"i hate facts.
they get in the way of my opinions."
-j. sakiya sandifer, The Think Movement.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
axe they questions.
i just really want to know...
My friend and I have talked about this topic many times before but I was just reminded of it via Kanye West's Twitter (seriously, if you haven't check it out, do it.. it's pure entertainment) and a co-worker's comment. I just want to know why African-Americans who speak in ebonics say "axe" instead of "ask" and "they" instead of "their."
ex 1) "I don't know where this letter has to go.. I'm going to axe the receptionist."
ex 2) "Why do they have to make they passwords so long?"
Why would you axe the receptionist. That is just unnecessary violence in the office, friend. All kidding aside, I understand it's a lingo and I actually genuinely think the idea of "ebonics" is really fascinating but while I can stomach the double-negatives ("there ain't no milk!) and the replacement of "y" with "ch" and shortening of verbs ("whatCHu gon' do?"), I just don't understand why they cannot say, "ask." I mean, they say "mask" just fine? They don't go around saying "did you buy a max for Halloween?" So why, in heavens name, can't they say A-S-K? Someone enlighten me.
The same goes for "they." At first, I used to think this was because they can't (rather, didn't want to) pronounce "their" with the "r" sound at the end. Then, I realized they don't say "hey" instead of "hair"! You don't see women shouting, "gurl I'm gon' git ma hey done!" If anything, they'd said "hurrr" right? So why don't people say "thurrr" instead of "they" for "their?"
Does any of this make sense? Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to degrade or belittle African-Americans and this manner of speaking in any way. As aforementioned, I am quite fascinated by ebonics. I think this post hits the heart of my fascination; I just don't have a grasp on it. There are no rules to it; you just have to listen and memorize. It's actually super genius if you think about it. Where did it start and why and how has it developed over the years? I took a communications course in college that touched upon the study of ebonics and it was probably the most interesting part of the class.
My friend, who is Korean-American but grew up and went to school with primarily African-Americans, throws out a phrase or 2 (or 9) in ebonics from time-to-time. He's an investmant banker so it's pretty funny when he does this dressed in his glasses and suit. It really makes a person stand out; not to mention, everything is 10x funnier said in ebonics! Does anyone else feel me on this?
Please, don't call me a bigot. I'm just voicing what I bet a lot of folks are thinking.
Cheers,
Cheryl
PS: If anyone is interested: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ebonics.
My friend and I have talked about this topic many times before but I was just reminded of it via Kanye West's Twitter (seriously, if you haven't check it out, do it.. it's pure entertainment) and a co-worker's comment. I just want to know why African-Americans who speak in ebonics say "axe" instead of "ask" and "they" instead of "their."
ex 1) "I don't know where this letter has to go.. I'm going to axe the receptionist."
ex 2) "Why do they have to make they passwords so long?"
Why would you axe the receptionist. That is just unnecessary violence in the office, friend. All kidding aside, I understand it's a lingo and I actually genuinely think the idea of "ebonics" is really fascinating but while I can stomach the double-negatives ("there ain't no milk!) and the replacement of "y" with "ch" and shortening of verbs ("whatCHu gon' do?"), I just don't understand why they cannot say, "ask." I mean, they say "mask" just fine? They don't go around saying "did you buy a max for Halloween?" So why, in heavens name, can't they say A-S-K? Someone enlighten me.
The same goes for "they." At first, I used to think this was because they can't (rather, didn't want to) pronounce "their" with the "r" sound at the end. Then, I realized they don't say "hey" instead of "hair"! You don't see women shouting, "gurl I'm gon' git ma hey done!" If anything, they'd said "hurrr" right? So why don't people say "thurrr" instead of "they" for "their?"
Does any of this make sense? Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to degrade or belittle African-Americans and this manner of speaking in any way. As aforementioned, I am quite fascinated by ebonics. I think this post hits the heart of my fascination; I just don't have a grasp on it. There are no rules to it; you just have to listen and memorize. It's actually super genius if you think about it. Where did it start and why and how has it developed over the years? I took a communications course in college that touched upon the study of ebonics and it was probably the most interesting part of the class.
My friend, who is Korean-American but grew up and went to school with primarily African-Americans, throws out a phrase or 2 (or 9) in ebonics from time-to-time. He's an investmant banker so it's pretty funny when he does this dressed in his glasses and suit. It really makes a person stand out; not to mention, everything is 10x funnier said in ebonics! Does anyone else feel me on this?
Please, don't call me a bigot. I'm just voicing what I bet a lot of folks are thinking.
Cheers,
Cheryl
PS: If anyone is interested: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ebonics.
Monday, August 30, 2010
the things that matter.
some, more obvious
than others.
I was sorting through old documents on my desk when I came upon an exercise I had to do during a "leadership training" workshop at my firm. The exercise instructed me to list what I was grateful for. As my eyes read down the list, here is what I saw:
1) Family
2) Friends
3) Boyfriend
4) My job
5) Bo-ssam.
And there it is, ladies & gents. The 5 most important things in Cheryl's life--the people she loves, who love her back, and steamed pork slices wrapped in lettuce w/ kimchi.
I was definitely NOT focused on the workshop and completely bored out of my mind. I am cracking up at the thought of my drowsy, uninterested self scribbling "bossam" on that list whilst my co-workers wrote things like "Obama's New Home-Owner Tax Credit" and "the end of the war in Iraq." It's good to know I have my priorities straight.
I am my new favorite person.
Cheers,
Cheryl
than others.
I was sorting through old documents on my desk when I came upon an exercise I had to do during a "leadership training" workshop at my firm. The exercise instructed me to list what I was grateful for. As my eyes read down the list, here is what I saw:
1) Family2) Friends
3) Boyfriend
4) My job
5) Bo-ssam.
And there it is, ladies & gents. The 5 most important things in Cheryl's life--the people she loves, who love her back, and steamed pork slices wrapped in lettuce w/ kimchi.
I was definitely NOT focused on the workshop and completely bored out of my mind. I am cracking up at the thought of my drowsy, uninterested self scribbling "bossam" on that list whilst my co-workers wrote things like "Obama's New Home-Owner Tax Credit" and "the end of the war in Iraq." It's good to know I have my priorities straight.
I am my new favorite person.
Cheers,
Cheryl
Friday, August 27, 2010
all day every day.
swag in china.
check it out: taekim.tumblr.com
I'm a cutter. No, I don't cut myself, but I cut people. Not literally, with a knife or something, but I cut them out of my life. If I find you necessary for my well-being, I'll make sure I keep you around, but if you're not, I'll cut you. Wow, that sounds horribly morbid.
Anyway, I've cut out quite a few people from my life who were once important and close to me. It's never an easy process (and sometimes I do it unintentionally) but it's usually warranted. Apart from my family, however, there is one constant in my life (person, that is) that I just never was able to and never will cut out. His name is Terrence Intae Kim and he is truly my best friend. He may deny it or not admit it, but deep down he knows I am his best friend too.
I met Terrence way back in the 4th grade or so at Fort Lee TaeKwonDo. I think I kicked his ass sparring and he may have cried, but it's a touchy subject so we don't discuss it in public. Then we met again in the 5th grade at Upper School in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Our friendship blossomed and grew and classmates in our 5th grade class often told us we were like a married couple. I was taller than him then and that's also a touchy subject. I moved to Korea in the 7th grade and he moved to California. We kept in minimal touch during that time and I moved back to the States in the middle of my freshman year of high school. Lo' and behold, Terrence moved from California to my town during junior year and we were reunited. This time, he had a good 6 inches on me. Damnit. Our friendship bloomed further throughout high school and we kept in consistent contact throughout college and post-college as well.
I can confidently say that he is one person who I truly vibe with and I am just at complete peace with myself when I am talking to him. I can tell him anything and talk to him about everything and instantly he will solve my once grandiose problems with just a few words. He'll tell me like it is and isn't afraid to be honest with me. Just now, I was being a dumb psycho girl, and he says simply, "nah, relax, not worth it" and "just let it be" and "chill out" and BAM, it's a done deal; I am chilled out.
I don't really know how or why he has the effect he does on me, but for whatever reason, Terrence is the one person who always makes me feel better about any situation. He is rarely stressed out or freaking out and is quite possibly the "chillest," most down-to-earth kid I know. He drives me crazy at times and is insanely sarcastic and blunt but I love him for that. The dude is across the globe in China, swaggin' it out, but I take comfort in knowing that our friendship has lasted this long throughout multiple long-distance conversations and that everything will be exactly the same when he returns.
If I had to choose a "Man-of-Honor" at my wedding, it'd be Terrence Intae Kim.
Gawd, I miss him.
Cheers,
Cheryl
check it out: taekim.tumblr.com
I'm a cutter. No, I don't cut myself, but I cut people. Not literally, with a knife or something, but I cut them out of my life. If I find you necessary for my well-being, I'll make sure I keep you around, but if you're not, I'll cut you. Wow, that sounds horribly morbid.
Anyway, I've cut out quite a few people from my life who were once important and close to me. It's never an easy process (and sometimes I do it unintentionally) but it's usually warranted. Apart from my family, however, there is one constant in my life (person, that is) that I just never was able to and never will cut out. His name is Terrence Intae Kim and he is truly my best friend. He may deny it or not admit it, but deep down he knows I am his best friend too.
I met Terrence way back in the 4th grade or so at Fort Lee TaeKwonDo. I think I kicked his ass sparring and he may have cried, but it's a touchy subject so we don't discuss it in public. Then we met again in the 5th grade at Upper School in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Our friendship blossomed and grew and classmates in our 5th grade class often told us we were like a married couple. I was taller than him then and that's also a touchy subject. I moved to Korea in the 7th grade and he moved to California. We kept in minimal touch during that time and I moved back to the States in the middle of my freshman year of high school. Lo' and behold, Terrence moved from California to my town during junior year and we were reunited. This time, he had a good 6 inches on me. Damnit. Our friendship bloomed further throughout high school and we kept in consistent contact throughout college and post-college as well.
I can confidently say that he is one person who I truly vibe with and I am just at complete peace with myself when I am talking to him. I can tell him anything and talk to him about everything and instantly he will solve my once grandiose problems with just a few words. He'll tell me like it is and isn't afraid to be honest with me. Just now, I was being a dumb psycho girl, and he says simply, "nah, relax, not worth it" and "just let it be" and "chill out" and BAM, it's a done deal; I am chilled out.
I don't really know how or why he has the effect he does on me, but for whatever reason, Terrence is the one person who always makes me feel better about any situation. He is rarely stressed out or freaking out and is quite possibly the "chillest," most down-to-earth kid I know. He drives me crazy at times and is insanely sarcastic and blunt but I love him for that. The dude is across the globe in China, swaggin' it out, but I take comfort in knowing that our friendship has lasted this long throughout multiple long-distance conversations and that everything will be exactly the same when he returns.
If I had to choose a "Man-of-Honor" at my wedding, it'd be Terrence Intae Kim.
Gawd, I miss him.
Cheers,
Cheryl
quick thought #17.
sometimes, a good, long, loud, angry EFF-bomb is necessary, warranted, and relieving.
FFFFFFFFFF****CCCCCKKKKKKKKK.
FFFFFFFFFF****CCCCCKKKKKKKKK.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
be nice.
so very difficultly easy.
If you ask my family, they will tell you I am a naive, kind-hearted, softie. If you ask my friends, they will tell you I am a critical, brutal, bitch. How these two groups of people came to possess two totally different images of me, I do not know. Sigh.
A new roommate is moving in with me and my other two roommates today. She is coming from California. I have never before met her. I am a highly judgmental woman with highly explosive criticisms of people that I, contrary to popular belief, have absolutely no control over. I'm serious. If I don't like you for whatever reason, no matter how hard I try, my stubborn-ass mind will not budge to make room for a second chance. I apologize wholeheartedly on its behalf.
I've posted once before about my ability to cut people out. This unique skill is due to my intolerance of dumb, tactless, socially inept, human beings. Having said that, I am scared that the bitch in me will resurface and deem me unable to embrace my new roommate without prejudice. I have heard and seen too much about "LA K-Town Trash" and I would very much prefer my new roommate to be the opposite of that (that way, we can easily convert her to NYC K-Town Trash HAHA..jk).
Oh geez... I must consistently remind myself to be nice.
Cheers,
Cheryl
PS: New Roommate is bringing friends from California. Omg this is too much for me to handle. Reminder to self: watch the mouth and the evil stares.
PPS: OMG SHE'S BRINGING HER DOG TOO! I keep forgetting this bit of information. If her dog tries to hump our precious Dorimonster, I really don't know what I'll do. =X
If you ask my family, they will tell you I am a naive, kind-hearted, softie. If you ask my friends, they will tell you I am a critical, brutal, bitch. How these two groups of people came to possess two totally different images of me, I do not know. Sigh.
A new roommate is moving in with me and my other two roommates today. She is coming from California. I have never before met her. I am a highly judgmental woman with highly explosive criticisms of people that I, contrary to popular belief, have absolutely no control over. I'm serious. If I don't like you for whatever reason, no matter how hard I try, my stubborn-ass mind will not budge to make room for a second chance. I apologize wholeheartedly on its behalf.
I've posted once before about my ability to cut people out. This unique skill is due to my intolerance of dumb, tactless, socially inept, human beings. Having said that, I am scared that the bitch in me will resurface and deem me unable to embrace my new roommate without prejudice. I have heard and seen too much about "LA K-Town Trash" and I would very much prefer my new roommate to be the opposite of that (that way, we can easily convert her to NYC K-Town Trash HAHA..jk).
Oh geez... I must consistently remind myself to be nice.
Cheers,
Cheryl
PS: New Roommate is bringing friends from California. Omg this is too much for me to handle. Reminder to self: watch the mouth and the evil stares.
PPS: OMG SHE'S BRINGING HER DOG TOO! I keep forgetting this bit of information. If her dog tries to hump our precious Dorimonster, I really don't know what I'll do. =X
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
non-american writing.
the everso eloquent russians
& the swedes.
I recently finished reading the first installment of Stieg Larsson's Millenium Trilogy, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and have started on the second, The Girl who Played with Fire. I must applaud Larsson on the wonderfully intricate plot and I find it a damn shame that I can't read the original Swedish version of the novels. I get anxious at the thought of losing the author's original intent or creative spirit in telling his story, so I re-read the English over and over to make sure I've fully grasped the direction in which he is taking his readers (which is probably why it took light-years for me to finish the book; my apologies to everyone who's been wanting to borrow it). I desperately need to learn a new lanuage. Or several.
That being said, another book I've been meaning to read by another non-American novelist is Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov. His book was written in English, I believe, and later translated into Russian, so I'm hoping I don't miss out on any linguistically detailed aspects of his story.
"I confess, I do not believe in time." -Nabokov
He knows wsup.
Cheers,
Cheryl
& the swedes.
I recently finished reading the first installment of Stieg Larsson's Millenium Trilogy, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and have started on the second, The Girl who Played with Fire. I must applaud Larsson on the wonderfully intricate plot and I find it a damn shame that I can't read the original Swedish version of the novels. I get anxious at the thought of losing the author's original intent or creative spirit in telling his story, so I re-read the English over and over to make sure I've fully grasped the direction in which he is taking his readers (which is probably why it took light-years for me to finish the book; my apologies to everyone who's been wanting to borrow it). I desperately need to learn a new lanuage. Or several.
That being said, another book I've been meaning to read by another non-American novelist is Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov. His book was written in English, I believe, and later translated into Russian, so I'm hoping I don't miss out on any linguistically detailed aspects of his story.
"I confess, I do not believe in time." -Nabokov
He knows wsup.
Cheers,
Cheryl
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