Standard White English.

Jordan finds fault with this statement, by realizing President Richard Nixon doesn’t truly mean this statement. He is simply attempting to cover up the true reason for the Vietnam war, which is what he is referencing within this quote. Nixon is attempting to say that the reasoning behind the war was indeed reasonable, and it was done in an unselfish manner, one done to defend another nation. However, this real truth was so that communism would not spread, which ultimately benefits the United States. Just like Jordan mentions, when something is stated, it sometimes has a different meaning. In this case, what President Nixon said had an entirely different meaning. Jordan also references, “Standard White English” which is a term that refers to the cover-up of true meaning.

Jordan uses the quote “The problem is that we are saying language, but really dealing with power.” What I believe he means in this quote is that within “Standard White English” language is a powerful tool that can influence people. We use it in our everyday lives, and it often has lots of meaning. However, it’s not just the language that has the power, but the power of whoever is behind the words that are being spoken. Standard White English, which is mainly used by white people, is powerful when taken advantage of. When taken advantage of by those who are in a higher status of power, it removes the idea that language is the problem, but the truth is the power.