The Black Nod

Although the title may seem strange to some, to most of the black community out there, especially in the diaspora, the black nod is an unconsciously performed greeting among us. This exchange is also frequently done between complete strangers and is most prevalent arguably in places with a low black population. I know there will be some who are reading this who will deny ever participating in this so called small black solidarity exchange, but I'm telling you it's happened, even if you didn't realise it. The nod is not the singular form of this interesting phenomenon it can also be a smile, a quick hands up as if to say 'wow another one?' or 'where did you come from?' Sometimes there is just that elongated stare as you walk on by in opposite directions.

For me personally, I have experienced this moment on a multiple of occasions due to my village/ small town living location, and it's something I've grown to appreciate over the time because if you truly think about it, it is quite a meaningful exchange done by those who are connected in a way that has no need for speech and introductions, something that is powerful as it stretches over any location and shows a common experience, a certain loyalty and a simple bond.

Isn't it odd that as humans that share certain characteristics e.g. the colour of ones skin; that we often are unconsciously obligated to share these small moments of non verbal companionship in our fragility because we can assume and relate to the certain challenges the other has had to face, as we ourselves have gone through it one time or another......... the spotty white teenage boy who shouted "Go back Home" on the bus last week....the old wrinkled couple who had stared long and hard at your dark skin shining next to them, your hand closer than they'd like.......the person you liked full of rejection because your nose is too flat and broad and your lips to full and big.

I must emphasise though, that the nod is not a symbol of pity and sorrow and possibly I may be looking to much into this short and simple gesture, putting in what others gain from a week or more of friendship into one small movement. Perhaps it is just an easy way of saying "Hi other black person" without actually saying those exact words, because in reality of that situation, it would look pretty awkward and inevitably tiresome having to do it every time you come upon someone with dark skin.

To conclude I'd say to all those who have never tried the black nod or even looked another black person in the eyes with a facial suggestion saying hi, to try it, because you might be surprised at a welcome reception and a nod right back.

#blackness #blackexperience #diaspora #rascism #UK