Oba of Benin gathers his chiefs, raises a ceremonial staff, and recites a rhythmic Edo formula to combat insecurity within his domain, the Western-trained mind instinctively shifts its vocabulary. Suddenly, it’s not a prayer. It’s an incantation. It’s a spell. It’s juju. Why does one man commune with the divine while the other plays with magic? The difference isn't actually in the action; it’s in the vocabulary of power, race, and who owns the dictionary.
Spells vs. Supplications: How Language Decides Who is “Holy” and Who is “Voodoo”
