The Cost of Code Switching | Chandra Arthur | TEDxOrlando

Summary

The speaker shares a personal story about how code-switching—changing behavior or speech to adapt to different cultural norms—played a critical role in navigating a potentially life-threatening encounter with police. They reflect on growing up learning to fit into different environments, the pressures of existing in multiple worlds, and the societal cost of this adaptation. The talk highlights the importance of embracing true diversity, where individuals can authentically express their cultural identities without facing penalties, and challenges us to foster spaces that celebrate uniqueness rather than conformity.

Takeaways

• 🏡 The speaker recounts an incident where she was mistakenly thought to be burglarizing her own home, highlighting the potential dangers faced by people of color during police encounters.
• 🔍 The concept of code-switching is introduced as the act of alternating between two or more languages or ways of expressing oneself, often influenced by the social context.
• 👧 The speaker shares her childhood experience of learning to code-switch to fit into a new school environment, emphasizing its impact on her identity.
• 👗 Code-switching is shown to be a survival mechanism, where the speaker had to change her appearance and behavior to be seen as non-threatening in predominantly white spaces.
• 👮‍♀️ The speaker raises the question of how her experience might have differed if she were a black man, pointing to the gendered aspects of racial profiling.
• 🌐 Code-switching is discussed in the context of a globally connected world, where people from diverse backgrounds interact more frequently.
• 🚫 The expectation to code-switch is critiqued as a threat to true diversity, as it pressures individuals to conform to certain behaviors to be accepted.
• 🎓 The speaker's professional life as a tech founder is contrasted with the underrepresentation of black women in tech and venture capital, illustrating the broader implications of code-switching on career opportunities.
• 💼 The cost of code-switching to society is highlighted, as it diverts time and energy away from pursuing personal and professional goals.
• 🌈 The speaker calls for a truer sense of diversity that values and celebrates individual uniqueness and cultural contributions, rather than penalizing them.

Q & A

What was the speaker's experience with the police when she was cleaning her house?

The speaker was mistakenly thought to be burglarizing her own home by her neighbor, who then called the police. She encountered four police officers with guns drawn, one pointed at her, surrounding her front porch.

What is the concept of 'code-switching' as described in the script?

Code-switching is the act of alternating between two or more languages or ways of expressing oneself, often within the same phrase or sentence. It can also refer to changing one's behavior or speech to fit into different social contexts.

Why did the speaker have to learn to code-switch as a child?

The speaker had to learn to code-switch to fit in with her new classmates after being accepted into a gifted program at a different school, where she felt the need to change her clothing, music preferences, and behavior to be culturally compatible.

How does the speaker suggest code-switching affects true diversity?

The speaker argues that the expectation of code-switching threatens true diversity because it requires individuals from minority groups to conform to certain behaviors to be accepted, rather than being praised for their uniqueness and cultural contributions.

What was the incident involving Henry Louis Gates Jr. mentioned in the script?

Henry Louis Gates Jr., a Harvard professor, was arrested for breaking and entering into his own home in 2009. The speaker uses this example to highlight how code-switching can affect the outcome of interactions with authorities.

What are some of the consequences the speaker mentions for those who choose not to code-switch?

The consequences for not code-switching can include not getting promotions, being jeered at for cultural expressions, or facing disciplinary actions for natural hair or attire that doesn't conform to certain standards.

What does the term 'Oreos' refer to in the context of the script?

In the script, 'Oreos' is a slang term referring to a person who is black on the outside and white on the inside, implying a person of color who has adopted cultural behaviors or speech patterns typically associated with white people.

Why did the speaker become a tech founder, and what challenges does she face?

The speaker became a tech founder to change the world positively. However, as a black woman in the tech industry, she faces challenges such as a lack of access to venture capital, with black women receiving only 0.2% of it.

What is the speaker's view on the benefits of true diversity?

The speaker believes that true diversity, where individuals are accepted and praised for their uniqueness, leads to a more compassionate, smarter society and allows everyone to gain the benefits of different perspectives and cultural contributions.

What challenge does the speaker issue to the audience regarding code-switching and diversity?

The speaker challenges the audience to give every person the space to be their true selves, regardless of their background, to truly embrace the benefits of diversity and to move beyond the need for code-switching.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Encounter with Police and Code-Switching

The speaker recounts a personal experience with law enforcement when, while cleaning her house, she was mistakenly thought to be a burglar by her neighbor. This led to a confrontation with armed police officers. The incident raises questions about how behavior and appearance can influence interactions with authority figures, particularly for people of color. The speaker introduces the concept of code-switching, which refers to the practice of alternating between different languages or ways of expressing oneself, often based on social context. She reflects on how code-switching can be a matter of survival for some, especially in high-stakes situations like the one she experienced.

05:02

🌐 The Impact of Code-Switching on Identity and Opportunities

The speaker delves into the implications of code-switching, discussing how it can affect an individual's sense of identity and access to opportunities. She uses the example of Henry Louis Gates Jr., a Harvard professor who was arrested at his own home, to illustrate how the ability to code-switch can have life-altering consequences. The speaker also addresses the pressures faced by those who are expected to code-switch, as it often involves suppressing aspects of their true selves to fit into certain cultural norms. She advocates for a society that values and celebrates diversity in its truest form, where individuals are not penalized for their cultural expressions but are instead embraced for their unique contributions.

10:03

💼 The Cost of Code-Switching and the Pursuit of Authenticity

In the final paragraph, the speaker discusses the societal cost of code-switching, particularly for minority groups who must invest time in learning cultural compatibility at the expense of other pursuits. She challenges the audience to consider the benefits of allowing individuals to be their authentic selves and to recognize the value of true diversity. The speaker shares her personal journey as a black woman in the tech industry, highlighting the stark contrast between the educational achievements and business growth of black women and the minimal venture capital they receive. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of living in one's truth to fully reap the benefits of diversity and encourages a shift towards a more inclusive and accepting society.

Keywords

💡Code-switching

Code-switching refers to the practice of alternating between two or more languages or varieties of language in conversation. In the video, it is discussed in the context of changing one's behavior, speech, or appearance to fit into different social settings or to avoid discrimination. The speaker uses her own experience to illustrate how code-switching can be a survival mechanism, particularly for people of color, to navigate predominantly white spaces.

💡Diversity

Diversity in the video is discussed in terms of the variety of differences among people, including race, culture, and background. The speaker argues for a genuine acceptance of diversity that goes beyond mere tolerance and instead celebrates and values the unique contributions and perspectives that individuals bring to society.

💡Authenticity

Authenticity is the state of being genuine, original, and true to oneself. The speaker discusses the tension between being authentic and the societal pressures to conform or code-switch. Authenticity is contrasted with the idea of being perceived as a 'thug' or being expected to behave in ways that are not true to one's identity.

💡Cultural Compatibility

Cultural compatibility is the ability to fit into a new cultural setting or environment. In the video, the speaker recounts how she had to learn to be culturally compatible to fit in with her new classmates, which involved changing her clothing, music preferences, and behavior to align with the dominant culture.

💡Implicit Bias

Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions. The video highlights how implicit bias can lead to unfair treatment, such as the speaker's neighbor calling the police due to a lack of understanding of the speaker's activities.

💡Police Brutality

Police brutality is the use of excessive or unlawful force by law enforcement officers. The video discusses the role of code-switching in potentially mitigating the effects of police brutality, as well as the disproportionate impact of such violence on people of color.

💡Venture Capital

Venture capital is funding provided by investors to startups with high growth potential. The speaker points out the disparity in venture capital funding for women, particularly women of color, despite their growing numbers as business owners and their high level of education.

💡Stereotype

A stereotype is a widely held but oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. The video discusses how stereotypes can lead to discrimination and the pressure to conform to certain behaviors or appearances to avoid negative judgments.

💡Heritage

Heritage refers to the traditions, beliefs, and history that are passed down through generations. The speaker uses the example of saying 'y'all' as a reflection of one's heritage and upbringing, contrasting it with the judgment it might receive based on perceived intelligence.

💡Tech Founder

A tech founder is an individual who starts and leads a technology company. The video uses the speaker's experience as a black woman tech founder to highlight the challenges and biases faced by underrepresented groups in the tech industry.

💡Acceptance

Acceptance in the video is discussed as the act of being willing to receive or regard something favorably. The speaker challenges the audience to move beyond mere acceptance of diversity to actively embracing and benefiting from the unique qualities that diverse individuals bring.

Highlights

Experience with law enforcement due to a misunderstanding by a neighbor.

The importance of behavior and code-switching in potentially life-threatening situations.

Definition of code-switching as alternating between two or more languages or ways of expressing oneself.

Personal anecdotes about learning to code-switch as a child.

The impact of technology and globalization on the prevalence of code-switching.

Hidden reality that the expectation of code-switching threatens true diversity.

Personal story of adapting to a new school environment and the pressures to conform.

The concept of being a 'non-threatening person of color' through code-switching.

Examples of code-switching in the context of police brutality and its consequences.

The story of Henry Louis Gates Jr. and the importance of code-switching in his arrest incident.

The consequences of not code-switching, such as missing out on promotions or facing discrimination.

The pressure of existing in multiple worlds and presenting an edited version of oneself.

The idea of a world where everyone can be their true selves without the need for code-switching.

The importance of accepting different speech patterns and cultural expressions.

Belief in the goodness of diversity and its impact on personal growth.

The speaker's journey as a black woman tech founder and the role of code-switching in her success.

Statistics on black women's education and business ownership versus their venture capital funding.

The societal cost of code-switching and its impact on minority groups' time and energy.

A challenge to give everyone the space to be their true selves for the benefits of true diversity.

Transcripts

Translator: Robert Tucker Reviewer: Zsófia Herczeg

Three years ago, after moving back from Berlin,

I had an experience with local law enforcement.

I was living in an old family house at the time but without a car,

so typically, even when I was home, there would be no car out front.

One afternoon, as I was going through old memories

and moving around what seemed like to be a thousand boxes,

the blinds in my spare room were being shifted to and fro

as I was generally just cleaning out the space.

My neighbor, an elderly woman,

took it upon herself to be the unofficial neighborhood watch,

and so, seeing the blinds moving back and forth

and no car out front in the driveway,

she deduced that my home was being burglarized on a Sunday at noon

and called the police.

As I continued to clean, I was pretty unaware

of what was going on outside of my house,

but audible and unfamiliar voices

prompted me to pause my cleaning activities

and to go outside, just to see what was going on.

The scene that I encountered when I opened my front door

is one that I will never forget.

Four police officers with guns drawn,

one pointed directly at me,

were surrounding my front porch.

"Get out of the house! Hands in the air! Hands in the air now!"

I froze.

Up until this point, I had never actually seen

a real, live, loaded gun this close to me,

much less had one pointed in my direction.

Now, I'm here before you today

because I obviously survived that encounter.

I was able to collect myself enough to answer questions

and prove that I had every right to be in that property.

But what if I had not looked like me?

What if I had not spoken like me?

What if the person who opened the door looked like a thug,

whatever image that pops into your head when I use that word?

What if the person who opened the door had not been able to collect themselves

in the face of grave danger, confusion, and potentially even death,

to prove that they had the right to be on that property?

What if I had expressed rightful anger

for being mistreated by police in my own home?

What if I had been a black man, instead of a black woman?

I raised these questions to illustrate the role

that behavior plays as it relates to code-switching.

As a kid, I was inadvertently forced to learn to code-switch,

and perhaps, in my case,

that unintentional education saved my life.

Code-switching as a concept is really interesting.

By definition, it's what happens when people who speak multiple languages

alternate between two or more,

oftentimes within the same phrase or sentence.

In a more colloquial sense, code-switching is what happens

when people reflexively or subtly change the way they express themselves.

So, for someone like me, and I'm sure many of you all here,

I thought, up until about fourth grade,

that "y'all" was the correct contraction for "you all."

It was only after some point at around nine or ten

that I learned that "you all"

was the correct way to address a group of people,

and that I should absolutely use "you all," not "y'all,"

when addressing important people and situations.

As our world continues to be connected through technology of all sorts,

apps and the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence,

I guess code-switching makes a lot of sense

as people from different backgrounds

continue to come into close contact with one another.

But when we look more closely at code-switching,

and who's expected to make the switch,

we discover a hidden reality.

And that reality is that the expectation of code-switching

threatens true diversity.

My first day of third grade was at a new school

as I had recently been accepted to the gifted program,

which meant that I would be bused from my neighborhood school of Westside

to Tomoka, in the next city over.

The year was 1992,

and so, on the first day of class,

I proudly donned my favorite Jodeci pleather new boots

and my Cross Colours shorts that -

to say that I stuck out like a sore thumb would be a grave understatement.

My new classmates were in polite pastels

and ribbons and bows and kids' Gap and Limited Too fashions.

I knew immediately that if I was going to fit in and make friends,

I would have to change more than just a few things.

So, over the course of the next few years, I learned acutely how to do just that.

I stopped wearing my Jodeci boots,

I started choosing softer colors

as opposed to the bright hip-hop colors and fashions that I had chosen previously.

I started listening to Green Day, and I eventually -

(Laughter)

and I eventually learned how to act like my new classmates,

and eventual friends.

Most importantly though, I learned how to align myself,

not just so that I fit in,

but so that I was culturally compatible.

I didn't know it then, but this is where I learned how to code-switch

and how to behave and speak in a way

that made me a non-threatening person of color.

As our society grapples with police brutality,

and protests against such violence

have become synonymous with big brand ad campaigns

and pop culture,

it's a person's behavior

which indicates whether or not they have learned

the language of effective code-switching.

There have been countless instances in recent history

where a person's ability or inability to code-switch

has meant the difference between life or death.

Are you all familiar with Henry Louis Gates Jr?

Many people know him as the host of the PBS series "Finding Your Roots,"

and still others may know him as an esteemed Harvard professor.

Still others of us may remember him also from a 2009 incident,

involving Cambridge, Massachusetts police,

when he was arrested for breaking and entering into his own home.

No doubt, his ability to articulate, and him being who he was,

and being able to explain the situation,

led to a relatively okay outcome for him,

save the public humiliation of being arrested.

For those who opt for authenticity,

unapologetically deciding to speak with the accents of their homeland

or their grandparents,

or to wear their hijab, or to say "y'all" in the boardroom,

there are oftentimes very real consequences that can be felt.

Consequences like not getting that promotion

because the client wants to speak to someone who sounds American,

or being jeered at for wearing symbols of pride from your culture,

while other people who appropriate that same culture

make the pages of Vogue magazine,

or being told by HR or administration

that your natural hair is inappropriate for work or school

and will need to be changed to avoid disciplinary action.

For those who aren't even deciding against code-switching

because they haven't learned it,

the consequences can be even bigger.

When I was a kid, I heard a lot of talk about Oreos,

and I'm not talking about the delicious cookie sandwiches

eaten best with a glass of milk,

but I'm talking about the slang term,

which refers to a person who's black on the outside

and white on the inside.

Kids definitely have a way of putting things plainly.

But the concept always made me think a lot about myself:

who I was and who I was becoming, where I lived and where my friends lived,

the music I listened to at home with friends and family

versus what I was starting to listen to with my new friends at school.

Deep down, I always felt like I had to hide certain parts of myself

that I knew were still very much me.

I had to be careful to not slip and say something too ghetto

in front of my new friends.

But I had to also be careful to not talk too much about cello or classical music

when I was at home.

For the person who's expected to code-switch,

to exist almost simultaneously in two or three different worlds,

constantly presenting a slightly edited version of self,

the pressure can be immense.

But what if there was just one world where we could all be our true selves

instead of the brand of diversity

which purports that minorities are acceptable,

provided they behave in a specific way?

What about a truer sense of diversity

where people are praised for their uniqueness

and the cultural capital they bring to places and situations

as opposed to being disciplined or shamed for it?

What about an acceptance of different speech patterns

even within our own American lexicon,

so that when a person says the word "y'all,"

we appreciate what that might mean about their heritage or upbringing,

as opposed to what we think it means about their level of intelligence;

when we see a person with a hijab or an afro,

we embrace the reasons for someone's decision

to do or to be something different than we are?

I truly believe that most of us think diversity is a good thing.

Most of us understand that by exposure to people and places and ideas

that are different from us,

we actually end up being better, smarter, more compassionate people.

But is belief in the goodness of diversity enough?

In my professional life, I'm a tech founder.

And thanks to biology, I happen to be a black woman tech founder.

My startup journey

has been like a roller-coaster ride without the seatbelt,

similar to most people's.

But, it's because I've learned the language of code-switching

and check some of the boxes

that means I get access to some of the opportunities.

I chose to be a tech founder

because, like most ambitious people,

I want to change the world in a positive way,

even though the data says specifically for my demographic

any kind of success in the tech industry

is the least likely.

In this case, when I speak of success,

I mean the ability to raise capital to start, grow, and scale a venture.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports

that black women are actually the most educated group

in the United States.

And a recent article from "Fast Company" highlights

that we're also the largest growing sector of new business owners,

with a whopping 265% increase in black-women-owned businesses

from 1997 to 2014.

(Applause)

Yes.

(Applause)

Yet, when it comes to who receives the venture capital,

particularly in the tech industry,

women CEOs get just 2.7%.

And women of color CEOs?

We get 0.2% - also known as none.

(Laughter)

The cost of code-switching on society is huge

because it means that those of us who belong to minority groups

spend a lot more time learning the language of cultural compatibility

and less time doing the things that matter to all of us,

like living, like spending time with friends and family,

like starting successful businesses.

As the tides of acceptance change in our nation,

and cultures continue to shift,

I challenge all of us to really give every person,

regardless of who they are,

the space to really be and exist as their true selves.

Because it's only when each of us can really live in our truth,

that we all gain the incredible benefits of true diversity.

Thank you.

(Applause)