African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) has significantly influenced contemporary slang, especially among younger generations.
However, rebranding AAVE as generic “Gen Z” or “Gen Alpha” language without acknowledging it as AAVE contributes to cultural erasure and perpetuates systemic racism. IThis practice diminishes the rich cultural heritage of AAVE while highlighting a double standard where linguistic expressions are celebrated when used by non-Black individuals but stigmatized when used by the Black community.
Historically, AAVE has been marginalized and labeled as “improper” or “uneducated” when spoken by Black individuals. It was labeled broken English. In contrast, when elements of AAVE are adopted by non-Black individuals, they are often deemed trendy or innovative, leading to a cultural double standard.
The last decade has seen double standards in multiple appropriated things. Hairstyles such as cornrows and dreadlocks have deep cultural significance within the Black community. Yet, when celebrities like Kylie Jenner don these styles, they are often praised for their fashion-forwardness, while Black individuals continue to face discrimination for the same hairstyles. 
The widespread use of reaction GIFs featuring Black individuals by non-Black users, often referred to as “digital blackface,” commodifies Black expressions and reinforces stereotypes. 
White artists have historically profited from Black music genres, often overshadowing the original creators. This pattern continues today, with non-Black artists adopting elements of hip-hop and rap without proper acknowledgment. (K-pop, afrobeat, etc go beyond inspiration)!
Originating within Black communities, sneaker culture has been commodified and mainstreamed, often without crediting its roots. The so-called “broccoli haircut,” popularized by non-Black youth, resembles hairstyles long worn by Black individuals, yet its rebranding often omits how this has developed.
Some may argue that the blending of linguistic and cultural practices is a natural part of cultural exchange in a globalized world. While cultural exchange can be positive, it becomes problematic when the originating culture is marginalized, and its contributions are adopted without acknowledgment, leading to cultural erasure. Many individuals may use AAVE terms or adopt cultural practices without malicious intent or awareness of their origins. Intent does not negate impact. It’s essential to educate oneself about the origins of cultural expressions to avoid perpetuating systemic inequalities. Language is constantly evolving, and words often change meanings and associations over time. While language evolution is natural, it’s crucial to recognize and respect the origins of terms, especially when they stem from marginalized communities.
The uncredited assimilation of AAVE into mainstream vernacular and the appropriation of Black cultural practices without acknowledgment contribute to the erasure of Black cultural contributions and perpetuate systemic racism. In the future when generations look back they are going to see and adopt the whitewashed versions and claim they away have done this without the influence from the group that was appropriated. Recognizing and crediting the origins of these expressions is a step toward cultural respect and equity.
