Code-Switching and Diversity: Safety, Identity, and Society

What incident did the speaker experience with local law enforcement?

The speaker was confronted by police officers who thought their home was being burglarized.

What prompted the police to arrive at the speaker's home?

The speaker's neighbor, believing the house was being burglarized due to the absence of a car and moving blinds, called the police.

How did the speaker feel when confronted by the police?

The speaker felt frozen and scared, having never seen a real gun pointed at them before.

What questions did the speaker raise about identity and behavior?

The speaker questioned how the situation might have differed if they looked or spoke differently.

What is code-switching?

Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects, or changing one's behavior to fit different social contexts.

How did the speaker learn to code-switch?

The speaker learned to code-switch through experiences in school and social interactions, adapting their speech and behavior to fit in.

What was the speaker's experience on the first day of third grade?

The speaker felt out of place in their hip-hop attire compared to their classmates' polite pastels and learned to adapt their style to fit in.

What changes did the speaker make to fit in with new classmates?

The speaker changed their clothing style, music preferences, and behavior to align with their new classmates.

What does the speaker suggest about the expectation of code-switching?

The speaker suggests that the expectation of code-switching threatens true diversity.

What societal issues does the speaker connect to code-switching?

The speaker connects code-switching to police brutality and the need for individuals to learn the language of effective code-switching.

What does the speaker imply about the consequences of not code-switching?

The speaker implies that failing to code-switch could lead to misunderstandings or even dangerous situations with law enforcement.

What role does behavior play in code-switching according to the speaker?

Behavior plays a critical role in how individuals are perceived and whether they are seen as threatening or non-threatening.

What does the speaker mean by 'culturally compatible'?

Being culturally compatible means adapting one's behavior and expression to align with the norms of a different cultural group.

How does the speaker describe their neighborhood school experience?

The speaker describes their neighborhood school as a place where they felt comfortable before being bused to a different school.

What does the speaker's experience illustrate about identity?

The speaker's experience illustrates how identity can be shaped by social expectations and the need to fit into different environments.

What is the significance of the speaker's reflection on their past?

The speaker reflects on their past to highlight the importance of code-switching in navigating social interactions and potential dangers.

What does the speaker suggest about the future of code-switching?

The speaker suggests that as society becomes more connected, code-switching will continue to be relevant in interactions among diverse groups.

What emotional impact did the police encounter have on the speaker?

The encounter left a lasting emotional impact, making the speaker reflect on their identity and the implications of their behavior.

How does the speaker's story relate to broader societal issues?

The speaker's story relates to broader societal issues of race, identity, and the expectations placed on individuals in different contexts.

Who is Henry Louis Gates Jr.?

A Harvard professor and host of the PBS series 'Finding Your Roots,' known for a 2009 incident involving his arrest by Cambridge police.

What was the outcome of Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s incident with the police?

He was arrested for breaking and entering into his own home, but his ability to articulate the situation led to a relatively okay outcome.

What are some consequences of opting for authenticity in speech and appearance?

Consequences can include not getting promotions, being jeered at for cultural symbols, or being told that natural hair is inappropriate.

What does the term 'Oreo' refer to in slang?

A person who is black on the outside and white on the inside.

What pressures do individuals who are expected to code-switch face?

They must navigate multiple social worlds and present edited versions of themselves, leading to immense pressure.

What is the difference between superficial diversity and true diversity?

Superficial diversity accepts minorities if they conform, while true diversity praises uniqueness and cultural contributions.

How can speech patterns reflect a person's heritage?

Different speech patterns can indicate cultural background and upbringing, such as the use of regional terms like 'y'all.'

What is the significance of embracing different cultural expressions in society?

It fosters understanding and appreciation for diversity, making society more compassionate and inclusive.

What is the current status of black women in the tech industry?

Black women are the most educated group in the U.S. and the fastest-growing sector of new business owners, yet they receive very little venture capital.

What percentage of venture capital do women CEOs receive?

Women CEOs receive just 2.7% of venture capital.

What percentage of venture capital do women of color CEOs receive?

Women of color CEOs receive only 0.2% of venture capital.

What does the National Center for Education Statistics report about black women?

Black women are the most educated demographic in the United States.

What was the increase in black-women-owned businesses from 1997 to 2014?

There was a 265% increase in black-women-owned businesses.

What does the speaker believe about diversity?

The speaker believes that diversity is beneficial and that exposure to different people and ideas makes us better and more compassionate.

What is the speaker's professional background?

The speaker is a tech founder and identifies as a black woman in the tech industry.

What challenges does the speaker face as a black woman tech founder?

The speaker faces challenges in raising capital and accessing opportunities in a predominantly white male industry.

What does the speaker suggest about the acceptance of cultural differences?

The speaker suggests that society should embrace cultural differences rather than discipline or shame individuals for them.

What is the impact of code-switching on personal identity?

Code-switching can create a conflict between one's authentic self and the persona required in different social contexts.

What is the significance of the police-at-the-door story?

It illustrates the stakes of code-switching, emphasizing how it can be tied to safety and societal expectations.

How does globalization affect code-switching?

Increased contact between people from different backgrounds due to technology and the internet leads to more 'switch moments.'

What hidden reality does code-switching reveal?

The burden of code-switching is disproportionately placed on minorities, threatening true diversity.

What was the childhood origin story related to code-switching?

The speaker experienced culture shock in a gifted program, learning to change their presentation to fit in with classmates.

How is code-switching linked to power dynamics?

People are often judged based on their ability to conform to 'acceptable' identities, which can impact their safety and opportunities.

What are the costs of not code-switching?

Individuals may lose opportunities and face punishment for cultural markers like accents or clothing.

What is the emotional toll of code-switching?

Managing different versions of oneself across spaces creates psychological labor and pressure.

How does code-switching affect society as a whole?

It diverts energy from personal growth and creativity, undermining the benefits of diversity.

What does true diversity entail?

Valuing unique speech patterns and cultural expressions without equating difference with low intelligence or threat.

What is the challenge presented in the talk?

To give people the space to live as their true selves, which benefits everyone.

What is the difference between high-context and low-context communication?

High-context communication relies on implicit messages and context, while low-context communication is more direct and explicit.

What is power distance in the context of code-switching?

The pressure to conform to 'respectability' is linked to authority figures such as police and HR.

What does uncertainty avoidance mean in relation to code-switching?

Institutions often punish ambiguity, making code-switching a strategy to reduce risk in high-stakes interactions.

What is ethical global communication competency?

The understanding that cultural humility is essential for safety, fairness, and access in communication.

What is the memory hook for the police-at-the-door story?

'No car, moving blinds, neighbor calls 911... and culture shows up with a gun.'

What is the memory hook for the definition of code-switching?

'Code-switching is the wardrobe change your voice does.'

What is the memory hook for the paradox of who gets asked to switch?

'Diversity, but make it conditional.'

What is the memory hook for the emotional toll of code-switching?

'Code-switching is carrying two backpacks and pretending it's normal.'

What is the memory hook for the societal costs of code-switching?

'When you're busy translating yourself, you're not building.'

What is the memory hook for the call to action for true diversity?

'Don't just love diversity. Budget for it.'