Reading Response: “God Don’t Never Change: Black English form a Black Perspective”

Reading On Writing (p. 189-193)

Reading Response

“God Don’t Never Change: Black English form a Black Perspective”

By Geneva Smitherman

Summary:

In “God Don’t Never Change: Black English form a Black Perspective,” Geneva Smitherman attempts to express her thoughts on Black English (Idiom) history and the way today’s society views it. Smitherman argues that Black English cannot be studied without reviewing Black culture- and that Black culture cannot be studied without understanding White Culture. Throughout her text, Smitherman writes in Black Idiom to demonstrate that, though different from the typical academic writing, the same ideas can be presented and Black Idiom- and thus, those who write that way are no less intelligent. Smiterman describes the history of this language and questions its stigma. She also talks about mechanics/grammar. Her advice to teachers is to not let “sloppy” writing pass: that is, don’t let general statements be made with no detail- but do not dwell on what they believe to be “improper” phrasing or grammar.