What did Black students feel pressured to do in response to the perception of ASL used by white people?

The correct answer reflects the social dynamics and pressures that exist within the context of language use, particularly in the Deaf community where American Sign Language (ASL) is concerned. Many Black ASL users have reported feeling pressure to adjust their signing to align with the styles or standards often set by the predominantly white ASL users. This phenomenon is rooted in the desire for acceptance and recognition in environments where there is a prevailing dominant culture that may view certain forms of signing as more 'valid' or 'professional'.

The pressure to conform underscores the socio-linguistic complexities faced by Black students, as their own cultural signs and variations might not be seen as appropriate within predominantly white spaces. This can lead to an internal conflict where individuals may suppress their own linguistic identities to fit in or gain approval. Therefore, the choice highlighting the need to conform captures the central issue of cultural hegemony that may affect Black students' experiences and interactions within the ASL community.

In contrast, the other options suggest more extreme or different actions that do not universally encapsulate the experiences shared by many Black ASL users. For instance, abandoning cultural signs or teaching white students Black ASL may not accurately reflect the nuanced feelings of pressure or adjustment to fit in, while switching to oral