That's Just How We Are

Some people are born into communities where pronouncing your E's and R's are considered appropriate. Where slang terminology is frowned upon, and deemed to be ignorant. But to me that's just how we are. In my neighborhood we consider things a little bit differently. If you pronounce your E's and R's or don't use slang terminology you're considered "white washed" or a"sell out". In my world ignorance is bliss, and adapting is an important part of making your peers comfortable. Since I was a child I always had a pretty good command of the English language, but the environment I was placed in didn't call for that as a necessity. It was bad enough my intelligence outcast-ed me as a nerd in my early years, so talking in a way my peers could understand me gained me some respect to a degree. I "clowned", I fought, and I used improper language in pursuits in gaining my respect because as a child the only validation of your existence is to be noticed by those around you. It wasn't fronting, or portraying to be something you're not, because it was natural. My family spoke in this way as well as I did. So these were tendencies I just picked up, but now that I'm older and is conforming more into this new world I see many challenges from my speech that can inhibit my progress. On the road to success I guess it's just another obstacle to overcome.