Some of the examples are far less aggressive than others; some are
merely very subtle. Where others have researched a particular statement or
issue, that work is cited.
Something unsettling or disturbing or frightening happens; the media
focus on the event in the course of their usual news cycle. There is
significant reader or viewer response and interest; the cycle ramps
up:1. Oakland Schools OK Black English. Ebonics to be regarded as
different, not wrong. The San Francisco Chronicle,
12/18/1996.
2. board declares Black English a second language. Associated
Press, 12/18/1996.
3. “Ebonics” May Be Taught in California Schools ... declaring
that so-called “black English” is a second language. CNN
Today, 12/18/1996.
4. Schools accept black English; Oakland board grants Ebonics
primary status ... Acknowledging that many African-
American students do not speak standard English, the Oakland
School Board has approved a special program – the nation’s
first – that recognizes black English as a primary language.
The Chattanooga Times (Tennessee), 12/20/1996.Hostility and negativity increase and are expressed openly. The media
coverage intensifies focus on the offending person or thing:1. Oakland school board declares black English a second
language ... Levi Smith doesn’t want his three children
speaking Black English with phrases like “He be at the store,”
even though the Oakland School Board says it’s a legitimate
language. Associated Press, 12/20/1996.
2. Here’s how they be talkin. Charleston Daily Mail (West
Virginia), 12/20/1996.
3. If you’ve never heard the term “Ebonics,” then you probably
don’t live in the Oakland, California area. Oakland’s school
board has decided to teach Ebonics, or “Black English” as a