Stylistic Refusal: A Case of Language Crossing? : Consequences of Stylistic Choices in a Social Media Discourse

Abstract: Due to social media’s vast reach, platforms are created where participants of different speech communities interact. In these interactions, the role of language in conveying a credible identity is brought to light. This study investigates stylistic choices and consequences thereof in the YouTube video Bella Hadid goes Sneaker Shopping with Complex. Entering an established hip-hop speech community, Hadid is viewed as an out-group infiltrator. Through a qualitative approach, 150 of the most popular comments were collected, categorized and analysed to investigate how language, style and appropriation are addressed or made salient through explicit discussion. Applying Rampton’s theory of language crossing (1995), the data suggest that the participant’s stylistic choices led her to be perceived as a crosser with an illegitimate claim, causing commenters to voice a refusal. This study aims to bring attention to the often concealed negative effects of crossing, as well as discussing it in the context of power, privilege and legitimacy.