JaNae Blueford
11/16/2010
English 101-1320
Mercury Reader Assignment
Barriers?
Why do we put up barriers around our family, friends, or co-workers. I often wonder why after I meet an individual at work and can see them a few hours later and they are a completely different person. If you have spent 6-10 years on a secondary education, why go out of your way to portray a certain image. Why not just be who you are? By saying “What’s Up” or telling someone “I ain’t feeling like it” is not the end of the world. No one can strip you of your degree or remove your knowledge. I do believe that in a professional setting one should act accordingly. But, If I see you on the subway it is perfectly fine to say, “Hey girl, What you been up to?”. I promise that no one is going to jump out and arrest you.
I do know that sometimes your family can belittle you or make you feel like an outsider for using “BIG” words. The majority of the population has a high school diploma or less. An uneducated individual may become upset when talking to a well educated person, in their mind you are speaking in a foreign language. I don’t let those ignorant people get under my skin. In my mind they have two choices. One, get a dictionary and find the meaning or read a book to improve your vocabulary. Two, walk around ignorant. If I am speaking to a perfectly healthy adult I should not have to use elementary English or speak in small words like I am speaking to a toddler. I am educated and yes I am proud. I am going to still be JaNae even if I get ten degrees. I am not “acting white” when I say, “I refute your claim”. Nor am I being “ghetto” when I say, “You lieing, get out of here”. I am just being me, and I will never change simply because it is not what is deemed proper.