Do Students Have a Right?

Jessica Smith
English 1100_3J
September 15, 2015
Prof. Young

Entitled to Your Own Language- to an Extent  

    

     When placed in an academic setting, we've always been taught to speak and write "properly." However, writing "properly” and writing in "standard English" are two different things. A proper sentence contains a subject, a verb, and sometimes an object. Now, if a sentence contains all three of those things, plus a "slang" word, is that acceptable? Many people would say no, however recently people are beginning to feel as though students should be able to write freely in order to show their true identity through their academic essays. If it were up to me, I would say slang is acceptable when used during an appropriate time. For example, students should be able to say whatever words in whatever style of writing up until a point. There are boundaries when writing in an academic setting whether people like it or not. You wouldn't randomly start cursing off your family, friends, or any other authority figures, would you? It just isn't necessary, which is why the same rules should apply in an academic setting. If a student is using a quote or slang that contains foul language I'd say use it if a powerful meaning to defend the writer’s argument for the prompt follows it. If a student just wants to throw in a curse or slang word that does not hold any significance, then I'd say they should not be allowed to do so. Students should know right from wrong when being in school or speaking around authority figures. With that being said, I feel as though they should have the freedom to write and say as they please if the words serve a purpose.
     After going over the song, "F*** The Police" as an essay, we were able to decipher what the author was trying to say through his explicit lyrics. Is what they said, right? Throughout the song, the rappers discuss racial issues, crimes, and curse repeatedly. Is what they said, necessary considering they made their points? According to the Executive Committee of the Conference on College Communication, they passed a resolution. In that resolution they stated, "We affirm strongly that teachers must have the experiences and training that will enable them to respect diversity and uphold the right of students to their own language." With that being said, students are able to say what they please according to this passage, however, I still feel as though there are boundaries. The way NWA discussed their issues with the police in the song, "F*** the Police," they curse and threaten the lives of cops because they are mad. In my overall opinion, that is no way to portray your emotions for the public. This song is doing nothing but causing conflict between races, cops and the community. NWA could have expressed their issues in a less vulgar way.