First let me start by saying I don't use nappy to describe my hair or the hair of anyone else. Personally I think it's not the proper way to refer to our hair. My reasoning dates back to the etymology of the word. Nap is a fuzzy surface layer on yarn or cloth Late in the 18th century Americans in the South began to refer to slaves as nappy heads, comparing the tightly coiled negroid hair to the nap on some cloth and fur. The word was definitely not used as a compliment.
I compare "nappy headed" to the n-word, which was used to demean slaves as well. It appears throughout history we've attempt to take hurtful words and use them in a positive way, if that's possible. My question is simple - Can we take these negative hurtful words and make something positive of them? Can we take the word nappy, which was used to mortify the physical features of a whole race of people, and feel as though we are using it in an uplifting manner? Or is the word offensive and negative no matter how you use it or no matter who says it?
I can truly understand why people are offended by it, but I wonder what would happen if we started demanding more respect in other ways. What if we stopped using the word because we give it more power when we use it and make it acceptable. What if we started using this power that we have to unify in numbers against music and other sectors of society that degrade women of all races instead of lifting them up. Maybe we can actually use this as a way of educating others about the use of the word and the hurt that comes along with it. Just some thoughts, what do you think?
Naturally You
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