SHELTERED

I am in Atlanta, back from my non-Christopher Columbus voyage. It recently occurred to me: I have been insulated from archaic African societies’ mentalities since birth. I just wore a dress at my cousin’s wedding with a high slit (impundu impundu for the newest couple in town, Elie&Ange). My family members, who are mostly like me, loved my dress. I later noticed though, that some guests looked like they had seen a ghost, a light blue one.

I live by the principle that people ought to do what they want, wear what they want, speak how they want etc. My family agrees. I didn’t realize this was a revolutionary concept. There are those who expect African women to be modest, quiet; basically unnoticeable. Barambabaje because it ain’t happening.

The Vagueness Doctrine in American law provides that a law is void and unenforceable if it is too vague for the average citizen to understand. So too, precisely at which juncture do you want us to be modest? how will you measure it? Will citizens receive extra funds to purchase modest clothing since they require more yard of cloth/material? If the goal is to enforce modesty in society and sex workers begin to wear maxi skirts, what then?

Most of all, who appointed you morality police?

XOXO