[straightBOS]

Originally posted by straightBOS:
I think the "intonement" part was the culprit, also. It kinda makes people (incluing myself) feel like skin color is being linked to the way we talk.

From reading more of the posts, I am guessing that you were referring to people who, lets say, reluctantly decide to abandon all that is "ethnic" about them because they feel that they will be better off.

I guess I could agree that that behavior might be en vouge. There has been a surge in the growth of the Black upper and middle classes. But we don't have many upper middle class Black neighborhoods that are easy to find. (I'm in Boston, so I'm speaking for my area) There are many, but they are so scattered across the country, that moving might not be a viable option for most. So, instead, they align themselves with the closest alternative-people who may not appreciate their differences. So, in order to fit in, they assimilate.

Do I have it right yet?

In that case, I would agree that assimilation is a no-no.