Summary Of Young's Response To Fish

Young’s response to Fish expresses his concern about the racist and ancient thoughts Fish presented throughout his article. Young states: “Fish himself acquiesces to this linguistic prejudice when he comes to saying that people make themselves targets for racism if and when they don’t write and speak like he does” (Young 110). Young explains that Fish’s ideas ingrain and continue the racist cycle that our society is still fighting today. Different cultures teach and use various styles of language that are not “ideal” in Fish’s eyes, and Young called him out on his discriminatory actions. Young also explains the negative consequences that projecting his old-fashioned way of thinking causes. He also explains how with all the various types of discussions through the media and other variables
Fish was unaware of his discriminatory behavior because he could not see himself in Young’s shoes. As a white man, he has never had to face the discrimination and hardships that non-Caucasian people have. Additionally, Young made the decision to present his work in a way he would speak it, rather than shift his language to be approved by Fish’s ideas. He was able to humanize himself with technical errors which made him more relatable to his audience. Having read both documents, I believe that the English departments at most schools need to change and redirect their purpose to adopt some of Young’s ideas. I think the focus of an English class should be developing a student's voice. Instead of nitpicking, and stressing students out about small grammar errors in sentence length, teachers should be inflicting confidence into the students' opinions and voices. While Fish made valid points that could be beneficial during the early adolescent stage of life, empowering and creating a safe space for children to learn, speak, and grow their own opinions is more