I put "why can't us" in the same category as "we was robbed."  I wish I knew of a good way to explain to students when / how a grammatical mistake becomes rhetorically effective.

Language Log talked a bit about "why can't us" here: http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=746 

Beth

>>> Brad Johnston <[log in to unmask]> 11/23/2008 2:22 PM >>>
"A caller from Delaware chimed in to share his joy for the Fightins. He may have created the next great catchphrase, saying, 'Boston did it. The White Sox did it. Why can't us? Why can't us?"
 
From the Washington Post sports section.
 
We like "why can't we?" but what about "Why not us?", which is sometimes heard?




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