Talking in Color: Collision of Cultures

            In the cultural criticism piece, “Talking in Color: Collision of Cultures” by Tiffany Hendrickson, (2013), the author discusses racism in one of its many forms so that other that find themselves in similar situations can become empowered to discover their own voice and speak their truth.  Hendrickson establishes her assertions by giving us a glimpse into her personal background, her relationship with her mother, how she learned to talk, and how she was treated because of it.  Hendrickson’s essay reveals a bias prevalent in a part of our society today, how some people are judged on the way they speak when that way is associated with being African American; she highlights the fallacy of this position to encourage others to look past the judgement of people who don’t matter.  Her intended audience is aspiring young writers, young college students.

            This was a powerful piece for the group.  Code switching has been a part of the black experience forever.  We not only do it with other races, but with each other also.  It’s all a part of how we communicate with each other.  The way Hendrickson pointed out the different dialects being spoken from different parts of the country, but yet when it came to that dialect being associated with the black race its described as sounding like a nigger.  No thought was given to who the person was as whole, or the potential they contained, just judgement based on the way they sounded and preconceived notions about the connotation of that sound.

            Hendrickson’s depiction of the pain she suffered as a result of racism and her ability to push past it and find her voice validates the notion of a purpose inside of each of us.  Her quote “ Though the journey has sometimes be painful, I cherish it, but more than the journey, I value most the power of my voice”, shows that even in face of constant rejections you can still find your destiny knowing we all have value.  Sometimes it takes a while to find that voice, Hendrickson spoke of initially being ashamed of the way she spoke when she was exposed to other white college students.  Being partnered with a Big Sister for a mentor helped her to discover the power of her voice that led to her seeing herself for the writer she is.  Hendrickson appeals to our sense of compassion to understand that our differences only separate us if we chose to.