Black Talk and Pop Culture

QUESTIONS FOR CLOSE READING

1) In "Black Talk," author Leslie Savan proses the thesis that the english language has deep roots with black english as well. She states that the American language now is partly due to the black-inspired slang.



2) By using the term "pop language," Savan means that it is the language most commonly found in the streets and often refereed to as slang. Some examples of this pop language would include Micky D's, getting Jiggy with it, and sup.



3) The world cool is characterized by Savan as the most important pop word of all because while other words fade into society never to be spoken again, the word cool has managed to survive this whole time.



4) According to Savan, what's troubling about white mainstream cultures appropriation of black words and phrases is that the white people are basically willing to accept the blacks words but not them. Also that it's not in the white culture to be throwing the words around.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WRITER

1) Savan uses so many examples of black talk because he would like to ephisize how many terms of black ebonics actually made it into the mainstream pop culture.

2) The reason Savan discusses the use of black talk in marketing products becuase it seems "fun" and "pops" making it easy on the ears and more exciting.

3) Savan stops the flow of the essay to delve deeper into the terms of black talk because she want's people to understand just how complex black talk is. She calls it black talk instead of black english because it doesn't separate or make it seem racist as much as the other words due.

4)Sacan uses examples from MTV, Such other examples however include the infamous "ecko" and "FUBU" clothing. Rappers often use this "black talk" both on and off stage.

SHORT ANSWER:
1) Eminem is a prime example of a rapper who uses "black talk." Although he is white, he feels since he grew up in the "ghetto" he is apparently part black. This "wanna-be" has even worked with several black artists to ensure that he always has fresh jargon to use.