Twitter has been separated into factions over the word queen. Is it a term that’s meant to empower, show respect to, and uplift Black women? Or is it a box, controlling the perception of how a woman should or should not behave, holding her to a set of traits and responsibilities that Black men feel are worthy of receiving that title. The debate started when @Kahtsina gave the timeline a word on her spirit, and we decided to play judge and jury.
Women have historically been put into divisive boxes so we can compete. Queen vs bitch. Good girl vs hoe.Crazy feminist vs real feminist
— Slyvie (@Kahtsina) February 18, 2016
In a tweet thread that’s since been deleted, she wrote: “People constantly call black girls “queens” and “Nubian goddesses” because they don’t respect modern black womanhood. It’s not a compliment.” Then she followed up with some clarification of her argument:
This is a perfect post summing up my “queen” “goddess” tweet. Full article: https://t.co/0bvMtgENU5
— Slyvie (@Kahtsina) February 18, 2016
Here’s some things Black Twitter had to say in response:
1. Some just didn’t understand when we became so PC.
First the word “female” was offensive
Now “queen” & “godesses” -terms of endearment.. yall want people to call you black ass hoes instead?
— C for… Lucy (@_Perarl) February 18, 2016
2. Some saw the flip flopping on their TL as just another day #onhere
“bitch slay” = 👍🏾
“you’re my queen” = 👎🏾
just a Thursday on Twitter
— That Blame Guy (@ImToBlame) February 18, 2016
3. But a few people came out with solid analysis of the divisive undertones of the terminology
I dislike it because “Queen” is often used as a way to segregate women into ones who are “worthy” and ones who aren’t. That bothers me.
— Kanye Pest (@CorporateBarbie) February 18, 2016
4. And showing that it’s neither necessary nor helpful when you try to confine someone based on your opinion of them
Calling someone Queen then taking that title away when they don’t fit your queenly standard isn’t a compliment it’s a form of control.
— No Relation (@TheCosby) February 18, 2016
5. And at the end of the day…
Men…if your woman doesn’t want to be called something, just don’t call her that shit. Problem solved. No debate really needed.
— Rob Regal (@Rob_Regal) February 18, 2016
6. Most bowed out early, though.
Y’all having the “don’t call women queens” debate again I see pic.twitter.com/hqnqVwgNm7
— Actually A Coconut (@_BasedMistress) February 18, 2016
Whether we come to a common consensus on this issue is unknown, but probably less than likely. The most important thing is to define and express yourself on your own terms.
What do you think? Is calling Black women “Queens” endearing or an attempt at control? Let us know in the comments.
