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Kamala Harris’ ‘recent accent’ under fire as supporters race to defend her code-switching during speech

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Kamala Harris

Donald J. Trump and others proceed to find ways to discredit Vice President Kamala Harris’s blackness by pushing the narrative that she modifies her accent when she is around certain people.

This is according to the previous president’s statement that she “went black” to sway voters within the presidential election, as well as to resonate with those that criticize Harris’ accent and demeanor when addressing different communities.

Kamala Harris' Parents
Kamala Harris accused of fixing her “accent” on the 2024 Congressional Black Caucus Dinner (Photo: AP Photo/Meg Kinnard, archive)

This critique got here to the fore again on the 2024 Phoenix Awards, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundation in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, September 14, where the Oakland-born artist delivered a speech to a predominantly Black and Brown audience.

A video has appeared online through which the Democratic presidential candidate greets the audience with the words: “Hello to all my brothers and sisters of the Divine Nine and my sisters.”

Dressed in a blue sequined dress, Harris continued with a giggle: “And to all my brothers and sisters at HBCUs.” Although the clip was short and didn’t capture the group’s response, it also sparked a social media storm.

Her cheerful tone, distinctive laugh, and references to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) led many to accuse her of lacking authenticity as a 38-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

“Kamala’s new accent at the Black Caucus dinner. I can’t make this up. Worse than Hillary. Disgusting and horrifying,” one user wrote on Twitter.

Other criticisms highlighted Harris’s pattern, beating“This is not her ‘new accent.’ This is an accent she has been changing to for a long time to appeal to black voters.”

Harris knows this criticism all too well.

Throughout the campaign, her use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), or adaptations of speech when addressing different groups, drew each opposition and defense. At a July event in Atlanta and a September speech in Detroit, critics compared her delivery, accusing her of fixing her tone depending on the demographics of her audience, interpreting this as a way to pander to black voters.

Even Peter Doocy from Fox News I asked White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre explained why Harris appeared to speak with a “Southern accent” in Detroit, to which Jean-Pierre replied, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Many others think he has no idea what he’s talking about.

Harris’ supporters, especially within the black community, point to W.E.B. Du Bois concept “double consciousness” and the survival tactic of code-switching—adapting one’s speech and behavior depending on the social context—a typical experience for many individuals of color.

One user defended Harris, explaining“No, that’s how she talks. The voice you’re used to is the one she uses when she has to conform in her workspace to be accepted by her peers who don’t look like her. Black people have been doing this forever. It’s called #codeswitching.”

Another commentator as well as“So what do racist white people need to know? Do ALL black people do this and when I meet a black person who sounds like me they are afraid of me?”

One influencer, 2RawTooReal, chimed in with humor, posting a meme about code-switching and writing, “Code-switching is a dark art. Me at my corporate job.”

The notion that Harris is “acting black” or is being dishonest has been firmly rejected by many who know her, including her sorority sisters who pledged with her in 1986 at Howard University. She is a proud member of the Alpha Chapter of the oldest black sorority and a graduate of one in every of the oldest HBCUs.

Nicole Holliday, an assistant professor of linguistics on the University of California, Berkeley, who’s an authority in sociophonetics, said she has been studying Harris’s speaking style for years and has not noticed anything odd about it.

In an interview with MSNBC, she said those criticizing Harris for code-switching are missing the purpose.

“She sounds black,” Holliday said. “She sounds professional. She sounds female. She sounds Californian, all those things. And she’s pretty much consistent. If you listen to her, she sounds consistently all those things.”

The expert also published a report for 2023 paper“Complex Variations in the Construction of Sociolinguistic Persona: The Case of Vice President Kamala Harris,” published in American Speech, explored how Harris navigates these linguistic waters, showing how her speech reflects her multifaceted identity as a Black woman and a lady ready of power.

Ultimately, Holliday believes Harris’ ability to navigate different linguistic landscapes is emblematic of a bigger phenomenon, particularly amongst black leaders. She even compares the previous prosecutor to former President Barack Obama and the way he had to change his tone when speaking to different audiences.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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