Over the weekend, Vice President Kamala Harris faced criticism on social media for her brief cameo during the BET Awards and her use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in that appearance. The general sentiment labelled it as “cringe.” Personally, I don’t take issue with the cameo or her use of AAVE, which I found to be delivered in a believable “Bougie Auntie” style. What I do find genuinely cringe-worthy is the pervasive sense of pandering from politicians who seem to feel the need to appeal to specific demographics to secure votes. This practice is not limited to race, although the “Hip Hop Culture” vote is often equated with the “Black” vote. For decades, politicians have sought to sway the votes of Gen X, Y, and Z Hip Hop enthusiasts by aligning themselves with musicians and other cultural figures.
Let’s start by examining the use of AAVE in political pandering. For those unfamiliar, African American Vernacular English, formerly and unofficially known as Ebonics, is a dialect spoken by many African Americans in the United States and is heavily influenced by Hip Hop culture. Politicians frequently employ AAVE in their speeches and campaigns to connect with the “urban” or “hip hop” community. However, this is often viewed as disingenuous and opportunistic, used solely for political gain. Another strategy involves politicians aligning themselves with prominent musicians and cultural figures to appeal to younger generations. Endorsements from high-profile artists like Beyoncé or Jay-Z, who have a significant following in the hip hop community, are commonly seen. While some may view this as effective, it raises concerns about the authenticity of these endorsements and whether they genuinely reflect the politicians’ values and beliefs.
AAVE has also been subject to commercialization and exploitation by mainstream media and corporations. From incorporating slang terms in advertisements to appropriating cultural elements for profit, there is a continuous trend of appropriation and commodification of AAVE without proper acknowledgment or compensation to its origins. This exploitation perpetuates harmful stereotypes and diminishes the rich history and meaning behind AAVE, reducing it to a mere trend. Those unfamiliar with AAVE should educate themselves on its origins and usage before attempting to incorporate it into their own language. It should not be utilized to appear “cool” but should be respected as a legitimate dialect with its own rules and conventions. AAVE, like any other language, has evolved over time through the experiences of African Americans and carries deep cultural significance.
Now, let’s delve into the different branches of the US government and how they affect us. The United States government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. The executive branch, headed by the President, is responsible for enforcing laws and policies, overseeing federal agencies, and serving as commander-in-chief of the military. The legislative branch consists of Congress, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, tasked with creating laws, approving or rejecting presidential appointments, declaring war, and controlling government spending. Lastly, the judicial branch interprets laws and ensures their constitutionality, led by the Supreme Court and including lower federal courts, with the authority to review and overturn unconstitutional laws.
These three branches work together to create a system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of each branch is crucial for being an informed citizen and participating in our democratic process. While I grew up in a family that believed in voting straight party tickets, I personally see the benefit in researching individual candidates and mixing up my choices. Balancing political parties across all branches of government helps keep honest people honest.
As citizens, it is vital to pay closer attention to our government. For instance, in 2017, Congress was in session for only 145 out of 261 workdays, indicating a broader issue of ineffectiveness. Many officials are not fulfilling the jobs we elected them to do, partly because few of us follow up after elections or do our research beforehand. Just as the presence of dinosaurs would make us uncomfortable, we should question our comfort with long-standing politicians running our country unchecked. The adage “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” is a cautionary reminder of the importance of holding elected officials accountable.
By staying informed and educated on current events and political issues, we can better understand our government and hold those in power accountable for their actions. There is no point in pandering to an informed collective because, as Jay-Z once said, “We don’t believe you, you need more people!”
She is a graduate of Carolina School of Broadcasting, in Charlotte North Carolina. Babydoll colloquially delivers compelling content and information. She connects with listeners not only over the airwaves, but also through social media platforms; as well as in their communities where it counts most.
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