As the sole black member of one of our HR teams in a business unit of a Fortune 50 organization, I try to be increasingly inclusive in our efforts to acquire top talent. But I'm fed up with how black candidates routinely cost themselves the job and help to perpetuate discrimination and racism in the process.  

When I'm interviewing professional candidates for organization-critical, high-visibility positions, I expect those interactions to be dynamic and of the highest caliber (and that includes articulation and enunciation). Why, then, am I no longer surprised when an applicant I can tell to be black (by name, alma mater, associations listed on the résumé, or--believe it or not--voice/use-of-voice) says the dreaded "aks" instead of "ask"? Or "wiff" instead of "with"?

Who taught us to speak so poorly (or, as Malcolm X so delicately put it, "who taught you to hate yourself?")? Surely we don't believe "aks" and "wiff" are the correct pronunciations of "ask" and "with." And are those candidates truly surprised when they don't get the job?

I usually find myself wanting to give these candidates some constructive feedback, to turn them on to the consequences of this foolish behavior of slaughtering the English language. These behaviors perpetuate stereotypes and fuel the undying flames of racism in "corporate America." I feel privileged holding open a door of opportunity for so many people, and I'm saddened when I have to block the entrance because so many people think it's "cool" or acceptable to sound stupid.  

Should I say anything or just let it go? What do you think?

Second Question:

I am writing in reference to [this article]. In the article, you have referenced how white people have used this phrase when addressing an African American. What about when African Americans who make the statement (to other African Americans), "You aren't black enough." What does that statement mean? Does being "black enough" give you an advantage or privilege in the black community?

Answer:

Together, these questions frame a situation that must be very complicated, especially for the younger black professionals who are not from upper socioeconomic levels. My observations from being a trustee of a black women's college, my being on the steering committee of Rainbow/PUSH's Wall Street Project for five years, my interactions with hundreds of black executives, and my professional relationships with my black employees have led me to believe that hearing "aks" and "wiff" in a professional setting is unusual.

It's hard to understand why this person hears vernacular more often than I do, but the person who asks the first question identifies himself as African American. Perhaps some of the "aks" and "wiffs" he hears are from an attempt to identify with the interviewer. The interviewee may even assume he/she can be gain some "community points" or establish themselves as "black enough" (second question) with another African American by (even unconsciously) slipping in a little vernacular.

I'm not going to even try to define what's "black enough," but, if the setting provides an adequate comfort level, I have observed an almost formal "establishing credibility" conversation when introducing two black professionals. I've observed what is discussed as differences along socioeconomic lines. In Dr. Michael Eric Dyson's book Is Bill Cosby Right?, Dr. Dyson uses Cosby's recent comments about the black community to provide an exceptionally insightful look into African-American culture and socioeconomic conditions.

Not all African Americans were raised poor--there is a thriving group Dr. Dyson describes as the "Afristocracy." For example, I don't think "aks" or "wiff" was EVER a part of (former president of both Spelman and Bennett colleges) Dr. Johnnetta Cole's speech pattern, but you can rest assured that her entire being is rooted in what Dr. Dyson terms the "formal empathy" of black culture.

So, is the occasional use of "aks" or "wiff" a socioeconomic sign and/or one of establishing "black enough" credibility in a quick conversation? Does it matter? As a person who hires people, occasional vernacular doesn't bother me, especially if it is a reflection of the success overcoming socioeconomic condition (which I see as a true indication of ability to adapt, innovate and overcome).

In Is Bill Cosby Right?, Dr. Dyson quotes Malcolm X: "I am the man you think you are … If you want to know what I'll do, figure out what you'll do." Since, in my observation, the casual use of "aks" or "wiff" is frequent in Newark and much less so among college-educated African Americans who are also from Newark, and the casual use of "youze" and "dem" among white people from Brooklyn is much less so from white college-educated people from Brooklyn, the benefit of dropping the use of those "words" in a professional setting is well understood.

(See also: Was Bill Cosby Right?)

A slip of pronunciation may reveal one's roots (I occasionally slip and use the "vernacular" of the active duty Navy), but is that a terrible thing? Does growing up in the ghetto make a person inappropriate for senior positions? Given the number of high-ranking executives who came from humble beginnings, I'd say the overwhelming evidence says "no."

There may be another aspect to the first question we need to consider. Assuming the writer is truly African American (which I'm not so sure is the case), is he simply looking for problems? Being subject to oppression does not make one immune or unable to oppress others.  

In closing, I would say that it is not a good idea to establish "street cred" with people you don't know--not just for African Americans but for any group. It's a bad idea to "dumb down," period. For example, I really find it offensive when people approach to me as a fellow "goomba." (See www.UrbanDictionary.com if you don't know what that means.) Until you establish who you're speaking to, it is best to follow the conventions of the dominant culture, not only out of safety but to avoid looking like a person who would seek an unearned favor from an implied association.

Today's Question: Besides "Aks" and "Wiff," what vernacular and/or slang do you hear business people use? Click here to respond.

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