TheQuartering [8/20/2021]
Was Pokimane mocking black people?
Pokimane has apologized for using AAVE (African American Vernacular English) in the title of her August 19 Twitch stream. Fans called her out, claiming she was “mocking” the dialect form.
Pokimane is the latest social media personality to spark controversy over the use AAVE. Olivia Rodrigo was slammed by Twitter users back in July for adopting a ‘blaccent’ and using phrases such as “I be trending.”
Non-black celebrities are regularly pulled up for their use of the dialect. Iggy Azalea, Ariana Grande and Awkwafina have all come under the firing line.
Pokimane titled her August 19 stream “on God for real for real? It’s bussin bussin (sic) in here.” The caption included laughing and fire emojis.
Fans responded with criticism on Twitter. User @hotdemonwitch posted a screenshot of the title, captioning it “stop.” They later clarified their position, saying “I posted this because the title felt mocking and others believed it was offensive.”
The streamer Tweeted an apology on August 20: “Wanted to apologize if I overused AAVE… today.” Pokimane admitted she “wasn’t aware that some of those terms were AAVE.” She concluded, “love to those who bought it to my attention!”