WILL GET THEE SPRING CLEANING KNOCKED OUTSo there’s a stain in the carpet and we gotta act fast before it sets in🧃
•I say OXYDOL is first choice
There is a lot of graffiti on thee neighborhood fixtures 📛🦡
• ...more
How May I Help You NC • 105 Views • March 11th, 2026 |
 |
WOMEN OF GOD in UNITY Working Together5 Anointed Christian Women talking about things happening in our communities Throughout the nation and should be change with our help daily. And there will be 2 recording gospel Artist at this event p ...more
Min Sammy Jackson • 132 Views • March 9th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,899,843 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,590 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 76,105 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,848 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
