Where I'm From /sonnet

I am from Maxwell House Coffee, Murphy’s Oil Soap, herbal shampoo, Ideal cookies, grapes from Great-grandpas orchard and family Sunday drives.

I am from the little white house that has two porches, I’m from where a rooster crows to issue in a new day, the sounds of piano with music to sing and dance, and the sound of a hunters horn.

I am from the Rose of Sharon shrub, tall hedges, Maple Trees and beautiful flower gardens. 

I am from Sunday family dinners, stubbornness, tempers, hard work, and soft hearts, from Patterson’s, David Edward, Grandma and Grandpa— Sandra Jo, Fitzpatrick’s and family pride.

I am from a world that’s geography is some of the oldest. I am from where things remain the same even as they change. Where there is a sense of peace and a place to belong.

 I am from cowboys, farmers, fox hunters, and coal miners. I am from flower arranging, and wedding cake making.  I am from long walks in the forests, voice lessons, capturing lightening bugs and setting them free, and making peanut butter candy that never seemed to set.

 

I am from, “take care of your sisters” and “behave like a lady.”  

I am from a faith in God, which is grounded in His word.  I’m from believing in His all consuming fire, and walking in trust.  I’m from a faith in which we face our greatest sorrows and the joys of our tomorrows.

I am from West Virginia, The Mountain State. From Saddle Mountain, snow storms, Spruce Knob, and Harpers Ferry. I’m from Stonewall Jackson, beautiful Rhododendrons, the New River Gorge, Coopers Rock, and the Civil War. I’m from exciting Mountaineer Football, potato salad, love of our military, fresh baked bread, heritage festivals, and Irish roots.

I am from sharing a bedroom with my two sisters, and as adults still sharing our dreams.   I’m from holding on to Jackie as she moved to Virginia and embracing Shawna when she experienced great loss.  I’m from praying for a baby brother and then finally holding him in my arms. I’m from watching David pitch a no hitter and getting ice cream to celebrate. 

I am from Clarksburg, and the familiar great outdoors.  I’m from collecting leaves and memories.  I’m from walking into the old forest and hearing the faint voice of my ancestors.  I’m from knowing I’m loved and knowing who I am.  I am from not needing to search for my roots. I am Home.

Culture Difference - Culture Deficit

     Fox News and Black English - Ebonics, a video that describes a culture deficit perspective (a view that individuals from some culture groups lack the ability to achieve just because of their cultural background.
     Gerrard McClendon, author of "AX-ask, The African American Guide to Better English"; believes that having skill with language will help students be accepted professionally.
He believes that African Americans are a subculture that passes on poor language skills.  
     Mr. McClendon teaches students to use Standard English.  He believes that if students learn Standard English they will have a better chance in life.


     What Matters- Code Switching: Communication that Matters, describes a culture difference perspective ( in which group culture differences create certain boundaries in learning). The video primarily focused on the African American Vernacular English and Standard English, and described language has having different purposes.  
     Standard English is determined by the powerful and prestigious; and when learning Standard English it changes our identities as well as attitudes.  
     The video pointed out that correcting ones language does not work, but that real teaching is teaching the student how to get from one place to the next (code switching).  And to learn to speak Standard English one should start with writing, because it allows the student to practice and make changes.   It was also determined that using Standard English (Proper Business English), students test scores improved.