The Black-Ass Vodou That You Do (Our RHOP Take)
Welcome to This Black-Ass Life! This week, we’re inspired (disappointed) by the Real Housewives of Potomac witchcraft discourse and want to talk about the history of Vodou. Also, this nonsense discussion takes away from the much more important plot point of the argument between Gizelle and Juan! A best friend and husband getting into it is such juicy television that we’re being robbed of so they can dedicate time to shrine talk.
I. The Facts
Vodou is a traditional Afro-Haitian religion representing a syncretism of West African Vodun and Roman Catholicism.
Vodou originated in the ancient kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Nigeria, Benin, and Togo) and derives from the Fon word for "Deity" or "Spirit." This monotheistic religion recognizes a supreme spiritual entity or God, Mawu-Lisa among the Fon, Olorun among the Yoruba, and Bondye or Gran Met in Haiti.
Vodou is a worldview encompassing philosophy, medicine, justice, and religion with the fundamental principle that everything is spirit. The God of the Christian Bible is understood to be the creator of the universe and the spirits, which were created to help God govern humanity and the natural world.
In Vodou, your goal and activity is to offer prayers and perform rites for health, protection, and favor. There are also spirit possessions in which someone can exhibit the incarnate presence of a spirit through dance, prayer, song, or gesture. These possessions restore balance and energy in people’s connection with each other and spirits.
Why does it matter?
First, let’s start with terminology. “Voodoo” is a racist term with origins in the Civil War when Union soldiers “discovered” practitioners in New Orleans.
Throughout popular media, from reality television to the news cycle, the evocation of the term "voodoo" or what people falsely tangentially relate to Vodou (dolls, shrines, black magic, etc) gives permission to violence and hatred against Black people.
It’s everything from Nneka calling Wendy a “bitch” for an unfounded rumor about Wendy’s mother on this season of RHOP to Pat Robertson attributing the 2010 Haiti earthquake to divine retribution for Haitians practicing "voodoo," claiming they made a pact with the devil during the Haitian revolution.
Vodou devotees faced further discrimination and challenges as Christian missionaries, recipients of aid for "rebuilding" Haiti, reportedly denied life-saving provisions to practitioners while further coercing attendance in churches.
In the early 20th century imperialist rush, the U.S. media promoted the occupation of nations like Cuba and Haiti with significant African-descendant populations by perpetuating the imperialist idea of civilizing them, falsely asserting that Vodou prompted Black people to partake in human sacrifice and cannibalism.
This racist notion that Vodou is a metaphor for evil remains today through all popular media, from Disney to Zombie films.
As an aside, one of the most prominent visuals of Western understanding of Vodou, the "Voodoo doll," has undetermined origins and is not prominent in either Haitian or Louisianan Vodou. Some say it originated through "poppet," used in European witchcraft. Others trace the concept of the magical dolls that do harm to ancient Egypt, Greco-Roman traditions, and the Fon people in present-day Benin.
What can my Black ass do?
Put some respect on Vodou. It’s among the world religions that predate Christianity by 4,000 years and a religion of 60 million people. It binds Black people from Havana to Port-au-Prince to NOLA to Porto-Novo. After all Black people have gone through across Diaspora, how very beautiful that Vodou remains a spiritual center for so many.
This is an action item specifically for the Real Housewives of Potomac producers, so if you are one or know one, please we need you. Recreate Gizelle and Juan’s argument if it really happened off camera. If the producers can do this, then they can do anything:
II. Other Things
Black-ass happenings
This is the only way to respond to someone starting a podcast.
Kenan Thompson has a memoir on the way—a fascinating life from child fame through being the longest-serving SNL cast member.
We’re getting season three of Harlem!
Sha'Carri Richardson won a well-deserved Athlete of the Year honor from USA Track & Field.
Angel Reese is back on the court after taking a mental health break.
If you feel like crying, Danielle Brooks and her sweet daughter have you covered.
The Soul Train Awards renamed a gendered award to honor Janelle Monáe. Flyana Boss also presented the award to them. We LOVE this moment for Flyana!
Our Black-Ass song(s) of the week (Jumoke):
It’s finally officially the Christmas season, which means it’s time for Nat King Cole.
Things we look forward to:
I (Jumoke) look forward to cleaning my closet, my all-time favorite chore.
I (Mitu) look forward to any and all holiday movies, the elite genre of film.
lll. Text from A Black-Ass Parent
I (Mitu) have submitted many texts about my parents loving my dog more than me, their favorite child. But truly, look at the rank order of my dog first, then me, then my partner from my dad showing who he is excited to see for the holidays. I’m just glad I’m second and not third.
Stay Black, have a snack, and take a nap today. We'll hit your inbox next on December 19!