Where I'm From

Where I’m From

I am from berry picking baskets and Ford trucks,

From John Deere tractors and dogs running free.

I am from backwoods, deep snow, and warm sunrises coming over the mountain.

I am from the rustic barn fences and cows in the fields.

I am from family gatherings that turn into reunions, summer camping trips, and fishing with dad

From “Wait until your father gets home!” and “What are you girls doing?”

I am from holiday dinners spent at the grandparent’s house, and red headed stubbornness that gets us in trouble.

I am from Christian faith where I was taught anything is possible if you follow the Lord, our God, with guidance from the Bible.

I am from embracement and love, from hope and destination.

From Moores and McDowells, Grandpa Lowell and Grandpa Ken- hard workers yet even softer hearts.

From the scary baby doll stories told by cousins, women’s weekends where we can act silly, and the beach vacations that always have mishaps.

I am from winding roads that always lead me back home, home of the Blackwater Falls that reminded me to be quiet and just listen, and a great family, that no matter how far I go, they will always be there for me.

Cultural Deficit/Cultural Difference

After watching the two different videos, "What Matters-Code Switching: Communication that Matters" and "Fox News and Black English-Ebonics," I feel that the Fox News video reflects cultural deficit. Many of the students that were saying "AX" instead of "ASK" were stating that they didn't know better because nobody has ever corrected them. In their community, that is the way they speak and weren't told any different. The Code Switching video reflects cultural difference because the children in the communities know better and have been taught to change the way they speak when in different situations. However, many of the students are choosing not to code switch. Many of the people surrounding them are used to hearing their "slang" that they don't correct them so they continue to use it.