Harry Reid's "Negro"

Okay, can we be frank?

Is there such a thing as a "Negro Dialect"? A "Black Accent"? An "Urban Patois"?

Can we admit that Al Sharpton speaks differently than Barack Øbama?

And can we admit the difference is that Øbama "talks white" (to use a Black expression), and that Sharpton has a sound, an inflection, an accent...or something...that instantly identifies him as "black"?

Can we admit that in most cases, even on the telephone, you can tell when the person at the other end is black?

It's just not that outrageous a concept. It's one we all are, apparently secretly, aware of. Blacks included. Or else they wouldn't have the expression, "talking white".

Now, it is true that not all Black people speak with the Southern Black Accent/Ghetto Patois. But a lot do. It is instantly identifiable. And to pretend it isn't is to LIE.

And every politician, Black, talk-show host and reporter who is currently pretending he doesn't have any idea what Harry Reid was talking about is about as funny a public PC delirium as I've ever seen.

It's the classic Elephant in the room that nobody wants to acknowledge.

It is suddenly "racist" to admit that a whole lot of Blacks sound different than Whites? Is it suddently "racist" to mention it?

Is it racist to acknowledge that what's called "Talking White" is essentially Standard American English?

And is it racist to admit that someone who can't speak Standard American English might have trouble getting elected president?

And can we admit that an "Urban Patois" is a sign of membership in a minority culture...a sign of NOT having assimilated into the larger General Culture by learning the language?

And can we admit that an identifiable member of a different culture, and who doesn't speak the language, might not seem, at least to most folks, the best choice as leader of the larger General Culture?

When ghetto youth accuse kids of "talking white" when they use standard American English, they are signaling their determination to remain separate and apart from the larger General Culture. They are signaling their desire to remain alienated.

That is the underlying message.

And I don't think it's racist or even extraordinary that most Americans who are NOT part of that alienated minority culture are dubious about electing people who by virtue of their speech advertise the fact of their separation from them, their culture and their concerns.

Now, I don't think we go through this convoluted thought process when we hear a "Negro Dialect". But I think we "get it" just the same.

And Harry Reid was right when he said that because Øbama didn't sound that way, he'd likely be a more successful candidate. It's obviously true. And it's equally obvious that in our hysteria about race, not a single person is willing to admit it out loud.

Poor Harry. He got snookered by the Truth.

He's like the serial killer who gets convicted and hanged for the one murder he didn't commit.

He was wrong about skin color though. And of course, that just shows he thinks we're all a bunch of brainless bigots. Nobody cares how light or dark your skin is, Harry.

It's about CULTURE not COLOR. And when we all finally figure that out, it'll be a great day for America.

The Gunslinger
Standard American English Speaker