“Nappy-Headed”
Many of you many have heard about this… but let’s start the discussion:
Please view this newscast and then let me know what you think about the term “nappy-head” being used this way.
4 Responses to ““Nappy-Headed””
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October 22nd, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Here’s my take on the use.
Just like the N-word, it is offensive when coming out the mouth of someone who isn’t black. However, I find the N-word offensive no matter who’s mouth it comes out of whether they are black or white.
I don’t like the term “nappy-headed.” It’s a term with negative conotations and I don’t use it. I have noticed black folk embracing “nappy” as a positive (?) way to describe their hair. And so be it, they just need to be prepared to not be so offended when a white persons refers to their hair as nappy.
Basically what I’m saying is, I wouldn’t use a word to describe myself unless I would be okay with hearing anyone refering to me as such.
October 22nd, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Whoa Shavonne! I am so glad you wrote this… You have made me think about the term “Nappy” as another “N” word with a double standard in our community. For me, I have worked for so many years to embrace my kinks and my napps, that the sting from it is no longer in the actual word, but in the ignorance of the person who is using it negatively.
I have a client who can’t hear the word as positive – no matter what! And I always respect that by not using it when we communicate together about our natural hair. But for me, it completely stems from who is saying it. There is no bite if a Natural Haired person says it, but if a premed/weaved person says, “I don’t like nappy hair.” I do hear it as a negative and a put down.
This is interesting and you presented something I hadn’t really thought about. Clearly, I need to think about this more.
October 23rd, 2007 at 5:19 pm
I definitely used to be offended, but since I have learned to love myself and the hair God gave me, it no longer gives me pause unless I feel someone is using it maliciously. I understand what you and Shavonne are saying and I think there is power and reality in that. However, I also understand the power and testimony in Dr. Cornwell’s opening statement of the new Sisterlocks calendar which is entitled Nappy Headed Heroines. I think of it as taking back what is ours, I try not to give people the power to hurt me through their words, I simply regard it as a way they display (to the world) their ignorance, and stupidity regardless of their level of education or their occupation. Joyfull Locks
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November 3rd, 2007 at 11:03 am
I’ve been wanting to respond to Dee’s comment for a while.
First of all, you can’t take back what never belonged to you in the first place. Black folks didn’t get off the slave ships saying, “What’s up my N—-! What a head of nappy hair you’ve got there.” The word ‘nappy’ is not a word deriving from any of the African languages!!! Neither is the N-word!!! Look them up in the dictionary. So again, you can’t take back what didn’t belong to you in the first place.
However, I also understand the power and testimony in Dr. Cornwell’s opening statement of the new Sisterlocks calendar which is entitled Nappy Headed Heroines.
Curly-Headed Heroines. Coily-Headed Goddesses. They’re just as powerful and they’re something new!! She couldn’t use her highly-educated brain to come up with these potential titles? The only word she could come up with is ‘nappy’?
I have no desire to use oppressive words, expressions, or practices to forge an identity for myself. That’s called CLINGING TO OPPRESSION. It’s one reason I won’t purchase that calendar.