Episode notes

Alexandra brings the case against her mother, Dale. Whenever Dale travels, she likes to adopt the local accent in conversation with those around her. Alexandra is embarrassed every time she does this and wishes she would stop. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

If you want to listen to the Dick Van Dyke interview on Bullseye that was referenced in this episode, you can find it here.

EVIDENCE

Here’s a comprehensive list of Alexandra’s Googlings:

A) “I urge you all never to mimic another person’s accent without permission, and here is why […] I understand that for many people I’ve met, mimicking my accent is not something that is done out of spite. Most would assure me the reason they do it is because they like it, and I too am guilty of copying an accent out of admiration. However, when someone tries to impersonate me, two things happen: They do an awful job at it, and I instantly feel like a joke.”

-Excerpt from the article “Don’t Do A British Accent” by Gena-Mour Barrett

B) “My favourite (sarcasm) are the people who think because I am white and British it is acceptable to imitate my accent when having a conversation. Now if I were Indian would they do the same? I think not. Just like the author said. We are not here to amuse and entertain you.”

-From this webpage (comments section)

C) “What is cultural appropriation? Cultural appropriation is the adoption or theft of icons, rituals, aesthetic standards, and behavior from one culture or subculture by another. It generally is applied when the subject culture is a minority culture or somehow subordinate in social, political, economic, or military status to the appropriating culture.”

-From this webpage

D) “Just because it doesn’t affect you personally doesn’t mean it’s not oppressive.”

-From this webpage

E) “The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self.”

―Fred Rogers

Submitted by Dale:

Statement #1, from Dale’s friend Sarah (interview between Dale and Sarah).

Statement #2, from Dale’s younger daughter, Olivia.

Statement #3, from Dale’s friend, Marie, a Franco-American.

Thank you to David Dwyer for suggesting this week’s title! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put a call for submissions.

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