I was very interested in the remarks about black moms saying: "Oh he's bad"
in response to compliments toward their babies.  When I was a social worker
in S. E. Ohio, I was shocked when I first heard white Appalachian mothers do
the same thing.  They'd always say, "Oh he/she is rotten."  Yet it was
always said with a smile and a fond tone of voice.  I think that it harkens
back to some sort of response to warding off the evil eye.  In many
cultures, it is believed that too much positive or complimentary attention
attracts ill will or bad spirits, therefore, the way to turn this bad luck
away is to make a gesture of deprecation.  I learned to listen to the tone
of voice and to see the smile, and not be too alarmed by the words.

Barbara Wilson-Clay BSEd, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
http://www.lactnews.com

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