Insulted by Ebonics - Do you unknowingly stereo type other people?

[Victoria Finch]

As many of you know I was recently in the hospital for an asthma attack. While I was there, I had a male nurse who looked at me and instantly addressed me as “girl” in slang. You have probably guessed the nurse was white. I felt insulted and stereo typed. I am sure that he meant no harm, but nevertheless, I did not appreciate being addressed in that manner by someone I do not know. I am here to say, it is NOT acceptable to address African-Americans that you do not know in Ebonics. I embrace my heritage and our vernacular. I use slang with my friends, but if you don’t know me like that, don’t address me like that.

Do you think that I am being over sensitive? If you are white, do you address African-Americans differently? If you are African-American, does it insult you when whites address you in Ebonics when they don’t know you? Let me know what you think.

[Kevin L. Johnson]

werd

[Victoria Finch]

Please read my previous replies for clarification.

[Victoria Finch]

This has been a very spirited discussion. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. It is not up to anyone person to decide how another should feel. In the end, there is not right or wrong answer. Thank you to all who participated. This discussion is closed.