An articulate explanation of the different meanings of articulate
In one of those interminable discussions about racial politics we seem to have on this blog, I made a comment about how some words mean different things to black people and to white people. It's beyond mere political correctness, I said. It has to do with history, experience and intent. I used the word "articulate" as an example. I was unconvincing and, I suspect, inarticulate. Here is a better explanation from The New York Times of how words can have different meanings based on one's race. The topic, of course, is the word inarticulate.
But here is a pointer. Do not use it as the primary attribute of note for a black person if you would not use it for a similarly talented, skilled or eloquent white person. Do not make it an outsized distinction for Brown University's president, Ruth Simmons, if you would not for the University of Michigan's president, Mary Sue Coleman. Do not make it the sole basis for your praise of the actor Forest Whitaker if it would never cross your mind to utter it about the expressive Peter O'Toole.
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