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Discussion about Cultural appropriation and AAVE (self.SRSDiscussion)

jellyfishprince が 投稿

Hi, so I'm a white male who frequently uses words like "bae" and "slay" and "yass". I was under the impression that they were words mostly associated with the gay community, but I recently learned that they originate in AAVE, so I'm trying to learn more about it.

I wanted to have a conversation about whether or not people outside of the AA community should use such words. Is it racist? Am I abusing my white privilege? Do white people using it contribute to systematic oppression?

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[–]creepris 6ポイント7ポイント  (2子コメント)

the (white) gay community is very often guilty of taking AAVE and then turning around and being anti-black... I'm a non black WOC and it bothers me that that happens but I'd like to hear from a black person bcus I'm certainly not an expert on this subject.

[–]Protanope 3ポイント4ポイント  (1子コメント)

As a gay minority, I can tell you that my other gay friends pretty much agree that the most racist people we encounter are white gays. It's very much anecdotal, but it's something that is very much seen across the board and is both sad and interesting.

Being in one marginalized group definitely doesn't stop you from being prejudiced against other types of marginalized groups even though you'd think a person would be more aware. It's odd how much homophobia and sexism is also perpetuated by gay men. I guess that's just how life works.

[–]creepris 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

I'm bi myself I've had of gay and lesbian people (and straight people too) tell me (and bi friends) my sexuality is fake and/or just looking for attention from guys. it's like, hello we're on the same side! I've also experienced lots of racism from white gay men and they think that because they're gay that they have it worse than everyone :/

[–]Lolor-arros 2ポイント3ポイント  (2子コメント)

Is it racist? Am I abusing my white privilege? Do white people using it contribute to systematic oppression?

...I'm gonna say, no?

They're words - internet slang. They don't have a deep cultural significance, they aren't tied to a history of oppression.

[–]creepris 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

I was rereading this and I think I becomes problematic when people make fun of black people for not "speaking correctly" and then turn around and use AAVE for fun. when black people say it it's "ghetto" but when white people say is it's "trendy"

[–]tomoyopop 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

Hmm, but it's not Internet slang. It's slang that was created in an underprivileged, oppressed community who happens to use social media a lot - and that's how it proliferates. So there's definitely cultural ties and also why it's called AAVE - it originated from the black community.

[–]tomoyopop 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

This is a grey area for sure because with the Internet and social media, something anywhere in the world can catch on and become a trend elsewhere extremely quickly.

But that doesn't mean something should be given an absolute free pass when it originates from a community that is routinely underprivileged and oppressed. The fine line comes into play when it comes to context.

Personally, I try not to use AAVE-origin terms because as a non-black person I don't want to be perceived as one of those people that becomes a caricature and borderline offensive by mimicking stereotypes of what they think it is to be black (and that includes proliferate use of AAVE). But I know not everyone can self-police like this; it's for sure not feasible for everyone. So I think just being mindful of usage and context is being respectful

Also, know which words have problematic contexts. I stopped saying "ghetto" because when people say it, it's usually to describe something derogatory or incredibly negative, dangerous, dirty, broken down, and so forth. Yes, the term originated from the areas the Jews were isolated in during WWII but today it's used derogatorily against black communities which further strengthens negative stereotypes. Words can make or break perceptions and perceptions lead to stereotypes. I also stopped using "ratchet" for similar reasons (because it's usually used against black women).

[–]SeyerSays -4ポイント-3ポイント  (1子コメント)

AAVE itself is culturally appropriated from white rural Southern vernacular. If you support the cultural "melting pot" philosophy and are against cultural appropriation you're contradicting yourself.

[–]tudelord 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

If you're suggesting that slaves are guilty of appropriation because they took their masters' mannerisms as their own, I recommend you read up on cultural appropriation and learn what it means. Even taking what you say as true, the slave owners themselves are to blame for the cultural change, and they gave their slaves no meaningful choice. It is in fact a forced assimilation.