I Love to be Natural, But Don't Dare Call Me Nappy!

Before I get to doing what I like to do (share my opinion) I have to clearly state that this post is in no way meant to insult or criticize anyone else for their individual experiences. I am only speaking from my own perspective.

What's in a name? We ask that question all the time but rarely act with it in mind. What is it to be called African? Complimentary or insulting? If a person identifies as a descendant of African people, does the name not apply? Why do we brown-skinned women flush when called a "Nubian goddess" but cringe when called "an African"?

Once upon a time, "kinky" and "nappy" were both offensive terms. Now kinky is ok, its a celebrated term. It is often modified with "curly" as in "kinky curly" but still, its graciously accepted. But nappy is still an insult, it hasn't received its pass yet. So again I ask, what's in a name?

Of course emotions are tied to words and its easier said than done when choosing not to get hurt by certain words. But remembering that words are only as powerful as the value we place into them may be helpful to keep in mind when dealing with negative comments about natural hair.

(Wannabes) Well you got nappy hair.
(Jigaboos) Nappy's alright with me.
- Lyrics from the song "Straight and Nappy," from the movie soundtrack Skool Daze. (1987)

I'm Only as African as My Blackface

I'm Only as African as My Blackface

Originally written by Pia M. Murray February 21, 2011

 

 

"The Fashion magazine is about to celebrate its 90th birthday. To celebrate this anniversary, the festivities start with the March issue, with Beyoncé on the cover. She agreed to pose for an incredible fashion shoot, with the theme of African Queen, paying a tribute to the legendary Fela Kuti. Far from the glamorous Sasha Fierce, the beauty posed for the magazine with amazing fashion designers clothes, but also in a dress created by her mother. [It is] A return to her African roots, as you can see on the picture, on which her face was voluntarily darkened. All the pictures will be available in the collector edition, on sell at the end of this month. "*
This is the [ahem, BS] statement released by  L'Officiel, the French magazine sporting Beyoncé in blackface and designer tribal prints on its 90th anniversary cover. In order to pay homage to infamous musician and political activist, Fela Kuti, Beyoncé voluntarily donned dark brown paint on her face to "return to her African roots, as you can see on the picture." [See image below.]

Because of course she could never appear authentically African in her Gucci patterns and Victorian gowns without darkening her face. Oh but not to worry, she left out the painted white lips and made sure they didn't use the shots with her eyes crossed, so its not really blackface- right?

But aside from that, where was the tribute to Fela Kuti? I mean really, am I missing something? The whole excuse for this shuck and jive photo shoot was to honor the legacy of Fela Kuti- but I've yet to to see where his legacy is honored or even acknowledged.

Clearly I'm missing something, but if anyone else finds it please let me know.


Photo credits (top to bottom): bossip.com; slumz.boxden.com
* "Beyoncé Black Face In L’Officiel Paris: Fela Kuti Tribute" by Melinda. Feb 20, 2011. http://www.rnbmusicblog.com/beyonce-black-face-in-lofficiel-paris/19847/