Letter to the Editor- "Thx for the IView"

            I fully agree with the argument made in your “Thx for the IView!” article. The idea surrounding the lack of code-switching to formal diction to suit the surrounding can cost an individual their future success’, which is evident in younger populations. The younger population should be able to distinguish when to use informal ‘texting’ language, and when to stick to the standard language conventions. A lot of assumptions can be made based on one’s language capabilities, which is why a job hunter should look to use proper language rules whilst applying for a position. For instance, using Standard Oxford English rather than social media influenced slang shows formality and overall represents the individual better. In modern society, one has a better chance at attaining a job if they are able to code-switch to standard English.

            However, the English language is constantly evolving as a result of technological advances. New words are frequently being added into the Oxford dictionary, which is causing the English language to drift further away from the linguist prescription’s ideal. The youth is growing up in an era where slang is an accepted form of communication, and have been brought up in an environment where the need to use standard English is not necessarily required. Should job employers really be as strict with the younger job hunter’s language use? You made a statement of emoticons representing an unprofessional image, when in reality the applicant has grown up in a period where such symbols are accepted and widely used. The way one uses their language should not always reflect their intellect levels, as they may excel in what the job title is requiring. The younger population have fallen custom to language habits which the older generation may not necessarily understand. As language is evolving, and grammatical structures shift, these conventions should become acceptable in professional environments. As well, if one is able to use their desired language style, their identity is better projected, which could in turn create a healthier work environment. If a job hunter has to use standard English in an application, but later on resents to more relaxed jargon, could this affect their job career?

            What is seen as ‘professional’ language use should be constantly changing as language conventions are evolving. Today’s youth are the next to occupy society’s job positions, therefore the language conventions they have been raised up in should become more widely acceptable in professional situations.

Interview: “White Privilege II” by Macklemore

Guest starring today we have Seattle born Macklemore. He is best known for his collaborations with producer Ryan Lewis, coming together as Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Together the duo have become unstoppable, by winning four Grammy's and countless of other awards. As well, they were the first in music history to have their singles reach the top charts. Some of their lead singles include “Can’t Hold Us” and “Thrift Shop”. The rapper’s ability to address current issues through his lyrics makes him stand different from others in the industry. Recently the duo released “White Privilege II” early from their album due later, as a follow up to “White Privilege” released in 2005. Macklemore was prepared for disapproval of the song, but that didn’t stop him from addressing racism. Here are four things he told us about the new song.

Welcome to HITS Magazine, Macklemore. Thank you for coming out tonight.

Thank you for having me.

So let’s talk about one of your newest releases, White Privilege II. A lot of controversial debate has surrounded the song as it came out. Can you tell us what inspired the creation of the piece?

Good question, I mean I get asked that a lot; the whole ‘what inspired you to write it”, etc. I’ve always been about speaking for the black community and #BlackLivesMatter, and acting as a voice for them since I have the platform for it. I’ve actually written many songs surrounding these issues, with this song being a sequel to my 2005 released “White Privilege”. I just feel like not enough people are addressing these matters, even though they’re happening right now and are relevant to us all. After the shooting of Mike Brown, I went to the Ferguson protests where I actually felt insecure, and got me thinkin about the controversy of being a ‘white supporter’ in a Black Lives Matter protest. Being of white race, its true that it’s easier not to get involved in racial injustice issues. But it’s really not, because it affects us all on a whole. The less people speak up, the less these situations progress. Even if the song might affect my touring and sales, a lot of it becomes irrelevant if I am not able to speak up about the truth about what is happening.

A lot of debate on social media has grown about Black culture appropriation. What is your view on this controversy?  

We know that hip-hop was used to voice issues about the Civil Rights Movement, which was where the genre grew from. As a white rapper, I have questioned my music as appropriating Black culture, and wondered if I am disrespecting the world of hip-hop by creating these pop-culture hits. I was debating on weather or not I should release this song, as many other white artists in the industry are benefiting by remodeling Black culture music styles by adding their ‘white point of view’. What I’m doing is the complete opposite. I am not looking for profit, but only using my platform as a way to bring attention to inequality. On the track there’s actual voices of black activists, and chants heard at the protests, so really I am only trying to spread awareness. Knowing that my music reaches so many people, I am able to surround these issues.

The song seems to centered around your experiences as a white rapper and white privelage, is that correct?

Most of the song is surrounded around personal experience, and I intentionally did that to show how just because of the race I’m born into determines the position I have in society. Having ‘white privilege’ brings upon safety, however to push against it helps a whole other community. As a white rapper, I have gained a perspective on these issues, as I am surrounded by many African-American’s in the industry. I was once silent about these matters as I felt that it wasn’t my place to step in, which I now believe was a ‘crime’. Because of racial barriers, whites and blacks are not able to support each other fully without their intentions being doubted, which limits our ability to unite. A message I want to put out is for people to check their motives frequently, and ask themselves if they’re protesting to fit in or out of love. For me, its all about promise to the movement, and committing to these issues. I am inspired by people who have committed a lot of time into creating change.

Do you see social media as a useful tool for spreading awareness to these issues?

Of course social media can be seen as good and bad. I do try to keep up with them, and do tweet a lot. But the line is drawn where people who feel like it’s trendy to be involved in these serious issues, and don’t have any actual desire to be part of the movement. People need to actually speak up instead of scrolling past these matters. As well, I see things frequently of fake headlines, biast-sources and tweets which are not based on facts. Many of these racial injustice situations can be misinterpreted due to lack of information, which leads to strong divisions of beliefs. Social media is great with creating hashtags for issues, but the relevancy of the hashtags lasts for about a week until a new one arises.

Thank you for your time, it was great hearing your personal story.

It was my pleasure.