Nigerians travelling outside the country always have to face certain irritating questions. People mostly see all the terrible things happening in Nigeria on TV but not things happening on the other side of the country. So non-Nigerians assume many different things and that needs to change. This is how we respond to some conventional beliefs that Nigerians have had to answer to from foreigners.
1. “It is so sad hearing about all the killings and I am so sorry”.
No joke but someone once asked, “Oh dear, have you lost a relative in all the crises?” Seriously? Thank you for your concern but I hear the same on the news just the way you do. The next time you watch the news, ask them to show you the rest of Nigeria, not just child soldiers and killings.
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2. “Is Nigeria as dangerous as they say it is?”
Do you really expect someone to answer that question? Usually, it is not the question that’s offensive, it’s the presentation. They look anxious and you sort of know what their next question will be from their look – “How are able to survive”. Well if I am sitting here with you, that is enough to tell you that I don’t live in danger.
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3. “You speak English well”
Yes, I do. As a matter of fact, everyone who’s educated in Nigeria does.
4. Can I touch your braids?
Why do you need to touch a black girl’s braids? Do all black girls go around touching your hair.
5. Do you also buy human hair?
You can’t ask a person that.
6. When was the last time you washed your hair?
Why are many foreigners concerned if a black girl washes her hair every day or not? There are more intelligent questions that you can ask a Nigerian girl, not asking if she doesn’t wash her hair.
7. The girl on TV last night looks just like you, why does everyone look alike in your country?
Look closely, or do you need spectacles to see that everyone in Nigeria don’t look like?
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