Prescriptivism and Descriptivism

Definition of Prescriptivism:
Prescriptivism
Prescriptivism is the attitude or belief that one variety of a language is superior to others and should be promoted as such. A key aspect of traditional grammar, prescriptivism is characterized by a concern for "good," "proper," or "correct" usage. Contrast with descriptivism.

Definition of Descriptivism:
Descriptivism is the study of the grammar, classification, and arrangement of the features of a language at a given time, without reference to its history or comparison to other languages.

A list of Prescriptivists:

• Henry Watson Fowler
• Shadyah A. N. Cole
• Geoffrey Nunberg

A list of Descriptivists:

• Merriam-Webster
• Dr. Alexandra D'Arcy
• David Crystal

Why? - Prescriptivist

Henry Watson Fowler - These grammars were a formative influence on language attitudes in Europe and America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Their influence lives on in the handbooks of usage widely found today, such as A Dictionary of Modern English Usage (1926) by Henry Watson Fowler (1858-1933), though such books include recommendations about the use of pronunciation, spelling, and vocabulary as well as grammar."

Why? - Descriptivist
Merriam Webster - I was learning lots of rules about grammar and usage and style, but before I had gotten into my major classes in English language, which introduced me to a much more descriptivist approach.
 

The Rastamouse Controversy

http://urbanislandz.com/2011/02/21/british-kids-tv-show-rastamouse-sparks-racist-row-video/

British Kids TV Show “Rastamouse” Sparks Racist Row [Video]

A new kids cartoon series that debut in the UK last month called “Rastamouse” has sparked much controversy among some parents.

The Rasta mouse is a patois-speaking puppet, who fights crime and spreads love and respect. According to reports he has been a huge hit with the BBC’s younger viewers since the show hit screens at the end of last month.

He has dreadlocks, a Rasta Tam (woolly hat), rides a skateboard and uses words like “irie” (happy) and “wagwan” (what’s going on?).

This is not going down well with some parents and members of the Rasta community in England according to a report by the Mirror.

According to the Mirror report, one of those unhappy with the show is Levi Roots, the man behind the Reggae Reggae sauce brand.

“I was asked to do the voice of the mouse, but I said no. I am a Rastafarian and I wouldn’t want to portray a Rastafarian as a mouse,” Levi said.

“I’d never portray a Rasta as a pig or a mouse as I don’t think the values of being a Rasta are served by that. If it was a lion that would be very different, a lion is strong symbol in Rastafarianism.” He added.

Levi also said although he does not support the show, Rastafarianism does need representation on TV.

“Personally, I do not support this representation of us. But we do need representation on TV and as this is the first it should be given a chance. People need to decide whether it is right or wrong for themselves. I have seven children and I would most certainly not want them to watch this show.”

Peep a video clip from the show Rastamouse below

Overall, the article offers a negative attitude towards the cartoon, 'This is not going down well with some parents and members of the Rasta community' showing that the author is relating to his audience, particularly as the article has been produced by 'Urban' Slandz' which has a subheading of 'Caribbean Urban Entertainment Culture' highlighting that this audience would mainly be from the Caribbean culture and therefore, would be his main audience. This is then reinforced by a well known, Caribbean man 'Levi Roots' giving his views, helping shape the author's audience as they are likely to look up to him and agree with his opinions. 'I do not support this representation of us.' Levi states in his interview with 'The Mirror' using a first person plural inclusive pronoun, grouping himself with the audience and allowing the author to gain the ideal response from the audience which is for them to comply.  However, the author does recognise that the programme, 'Rastamouse' 'has been a huge hit with the BBC’s younger viewers' which is the cartoons targeted audience delivering an underlying debate for the audience, of whom are likely to also be parents, about whether this programme really is a problem for (their) children. This is then reiterated through Levi's comment of 'People need to decide whether it is right or wrong for themselves.' Showing less control over the audience and giving them freedom for their own decision. The author seems to represent himself as unbiased as he seems to have an informative approach whilst also persuading the audience through the interview which could show that the audience are adults as they prefer to know facts.