Ashanti Is An Influence

The Famous Vershawn Ashanti Young

Vershawn Ashanti Young’s article “ Should Writer’s Use they Own English”, has made me become more open-minded in my writing. Young’s article is different, then many written articles that are published. It also differs than most academic articles as well.

From my opinion I think he is talking about how people are able to mix different dialects together to make it their own discourse. I also think he is talking about the idea of changing your discourse when it comes to academics. He then talks  But, Young is speaking in some type of slang and explains his idea in his own discourse, which makes this article so interesting and hardcore.

about how writing in our own discourse in academics or in society can leave us vulnerable to racism. For example, if someone is writing something with an accent, or is talking differently, such as slang, than that individual would be called, “Talking black or talking Asian”. He then says that its people’s attitudes that would think writing is written in a non correct manner.

After, reading his article and figuring out his idea, has made me more enjoyable in my writing. He basically announces that it is okay to be able to write in your own discourse. I feel like I would be more comfortable writing in my own discourse rather, an academic way. I know my whole life as I was in school, I had to write in a specific way for a really long time, but now as I see it, I feel more free. I know I would still have to follow the rules of English writing, but Young makes it so hard to do that now. I now know someone who is against it but they can still incorporate it in their work, which I think is fantastic. 

I would always want to incorporate many ideas to my academic writing, but there is always something that holds me back from doing so. Like, I would say that the structure, or the format of how the essay should be, stops me. I have ran into many obstacles and roadblocks as I write essays, because of the rules on how it should be done. I feel like at times I am not able to get my point across fully. I may incorporate some of my ideas but sometimes they wont sound right if I try to transform it into academic language.

I know many people who has also had this issue before. It doesn’t make us dumb, it really is just that we would prefer to be able to understand and write things in our own discourse. But, I know how society is and how things run in this world. So, as a student I will continue on and write in English writing, even though it may not excite me or keep me satisfied, I will still do it. But, Young’s point has exceeded my knowledge on how this world works and how incorporating our own discourse writing can affect many people.

With that being said, I find Young’s article, relatable and should be attainable for many students who agree with the topic.  Who knows what this article can do for students or it may even spark the mind of student to elaborate more on the topic. But, as for now I want to reach my goal and graduate quicker, so if writing in English writing or academic writing will get me there faster, than I will do so. However, I will still try to continue on using all dialects that I know and try to incorporate it in my work whenever I get a chance.