How is “Nappy-Headed Hos” Racist?
Arthur Banton pop culture critic Last Thursday, when the announcement that Don Imus was fired from his morning talk show on WFAN came, I, like countless other individuals, was shocked that CBS (the parent company of WFAN) would come to such a rash decision just after the announcement of his two week suspension. The suspension was warranted and appropriate because it aptly fit the crime. The comments by Don Imus and his colleagues were insensitive, unwarranted, and sexist but NOT racist. Unlike a number of Imus’ critics, I have actually followed his program for a number of years and find the show insightful, provocative and entertaining. Though the subject matter tends to be serious and political, the show follows a more satirical approach in which guests are expected to tap into its sense of humor. Let me repeat that: sense of humor. Since when did the phrase “nappy-headed hos” become a racial slur and designation for black women? “Ho” is the slang word for whore and nappy-headed could
