Code-Switching: The cost to your wellbeing

By Laura Onyeneho
From – https://defendernetwork.com/
Reprinted – by Texas Metro News

Remember that viral video of President Obama entering the locker room of the US Olympic basketball team in 2012? I remember how cool it was to see our president navigate the world of code-switching with swag.

While Obama’s greeting to the white assistant coach differed from his interaction with Kevin Durant, this wasn’t simply a matter of personal style. It was a simple gesture for how Black people move in predominantly white spaces.

Code-switching goes far beyond language. It’s the conscious adjustment of speech, appearance, behavior and self-expression to fit the expectations of others. Black people often deploy this strategy to secure fair treatment, quality service or basic safety.

Research highlights the prevalence of code-switching in environments where negative stereotypes collide with situational norms. For instance, Black students might use standard English in the classroom but switch to African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) with their friends, adapting their communication to gain acceptance within each group.

However, the emotional toll of this constant adaptation is undeniable. Downplaying one’s racial identity can lead to accusations of “acting white” from within the Black community, creating a sense of alienation. The effort to constantly avoid stereotypes is mentally draining. In professional settings, striving for commonality with colleagues can stifle authentic expression, leading to feelings of inauthenticity and burnout.

Personally, I’ve been in positions where I’ve had to code-switch in a corporate setting to keep my RBF (Resting B—h Face) from showing. The fake smiles and the small talk in those office cubicles were exhausting. It became worse dealing with passive-aggressive Karens who clearly had a problem but always acted like they didn’t, and God forbid you actually confronted them about the situation. They would immediately feel threatened by the “angry Black girl.”

The pressure to code-switch isn’t just emotionally taxing; it carries physical consequences, too. Studies have linked chronic stress, a hallmark of navigating racialized environments, to increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Black people already face higher rates of these health issues, and the constant vigilance required for code-switching likely exacerbates them.

The burden of code-switching isn’t solely borne by Black individuals. It reinforces a system where the dominant culture dictates the terms of interaction. Imagine a world where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves, regardless of race. The responsibility shouldn’t lie solely with Black people to adapt.

Here’s what needs to change:

• Challenge Stereotypes: We need open conversations that dismantle the negative stereotypes that necessitate code-switching in the first place.
• Embrace Diversity: Workplaces and educational institutions should actively celebrate diversity and create environments where AAVE and other cultural expressions are valued.
• Unconscious Bias Training: Educational and professional settings should implement mandatory unconscious bias training to help individuals recognize how their biases might disadvantage Black people who choose not to code-switch.