[Nathan Jr.]

Many middle-class blacks like to sometimes "go ghetto" and use street slang. But these professionals can speak standard English

Not unlike a lot of white middle-class professionals who occasionally revert to "hippie" slang or "surfer-dude" dialect on occasion. Just like ebonics, it's only a dialect. And there's a time and a place for it. That's the truth that children have to be taught.

[rdb3]

Not unlike a lot of white middle-class professionals who occasionally revert to "hippie" slang or "surfer-dude" dialect on occasion. Just like ebonics, it's only a dialect. And there's a time and a place for it. That's the truth that children have to be taught.

FWIW, I can morph into virtually any group of people through my vocabulary.

I can talk *hit and swallow spit and get crunk with Bruhman on the corner. I can speak regularly with regular people. Or I can elevate esoteric musings while speaking professorially with Professor Goldstein at the University.

Makes me no difference. My point will be made at the level my audience is residing.

[Mugwumps]

Not unlike a lot of white middle-class professionals who occasionally revert to "hippie" slang or "surfer-dude" dialect on occasion. Just like ebonics, it's only a dialect. And there's a time and a place for it. That's the truth that children have to be taught.

Agreed. As a part of an expansive repertoire of languages and dialects our children master, it's fine. As their only way of communicating - it's a millstone around their necks.