I think regardless of race, no one is learning how to speak properly anymore. Everything is slang, full of made-up words, or a contrived mixture of dialects. Honestly, if a professional spoke to me the way many people speak on the street, I would hold them less credible than my original perception, or possibly what they deserve. Although it shouldn't, image does count for a lot in this country. If you present yourself with a professional image, and speak "intelligently" you will be held higher than someone of equal qualifications who speaks poorly.

Anywho, I agree with Bill completely