Reading Response 21 (Smitherman)

Summary:
In her article, "God Don't Never Change," Geneva Smitherman states that black English should be accepted and utilized in schools. She explains how previously, black students have been graded poorly because of their use of black English, and maintains that this should not happen, as black English is its own style.

Synthesis:
This article deals mainly with identity, as the past readings we've been doing have, like Flynn and Wardle. All have discussed identity and its place in the writing community.

QDJ
2. Smitherman uses black idiom rhetorically by using black English in the article, therefore trying to show the reader that it is okay and acceptable to use.
3. Language is and has probably always been defined by certain classes, with the upper class deciding what is and is not okay. Some writers, like Smitherman, believe that this is unfair and oppresses blacks.

Personal Thoughts:
This article frustrated me, mainly because I am a grammar stickler and everything in it was just so hard to read. I am all about identity through writing, but there comes a point when there needs to be certain rules to follow just for the sake of understanding one another.