I’ve been quiet in this area, taking the time to learn about language and where it comes from. I’m not going to post it all here, because, oddly enough, the bulk of it is on Instagram and then I sit with it a while and consider the implications of how to change the use in my classroom, much less everyday life.
I am open to learning, to doing the deep internal work to change. I have exactly zero issues being vulnerable and authentic to my own truth.
But, I will admit this.
I’m a little embarrassed that I never stopped to take the time to think about where language comes from. I literally teach how language is used to construct writing - especially in persuasive or argumentative pieces. And, yet, here I am, getting schooled on where some really common phrases come from, such as, “Eenie meenie miney mo.” Uhhh… yeah, replace tiger with the n-bomb. Uuuuhhhh… not going to be using that one anymore!
So. I’ve been taking this time to process all of that and to take notes, considering implications and how to use this lesson for myself and expand it out.
Also, I lied, I’m providing one link to kick off your own exploration, if you so choose to do one. It popped up on my search to see if “oh, boy!” has any racist connections to just “boy” when used in a racial context. Since it applies to this blog and conversation, I shall share! If I find a bunch more, I’ll just make a resource blog!