Keeping Up Appearances

11/19/2017

According to recent NPR (National Public Radio) poscasts, TEDtalks, news reports on crime and other unfavorable experiences, many minorities feel that we have to code switch in order to do the most basic task of all: live.

In 1986, an article was published in Ms. Magazine about journalist, Brent Staples, who decided to code switch after intimidating a white woman on the street. She thought he was a "thug" and ran off. Instead, he was a doctoral candidate at the University of Chicago, there to earn a Ph.D in Psychology. At six feet tall, he looked intimidating to her as he walked hurriedly behind her on the street, at night, trying to get where he was going.

Even I, in 2017, was told by a white colleague that, upon first meeting me and seeing my striking red hair, he thought I was "ghetto" and not very smart. I wondered why since I'd never opened my mouth to say anything to him except, "Hi."

Should code switching be a requirement for minorities?

Code switching is when minorities change how they look, speak, live or behave in order to live as "American" as possible. In this big melting pot of America in which we live, why is that necessary?

We do it for many reasons: in order to get the jobs we want, live in the neighborhoods we want, or be accepted by non-minorities.

Click on the two videos above, then respond to the prompt below.

Comment on the following prompt: To what extent should minorities change their appearance, how they speak, live and behave in order to seem less intimidating?

INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class hour.

You MUST also respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.

Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

Due: Fri., Nov. 24, 2017 11:59 p.m. CST

Jameela Barber 7th pd

11/21/2017 08:20:10 am

A person’s appearance is your first impression to them as a person, it’s your first taste of who they are before you even talk to them. In a world where only people’s IQs are visible, it would be intimidating to come across people with higher IQs than you. It is the only thing you know of them afterall. That’s just the way it is with attractiveness, if someone has a higher than average level of attractiveness, it is going to be noticed. I often get nervous around a set amount of people because I admire them highly. I end up looking like an awkward giggly fool. they make me very nervous. Even though they aren’t trying to be.

Cameron Witcher 6th Pd

11/21/2017 08:33:30 am

I agree with you in this generation having looks and money can be intimidating, but having a high IQ is not sought after from this generation so therefore, i think some parts of your paragraph is true.

Adrian Geter 7th pd

11/23/2017 12:49:37 am

code switching should not be a priority to feel like a regular person or to fit in with other people if you are different others should not feel scared or less confident .

J.jackson link

11/25/2017 10:03:37 am

I don’t think any of that matter just they way you won’t to be is what matter and your IQ

Brandy Moreno 6th pd

11/25/2017 11:41:57 am

I agree with you having looks and money is really intimidating, but then again having an high IQ is too. You can be pretty as heck & still have a low IQ. Or it can be the opposite you can have a very high IQ and be not the best looking person out there. Either way people still will judge you through whatever. This is why you should find the right people to deal with right now in this world who won’t judge you on first appearances.

Adrian Geter 7th pd

11/23/2017 12:55:29 am

I agree your appearance is your first impression but you shouldn't change who you are to make someone feel less intimidating or to accept who you really are .

T.Shelton 1st

11/24/2017 09:34:46 pm

I agree with your statement because IQs and test scores are looked at highly . If someone is smarter than you , you become nervous because you don't want to appear dumped than them .

Cameron Witcher 6th Pd

11/21/2017 08:30:49 am

Changing your appearance may not be such a good option, the farthest thing they should change is clothing and the way the act. Say if you were raised in a environment that’s more run down or growing up without the right guidance and you had a job interview you should buy some professional nice clothes and maybe change the way you act like having more manners. The way you speak should not be changed all the way fix tiny grammar issues but your accent describes your background and where your from so i think you should keep that. Also, you can change the way you greet people like too be more nice too seem less intimidating and more greeting and nice, but maybe the person your talking too wants to feel that sense of intimidation from you so it’s not a valid option. Therefore, changing yourself a little bit is not a terrible thing, but changing yourself tremendously is not something you should do, being yourself should be something you do all the time showing people the truth to people might be more accepting than faking yourself.

R.Young 6th Prd

11/21/2017 11:08:24 pm

I agree, Being your self is important in life because you don't want to be somebody you don't want to be and people might see you different than others so what ? Who cares what other people think

J.fluette 6th link

11/22/2017 08:40:03 am

F. Aleman 1st

11/25/2017 07:57:37 am

To an extent you should care of what people think. If you want a job you're going to have to care for about the person who's hiring opinion. There's always a time where you're going to have to be professional. That doesn't mean to change everything about yourself. Just know there's a time to play and then there's a time to be serious.

D. Tonche 1st pd

11/22/2017 02:48:35 am

I coincide with your opinion, i think at some extent people should change their mannerisms when interacting with other people with different backgrounds but at the same time be open minded of the persons customs.

E. Hernandez 6th

11/22/2017 04:44:04 am

I agree, it's better that you be yourself instead of people thinking you're something you're not.

Victoria Lobos 6th

11/25/2017 05:41:44 am

I agree with you , a person should be them without changing their personality or the way they speak because changing can also lead to consequences.

J.jackson

11/25/2017 10:04:45 am

I agree because you shouldn’t care what other people think about you just you and your family can tell you when they think you should change

C. McCowin 7th

11/25/2017 11:59:31 am

I agree, people shouldn't care that others judge their appearance. They should feel comfortable in their own skin, and feel free to do whatever they want with their looks and the way they dress.

Z. James 1st

11/21/2017 07:17:13 pm

At no extent should a human being alter their appearance, speech, or behavior for the approval of anyone. Why should I change the way I am just for your satisfaction? The cause of "code switching" is the lack of acceptance from the people around them, and misinterpretation. How does my brown skin and tall figure intimidate you to think that I am a thug or delinquent? I shouldn't have to walk a certain way, speak articulately, or alter anything just because of your fearful misinterpretations.If my way of life is not disrupting your way of life, what is the problem?

C.villanueva 1st

11/23/2017 05:21:31 am

No one should have to change but we still do it without thinking. You don't dress like a thug because you probably don't like the way it looks, why? Because it's known to have a bad reputation and one thinks of themselves as better or can get farther in life dressing more appropriate. Although people shouldn't care about your life if they don't know you, everyone cares about a tall dark skin minority possibly dressed in a tux and think he's going places" and that's what you want people to think of you.

J.Solomon

11/25/2017 05:36:57 am

I completely agree with your thoughts. The so-called code switching has been created as it is used for people to be judged for being themselves. I do agree that certain situations call for certain protocol. However, it is disgusting that we would have to change themselves in entirety to have a the same chance at success as someone else.

Hope aleman 1st

11/25/2017 08:03:46 am

To an extent, this is true. When we are in public, free to be ourselves, we should be able to dress and Any any way we choose. However, that can't always be the case. If areas like the job force, professionalism is a must no matter what race a person may be.

I. Chancellor 1st hour

11/25/2017 12:01:19 pm

In agreement, a person should not have to code switch to fit in and/or, to make someone feel comfortable when in their presence. You shouldn't have to change yourself, to make another person satisfied. Not only is it the lack of acceptance and misinterpretation, but also jealousy of the other culture. With all honesty, your brown skin and tall figure, should not intimidate them, nor make you look a thug or delinquent. In agreement, you should not have to change yourself, to calm their prejudice fearful misinterpretations. In conclusion, if your life does not harm or hurt them, then you should not change your way of life.

R.Young 6th period

11/21/2017 11:01:32 pm

A person shouldn't want to change their appearance I mean you can fix tiny stuff for example, you can fix grammar issues and behavior.But don't change all the way because that's how you wanted to be and it doesn't matter how anybody sees you .

Cameron Witcher 6th Pd

11/22/2017 04:28:44 am

I agree, i think that’s exactly how it should be.

E. Hernandez 6th

11/22/2017 04:45:13 am

I agree, it doesn't matter how people think of you or how they see you, you shouldn't try to fit in to their customs. (Depending on the occasion)

D. Moseley-4th/5th

11/23/2017 08:01:04 am

Tiny fixes are still apart of changing someone. A rhinoplasty to have an American nose could be tiny to someone but at the end of the day it's a change. Society is always going to find error in something they don't understand. So why die seeking approval from the white man when you can make a difference with actions rather than compromises.

Victoria Lobos 6th

11/25/2017 05:50:34 am

I agree a person should never change their personality .

Hope aleman 1st

11/25/2017 08:06:26 am

The idea that people shouldn't want yo change themselves in understandable. However, people don't seem to realize that the way people see you is important in a sense. With that being said, think about the reasons that mannerisms and behavior should be changed in certain people.

C. McCowin 7th

11/25/2017 11:52:36 am

I agree with your statement. People shouldn't want to change themselves just to get attention from people in the higher class. Everybody should be who they were born to be and not what society wants them to be.

S.Moncivais 4th

11/25/2017 12:14:25 pm

The changes that you made no matter how small or big they are, you are changing for a reason. You said " it doesn't matter how they see you" well basically it does because if you were comfortable with who you are and nothing else that people think didn't matter In society you wouldn't change.

Hope Aleman 1st period

11/22/2017 02:04:51 am

Although many people do, no one should have to change their appearance to appear "less intimidating." Its about to be 2018, but it seems like no one is moving along. What kind of mindset do you have to be stuck in to be intimidated by people's style? That sounds like a personal problem of one's own upbringing. On top of this, although the struggle of racial injustice is at a peak, its becoming easier for minority women (black women, mostly) to express themselves through their style and their hair. Curls and puffs have become popular, almost like trends of some sorts. We're living in a world of mixed mindsets, but no one should have to change themselves to survive.

D. Tonche 1st pd

11/22/2017 02:45:20 am

I think that is what is causing the conflict we see nowadays so many different mindsets with different opinions that cant agree in anything.

j.fluette 6th link

11/22/2017 08:40:59 am

T.Dawson 4/5

11/22/2017 07:29:15 am

No one should have to change their appearance but all too often that's exactly what people do to survive. There are mixed mindsets regarding this topic, but how will you know if your boss agrees with your style? There will always be people that accept differences and others that do not.

Z. James 1st

11/23/2017 10:01:42 am

Why does a person look intimating to you in the first place? A question for those who base people's personality on first looks. Seriously, why do we judge other based on their appearance, speech, and behavior? This refers back to Martin Luther King Jr. saying, "I have a dream that my four little children will be judged by the content of their character, and not by the color of their skin." Why cant't we abide by that, but also include speech? Why is society so bias?

T.Tate1st

11/25/2017 07:35:25 am

I believe your statement is true because why are people always judging others ,just because a person looks or dress a certain way doesn't mean nothing.

K. Brown 1st period

11/24/2017 11:20:40 pm

I wholly feel that people shouldn't have to change and that it's about to be 2018 and people need to open their eyes and come to the basic facts. People are always going to do things that you yourself may not agree with, everyone has different mindsets. So I do agree with you there. However I don't agree with you on the fact of what people see as intimidating being a problem of upbringing. I find women who wear heavy layers of makeup to be quite scary but that's just me, I was never 'raised' to believe this. It's just some fear I have that I can't truly pin point, not everyone can be judged by what makes them uncomfortable.

T.Tate1st

11/25/2017 07:31:00 am

I feel your statement is true because no one shouldn't have to change who their are to feel less intimidating by someone. Also we do live in a world of mixed mindsets .

S.johnson 1st

11/25/2017 10:51:05 am

No one should have to change their appearance but it’s like we are in a survival game. We are in a world of mixed mindsets meaning that there are different people out there that except different styles.So how can we change for each person? If we all could just agree on one thing code switching wouldn’t even be a problem and we wouldn’t be restrained from our original persona.

D. Tonche 1st pd

11/22/2017 02:42:38 am

My personal opinion about this matter is I don't think people should change their rudimentary instincts, mannerisms, dialect, just to accommodate other people to get their approval. If you wish to live among others who don't have the same cultural background you must restrain some of customs to appease the other person. You wouldn't expect a handshake from someone who is from Thailand and you wouldn't initiate it in the first place because it would be considered rude. You gotta do, what you got to do to live in this world. So if you have to dress proffesional for a job interview, make sure your tie goes along with your t-shirt. At some extent you can't judge people within the five seconds of the encounter, just because a person has red hair doesn't make them ghetto and unintelligent just as a tuxedo and a rolex doesn't make that person good.

T. Dawson 4/5

11/22/2017 07:25:46 am

A person should never loose themselves trying to fit in. There will always be times where you have to fake it to make it. Your appearance should not be what people should judge you on, but they'll do it anyways!

C.villanueva 1st

11/23/2017 05:17:51 am

I agree with all the examples but no matter how many times you say these things, society won't change the way we want it. We will still see the way they dress first and how they talk. We have instincts to judge their accents etc..

K. Brown 1st period

11/24/2017 11:16:03 pm

To an extent everyone changes to accommodate to someone, whether for respect or to save personal face. As humans we don't act the same around everyone we encounter, nor do we act the same in every environment we come across. Nobody should have to change who they are to fit someone else's standards though. So if any change is to be made it shouldn't cripple your true expression or personality.

B. Haynes 1st

11/25/2017 12:29:05 pm

I agree with your statement. The extent of code switching depends on the setting. In some circumstances, the way someone acts around family and friends may be a complete contrast to how they are at a job interview.

E. Hernandez 6th

11/22/2017 04:42:30 am

I don't think it's necessary. Let people think how they want about you. Just because some people judge you from your appearance, It's better off being you. It's hard to fit it and try to be someone you're not. That doesn't mean that you should dress the way you would normally for important occasions. Like for a job interview or funeral, you shouldn't wear things you would wear as if you were at your home.

U.Manqueros

11/22/2017 06:32:52 am

True I think people shouldn't care what other people think let them judge you but at the end of the day its your choices and you have control on what you can, wear, do, or think nobody can control you its better being yourself dress how you wanna dress people shouldn't judge someone else is appearance

T. Dawson

11/22/2017 07:21:29 am

Sadly, code switching is absolutely necessary to live in American society. If a person does not code switch, there are great odds that they will not get to where they want to get. Code switching is necessary for survival, but it shouldn't be that way. If America wants to actually call itself the melting pot, it should learn how to accept all people. But until then, minorities will have to maintain a faint grasp on their true identities as they struggle to code switch to progress.

D.Moseley-4th/5h

11/23/2017 07:18:05 am

Is code switching really necessary to live ? Or is it necessary for a conformed lifestyle that results in unhappiness? Changing who you are for the moment will bring a lifestyle of temporariness. You can never truly be happy unless you can be yourself whether you're accepted or not.

F. Aleman 1st

11/25/2017 08:01:29 am

Code switching shouldn't be necessary to live. But for minorities to make it, you have to. Trying to find a job is hard by itself, but its harder when you have to change certain aspects about yourself to fit in. And then there's the possibility that you still might not get that job. But this is apart of live.

Adrian Geter 7th pd

11/23/2017 12:40:44 am

minorities should not have to change their culture or the way they talk to be less intimidating .They should be accepted for who they are for being different.

J.grant

11/23/2017 05:04:46 am

I totally agree because everyone is different from each other no one is the same so they shouldn't be judged or intimidated by how anyone look or what they even say .

J.Grant

11/23/2017 05:03:40 am

And the first impression when people see you and how you act they automatically start to judge. For example if a child come in the store crying or not listening to their parents people think of the children as not home to train. I honestly feel that no other person should feel judged why because other people are different from each other.

C.Villanueva 1st

11/23/2017 05:14:11 am

Many people think we shouldn't have to change for any reason but yet since we were small we have been taught to act a certain way even if we want to act differently. We change the way we speak and look regardless of us acknowledging it for the satusfaction of others because of fear. Fear of being weird or judge which no one wants to be. I believe in the world we grew up in that no one cares who you are but the way you present yourself is everything.... we must change to be successful. You can't tell me that you can get anywhere in the world being yourself because you can't, you have to satisfy others as well and show them that you are not intimidating but fearless/powerful. Everyone's scared of something you just can't show your weaknesses.

D.Moseley-4th/5th

11/23/2017 07:09:36 am

Everyone is unique in their own way so who is America to tell someone to conform to look and act like someone they're not. If everyone was true to themselves we would have fewer problems because you would know what you're getting yourself into at first hand. Acting only gets you so far when you're looking for authenticity within a job/career field or even a potential friend/partner. If you're intimidated by someone else it's because they have something you're missing. So instead of changing someone else to make yourself more comfortable, gain knowledge and insight.

J.Bonilla- 4th Period

11/25/2017 12:47:45 pm

This comment made me smile. This is true, why should someone conform to societal standards. There are nearly 8 billion people, and people are still trying to fix peoples images. That is almost 8 billion people that are different than them. They should stop being self centered and realize what is beyond them.

J.Solomon 1st

11/24/2017 12:07:09 am

Code switching goes against the one moral thing America supposedly stands for; freedom. With that being said, if being American is all its said to be there would be no minority nor would there be the need for code switching. However, what it means to live as an American depends on who you're asking. Nevertheless, having to live uncomfortably in no way positively contributes to leading a productive life. The issue of code switching runs deeper than just defining what it means to be American in a judgmental society. Code switching can be seen everyday as women conform to society's demands in order to be seen as equal to men within the work place; or even when children are told that at some point in life they'll have to "grow up" if they wish to be successful. Code switching has negative affects anytime it is a requirement as opposed to a choice.

Kaleb washingto 6th

11/24/2017 09:13:04 am

. I believe in the world we grew up in that no one cares who you are but the way you present yourself is everything.... we must change to be successful. You can't tell me that you can get anywhere in the world being yourself because you can't, you have to satisfy others as well and show them that you are not intimidating but fearless/powerful. Everyone's scared of something you just can't show your weaknesses.

J. Maple 1st

11/25/2017 12:31:12 am

I disagree. It isn’t a requirement or law to code switch. It’s something that’s done, sometimes subconsciously, to fit in with the subculture of the environment you’re in. In a professional setting, rules and regulations on how to look and how to speak are for everyone to follow, not just minorities. America is a free country, and you have the opportunity to be anything you want. If you want that high paying, white collar job, code switching is just one of the sacrifices you have to make to get it.

J.Solomon

11/25/2017 05:42:00 am

While you make a good point, the prompt did not ask us to explain the effect of code switching on the general population. It is true that regulations are important to success. However, when we speak of the term code switching we speak about circumstances that are beyond one’s control. With that being said, I have to disagree with your statements.

Imani Florence 1st

11/25/2017 12:36:59 am

Code switching does not go against America's moral idea of freedom because freedom is still limited to a certain extent, especially in regards to minorities. As long as America has this way of life and thinking, code switching will be done for years to come because minorities will not be fully free to be themselves in the world or workplace. It is sad we have to do this, but it is a practice we may have to continue in order to successful. Non-minorities should try code switching to see how uncomfortable it is because minorities code switch to make them comfortable. I hope the term code switching become known so American's can learn about it.

I. Chancellor 1st hour

11/24/2017 07:06:01 am

Code switching is constantly being used in the workplace and at school. With all honesty, code switching is sad, and shows that people are not free, due to them having to change themselves, so non-minorities can feel comfortable around them. With this being said, a person should not have to code switch, to seem less intimidating. If a minority cannot be accepted for who they are, then that means the company they apply to and/or coworkers, have the problem and not the minority. In conclusion, a minority should not have to change themselves, because that makes minorities denounce their culture and makes them fake and not real.

Victor ajuobi

11/24/2017 01:19:55 pm

I disagree because I believe that code switching is not a way of putting minorities down about there looks, but about keeping an image or a company standard. There not trying to take way your rights it's just that sometimes places have rules and regulations that need to be followed

T.shelton 1st

11/24/2017 09:26:04 pm

I have never heard of code switch until but that's a good way to describe what the process is . You couldn't be more right because even I code switch , which is sad , but it feels so common that I don't think about it . Code switching is definitely a problem.

Imani Florence 1st

11/25/2017 12:23:04 am

Code switching is very sad and is used everyday by minorities just to be viewed in a positive way. We do this to be presentable in society and to accommodate non-minorities but they never do it for us. If non-minorities were to do this, they would understand how uncomfortable and tiring it is to pretend to be someone your not. While it is uncomfortable and tiring putting on a fake persona, somehow minorities will always be seen as intimidating to some extent. Code switching should be a term everyone knows so minorities and non minorities could learn about its impacts.

D. Parker

11/25/2017 09:37:46 am

This is a well-written comment. The last part where you say that workplaces not accepting minorities as they are means they're the ones at fault is thoughtful and connects to the fact that behavior connected to white people is easier to accept in workspaces. This reminds me of the novel Americanah. A character named Ifemelu (a black woman from Nigeria) began speaking with a fake American accent and straightening her hair to gain respect despite the fact that it harmed her and made her uncomfortable. I really appreciate how your comment gets to the root of the issue and stays on topic.

S.Johnson1st

11/25/2017 10:45:40 am

Code switching is like a restriction on freedom ,we aren’t who were meant to be. Us minorities are always changing ourselves to reflect common non-minority just to be less intimidating, but they never do the same for us. Code switching has been around so much that half of us aren’t even aware of what we’ve done become because it has become an everyday norm.

B. Haynes 1st

11/25/2017 12:37:20 pm

I have to disagree with your last sentence, that when minorities denounce their culture it makes them fake. Code switching is not something that makes a minority throw their culture in their trash, it's just something that some of us use to accommodate to certain situations. At times, we have to, and that's how it is unfortunately.

Kaleb washington 6th

11/24/2017 09:12:23 am

Victor ajuobi

11/24/2017 01:17:28 pm

In response to your comment, I would like to add that looks in work place do matter as they represent your companies image. This is why people dress differently from everyday life from work as there is a time and place for anything.

Victor ajuobi

11/24/2017 01:15:45 pm

Minorities should only change their appearance if there job or occupation requires a certain look for them to wear. Like some business don't allow their employees to have beards or long hair. This may not seem fair but if that what your work attire says then that is what it means. I believe that in a normal environment any kind of person should be allowed to express the way they look and not conform to American standards. However, your professional life sometimes may conflict with your personal beliefs and that is something you just have to accept. Minorities in America don't have to change how they look to please others but also remember that some rules may challenge that idea.

J. Maple 1st

11/25/2017 12:24:41 am

I completely agree. Your professional appearance is just as important as your regular appearance. In professional settings, everyone has to follow the same rules, no matter the race.

T.Shelton 1st

11/24/2017 09:22:23 pm

The only time miniorites should have to keep up their appearance or woth hold their tongue are for job interviews and the law . These two things have their life depending on it . With getting job you have to act and talk a certain way in order to keep it . If you are a miniorite you have to work twice as hard as someone white just make half of what they make . You have to appear less intimidating because of all the stereotypes placed upon miniorites . While with the law you have to be very careful with anything you do , just a simple look could get you killed . I don't believe there's anyway to appear less intimidating towards the law . Even though there's no true 100% way to be less intimidating, you still have to try .

B.Criss 4/5

11/24/2017 11:00:12 pm

Being who you are should not involve the switching of your language, appearance, actions, and morals. When you are being yourself you feel whole and confidence is up your self esteem is great you are positive in every possible way. Also when being yourself the people around you admire your determination and individuality and that makes them want to be themselves. Then you become the 'It' person, and what comes with being the it person is negativity and watching what you do and what you say because you have followers and a fan base. But that should not matter because you are who you are regardless of what people think of you.

K. Brown 1st period

11/24/2017 11:25:18 pm

We all have masks that we sometimes are forced to put on. In fact we don't act the same way with everyone that we encounter. Sometimes when we want to be showy or impress people we will act a different way. That's cool and all but at the end of the day you should still be able to be who you are at your core. You shouldn't be forced to change your dress or mannerisms. Yeah you can put up the facade but when it's all said and done you should be able to come back to your comfort zone and your true self. In fact you shouldn't even have to put up these faces more than show your own. They need to know who you are before they try and force you to be what they want to see.

D. Hearne 1st

11/25/2017 12:55:06 pm

We shouldn’t have to wear a mask at all even if it is for a mere second. We should come as we are and if someone doesn’t like it they can build a bridge and get over it.

Imani Florence 1

11/25/2017 12:12:39 am

No matter how a minority is dressed, talks, or acts, society (particularly white people) will always be intimidated by them to some extent. For example, the story about Brent Staples scarring a white woman at night when he was just trying to get to his destination. Because of his appearance and stereotype of how black men are the woman was scarred. Instead of minorities altering themselves, society should alter their themselves in regards to their feeling towards minorities. Their stereotype of minorities are the reason minorities are seen as intimidating.

D. Parker 1st

11/25/2017 09:34:13 am

I agree with your point of view. All people should be able to speak in a dialect or accent that is comfortable. Forcing or expecting people of color to change to accommodate white people is always racist and stereotypical. Outside of race, it's just plain rude and close-minded. Associating certain accents and attributes a certain group of people carry with negativity is completely wrong.

J. Maple 1st

11/25/2017 12:20:50 am

I think it’s necessary to code switch. We have to adapt to the environment around us and you won’t survive if you don’t. It happens everywhere, even in normal everyday social interactions. Code switching is not just applicable to minorities, as all races have a chance of being placed into new surroundings with people of different colors. If you want that professional high paying career, you have to change how you are, and that’s just the way it is.

M Williams 7th

11/25/2017 09:16:46 am

I feel you but still why should people have to change there whole appearance and style for a little cash. I mean people already walk around here looking stupid talking stupid and still make money while doing it.

S.moncivais 4th

11/25/2017 12:18:43 pm

I have to agree with you Ms.Maple because people do what is necessary to fit in and not be mistreated just because they are different. But that should be like that people should be able to express themselves on the way that they want.

I. Chancellor 1st hour

11/25/2017 12:29:26 pm

In disagreement, I think code switching is wrong and not necessary. With all honesty, what makes our culture so bad, that we have to change ourselves to fit in, just to survive. In agreement, code switching happens in workplaces, schools, and in other public areas. In disagreement, code switching is just applicable to minorities. In conclusion, it is sad, that you have to code switch, just to get that professional high paying job, because as a result, it makes you denounce their culture, making you fake in public areas.

Victoria Lobos 6th

11/25/2017 05:32:56 am

It should not be a requirement. Code switching is speaking another language that is not their native. No minority is required to speak another language that is not directly associated with their culture, it is clearly a choice if they want to further advance.

F. Aleman 1st

11/25/2017 07:22:57 am

All Mexicans are apart of the Mafia. All black people do drugs. And all White people are school shooters. People generalized on the daily. How does this do with intimidation? Well intimidation deals with fear. And when we put negative thoughts in our heads about others, it causes intimidation. Especially with minorities, it's like white people wont ever be wrong. With this, no one should have to change themselves to appear"less intimidating" because people are still going to generalized.

A.Moore

11/25/2017 07:30:23 am

I disagree that minorities should change how they speak ,live, and behave in order to seem less intimidating. Nowadays, people change when they get around other people. I feel that code switching is necessary when you are in a professional environment. You shouldn't change the way you are living your life just because of what other people think. People shouldn't live their lives based off of what other people say. It is up to you and only you on how you want to be acknowledged.

T.Tate1st

11/25/2017 08:00:44 am

I feel minorities should only change their appearance for important things like a job interview.Other then that I don't feel its necessary to change who you are to look less intimidating because why change. So others don't look at you a certain way, No be yourself people are always trying to impress others instead doing what they like . People should just be their self and forget what everybody else think because at the end of the day it don't matter what they like or think its what you want for yourself. Its your life and half of the people that judge people admire something of that person and want what that person have .

Deondria H. 1st

11/25/2017 12:51:13 pm

We should be ourselves and we shouldn’t let what someone else says hold us back. Companies look for diversity to look better but if they reject someone for who they are then they won’t get that diversity. When another company takes that person in they’ll be looking stupid.

Zakamion Murry 7th period

11/25/2017 09:08:52 am

In my opinion ,there is a time and place for anything because the way a person acts kinda determines how he or she acts out in public without a parent .You should change the way u dress in public ,for examples interviews .

J.Carire

11/25/2017 09:33:41 am

I disagree with you Zakamion because someone may act bad in school but be respectful to people in public.You can't judge a book by it's cover.Anybody may act bad but be the sweetest person that may have lived you never know.

Brianna B.-6th

11/25/2017 09:42:00 am

I agree with you but I don't agree with you. Some people might act horrible around other people and act like they got some sense when they out in public without a parent or anybody.

D. Carter 1st

11/25/2017 12:49:43 pm

I strongly disagree with everything you're saying. In my personal opinion it doesn't even seem like you read the prompt because your statement has nothing to do with minorities changing their lives to seem less intimidating.

J.Bonilla - 4th Period

11/25/2017 12:54:26 pm

Okay? How about when you're walking along a sidewalk? You should look professional to go to the gas station? Someone walking normally can be seen intimidating. An interview is not a public setting, an interview is somewhere private and that you should always dress appropriately.

M Williams 7th

11/25/2017 09:12:37 am

I believe that when you are trying to get something you want you should look presentable but not try and change your whole appearance. I feel as if your behavior and the way you speak you should leave at home but when you arrive at work or whatever it should be a whole new you but a decent you.You shouldn't have to code switch just for the minorities liking.Still be cautious about how they act towards other people just because of what they look like talk like and behave like that doesn't show who there are.

J.Carire

11/25/2017 09:29:47 am

I agree with you M.Williams.I think people should look presentable but not act different.They should be content with who they are and howw they look.If they have tattoos or scars or birth marks.They shouldn't have to hide it.

Brianna B.-6th

11/25/2017 09:35:03 am

I agree with you. You should change your appearance but not to much to get what you want.

W.Crawford III 1st

11/25/2017 12:10:25 pm

I agree with your statement. If you have to change to achieve something is it worth achieving? You should never have to code switch for anyone liking's. Also, i agree with you when you said be cautious about how they act towards other people just because of what they look like talk like and behave like that doesn't show who they are. You made some valid points.

J.Carire 6- p

11/25/2017 09:26:36 am

I feel like people shouldn't have to code switchjust to get a job i feel like people should be comfortable with who they are and shouldn't care about what other people think about them.I know it is crucial to get a job but,people should stop judging a book by it's cover and accept people for who they are.The people that judge are the ones who do it to make themselves feel better and not have to worry about how they are,how they act,how they are the same as other people.

D Parker 1st

11/25/2017 09:31:32 am

code switching should not be a requirement for minorities. it is an unfair act of elitism that is rooted in racism. white people aren't expected to change how they speak in order to be considered worthy by people of color. your opinion of someone should not be based upon how they speak, but on what they say. besides, white people are to blame for nonwhites speaking with different accents and dialects because our education is underfunded in areas heavily populated by black/Latino/other nonwhite people.

Brianna B.-6th

11/25/2017 09:32:16 am

I think that a person appearance is the first impression to a person before your first words to them comes out.

J.jackson link

11/25/2017 10:01:55 am

I don’t think you should change at all because you should look the way you won’t to look not like someone won’t you too look because if you change you won’t be yourself

S. johnson

11/25/2017 10:38:40 am

Minorities should not have to change their appearance and dialect in any some sort of fashion. We are about to be in 2018 how can we still be stuck on the fact that we have to “be like a white person” to be better. We shouldn’t have to change ourselves to seem “less intimidating”. We are always the same person with change so who are they to tell us we have to change to get further? “Code switching” is another excuse of how society wants us to be the perfect American and live up to the white standards.

D.Molo

11/25/2017 12:00:33 pm

I concur with the statement. Reason being is that we as minority’s already have it hard as it is. Putting something like the way we talk into getting or maintaining a job kind of scares people. That’s why you have so many people without jobs because it’s just too hard to just change yourself. The best way to stop it to change it for ourselves.

C. McCowin 7th

11/25/2017 11:19:05 am

Appearance is the first thing people look at when they meet new people. Apparently in this society, if you look a certain way, people either tend to like you or dislike you. For example, most people tend to judge my brother because of his looks and how he dresses. He has tattoos all over his body and he wears baggy clothes. He has a hard time looking for a job because of his appearance and he sometimes end up in jail for his looks.

S.Moncivais 4th

11/25/2017 11:32:32 am

People should never have to change the way they speak, live or behave because they should be accepted by Society just the way they are. The society were we live is bad and you have to do whatever it takes so you don't be judge by it. Code switch is necessary because people want to be able to survive and not get mistreated if they do something that someone else does not. Minorities try to fit in Within others and not to be intimidating for them. Even though code switch it's not the right choice it can be helpful to learn new things how about other people and what they think about you and their society.

Brandy Moreno 6th pd

11/25/2017 11:47:26 am

That is correct. No one should have to change their ways because of society. People should be accepted the way they are, not otherwise. This society we have no in days is not good. They judge by first impressions, just like the last prompt, it is kind of similar. We shouldn’t have to change our ways for this society we live in now.

D.Molo

11/25/2017 11:55:09 am

I agree nobody should have to change themselves to be accepted but the fact of the matter is that it happens. It’s been happening forever and I hate that it’s become what it is but the only way to break it is to go against it.

S. Miller 6th

11/25/2017 11:36:10 am

I also agree the way u look is your first impression but you should Not change who u are just to make someone else feel comfortable enough to be around u.

Brandy Moreno 6th pd.

11/25/2017 11:45:38 am

I don’t think that changing your appearance is good. Why should you change yourself off of other people , who put their opinion about you? That is not good. You should go off on how people act or what they do or how they put their priorities in life or how they think or their future plans. Not by some first looks or impressions you see on a person. So changing your appearance, i don’t think that will help at all or do you any good. No one should have to change their ways for anybody. Everyone is good the way they are. Don’t let no one tell you other wise . Do you and everything will plan out right . It is different though if your looks is a bonus, but if it’s your first impression than that is not what we are looking for here.

W.Crawford III

11/25/2017 11:58:19 am

I agree with you. Why should you have to change for someone else benefit. Also, changing will not do you any good. If you do you everything will play out right. You made some valid points.

Deondria Hearne 1st

11/25/2017 11:49:02 am

Let’s say we are presented with a guy who is covered in visible tattoos and piercings. To many that would be “intimidating”, others would find it attractive. Defining intimidating would be difficult because it is subjective. The problem isn’t us it’s the shallow minded individuals who choose to make far fetched assumptions on what they see. We shouldn’t have to change anything about us to seem less intimidating. I shouldn’t be turned away because I listen to Lil Pump or speak in ebonics. Outsiders don’t know that I could write award winning essays or that I listen to Luke Bryan on the weekends. They read us like a cover of a magazine and that’s how they decide if they want to keep reading.

D.Molo

11/25/2017 11:52:17 am

I believe that we as minority’s shape and mold ourselves to the way society tells us is professional. Reason being is that white America already see us as aggressive and disrespectful ,so we conform to the way they speak and articulate in that act of being professional. When yes it’s like if you cant switch the act up like this unemployment and labels with start to take place because you aren’t representing them how they feel you should. By they I mean (White America) they make it all about themselves and if it’s not their way it’s the wrong way. Is sad but it’s the truth.

W.Crawford III

11/25/2017 11:54:04 am

No it is not necessary to change your appearance to seem less intimidating. Who cares what another person thinks about you. Changing will not help any way because if you are black no one cares how neat you dress or clean your shave is YOU ARE BLACK! Every single person is intimidated by a black person, even black people. Changing your appearance is not necessary to seem less intimidating.

B. Haynes 1st

11/25/2017 12:26:43 pm

I don’t think minorities should have to change the way they are in order to seem less intimidating, but that can wrongfully affect how others see us, no matter what. For instance, when I am around family and friends, I act a different way from how I would in a more professional setting. This doesn’t necessarily change one’s culture, but it is knowing when to act accordingly. Unfortunately in this society, minorities can be seen as their stereotype instead of who they really are, so in order to combat such harmful impressions, we have to code switch. This shouldn’t have to be reality, but it is. If someone wants that white collar job, then they will have to act and dress the part.

D. Carter 1st

11/25/2017 12:45:52 pm

The society we live in today does not accept people that are different. Our society doesn't care for nor understand people or things that are different. People change depending on the people they are surrounded with and there location, and most of the time they don't even know they do it. I think to no extent should a person ever have to change the way the speaker or live their lives.

J. Butler

11/25/2017 12:56:56 pm

This is honestly completely true because our society doesn’t cater to anyone who doesn’t cater to it. So as much as a person may just be themselves that might not be enough to just get by.

J.Bonilla- 4th Period

11/25/2017 12:48:47 pm

With so much hatred and many judgemental people in the world, many start feeling intimidated by people that do not look like them. There has been conversations where a person of color says they talk “white” on the phone to get what they want. Minorities should not change how they speak, live or how they look in order to please society. They are just as smart, gifted, and talented human beings. People are now afraid to look different or be true to themselves because they want to feel accepted. For instance, my father wanted to be big and muscular, he achieved that through hard work. People are afraid to speak to him or talk to him because they think he is going to be mean or hurt them. In reality, my father is not mean and out to hurt people, he is a caring and sweet person. Nobody is perfect, therefore everyone should be understanding of peoples appearances.

R. Garcia 1st

11/25/2017 12:49:38 pm

Minorities , to no extent should alter their appearances, their way of speaking, their lifestyles or behaviors to seem less intimidating. People are often intimidated by the things they don't truly know/understand. In the united states many people are often intimidated by minorities. The reason behind their intimidation is that minorities have in many occasions been misrepresented in many forms of media by bad people from their community. The result of this misrepresentation is a stereotype, which becomes the only thing that non- minorities see and know about minorities. So, when minorities change their appearances to seem less intimidating, they are, in a way, accepting these stereotypes. Saying “ yes you are right to be intimidated when you see one of us dressed this way, all of us that dress this way are dangerous. That is why i chose not to dress this way.”

J. Butler

11/25/2017 12:54:46 pm

Minorities should only change their appearance, the way they speak, or the way they act for beneficial reasons. From a possibly professional stand point they should take every ounce of the way they are in consideration for their job. If what they wear or say can carry them to important places in life than they should change appropriately.

Comments are closed.

Mixed Ink

Mixed Ink is our class blog, the window into our souls. It was designed to improve students' writing, critical thinking and communication skills by giving them a platform to provide meaningful content based on their interpretation of what they see.

Although the students receive a grade based on a rubric for completing this assignment, they are not graded on complexity of thought. This is a place where students of all levels can freely, confidently and creatively express themselves and their opinions in a nonjudgmental platform. They are required to respond to and critique each other, but degradation, slander, lewdness, etc., will not be tolerated.

Bridge Builders

All subjects are vital to learning, but English is the bridge of communication. So let's build the arch, one word at a time...

Grading Rubric

Learning Objectives

Communicate effectively
Be aware of current events
Write concisely
Boost critical thinking skills
Be accountable
Follow directions
Have a voice about what goes on in the world around you