Page 530 - Konferensiya to'plami - 1 (ASR)

groups of twelve (a dozen). Whether true or not, the practice itself evolved as a way
to build resilience through verbal skill.
The roots of the Dozens can be traced back to the oral traditions of West Africa,
where verbal jousting was a respected skill. African societies often placed great
importance on linguistic dexterity, using storytelling, proverbs, and call-and-
response techniques as essential tools of communication.
In many West African cultures, insult contests and witty exchanges were
common and served both as entertainment and as a means of establishing social
hierarchy. These contests, sometimes referred to as “verbal dueling” or “ritual insult
exchanges,” allowed participants to prove their intelligence, composure, and ability
to think quickly under pressure.
The Dozens typically follows a back-and-forth exchange format, with each
participant delivering a clever, cutting insult. The rules are simple but unwritten:
• the insults must be witty and creative rather than overly cruel.
• the delivery must be confident, with rhythm and humor.
• losing one’s temper is a sign of defeat.
• the ultimate goal is to entertain the crowd as much as to win the battle.
A common feature of the Dozens is the “Yo Mama” joke, where the opponent’s
mother becomes the subject of exaggerated and humorous insults. These jokes,
such as “Yo mama so fat, when she steps on a scale, it says ‘to be continued’”, are
meant to be lighthearted rather than offensive. However, the Dozens can sometimes
escalate if participants take the jabs too personally. More examples include:
“Yo mama so fat, when she steps on the scale, it says ‘One at a time, please.’”
“Yo mama so dumb, she stared at a cup of orange juice for hours because it
said ‘concentrate.’”
While it may seem disrespectful, these jokes are usually understood to be
playful rather than genuinely offensive. The goal is not to attack but to showcase
one’s wit and ability to outmatch an opponent verbally.
The tradition of the Dozens evolved as enslaved Africans were forcibly brought
to America. Faced with dehumanization and brutality, African Americans developed
ways to use language as a means of survival and self-preservation. Through coded
speech, humor, and wit, they resisted oppression and maintained a sense of cultural
identity.
Far from being just a game, the Dozens serves an important social function in
the Black community. It fosters verbal dexterity, quick thinking, and resilience—
qualities that are essential for navigating life’s challenges. It also acts as a rite of
passage, teaching young people how to handle criticism, maintain composure under
pressure, and engage in friendly competition.
Additionally, the Dozens reinforces a sense of camaraderie and belonging.
Engaging in the Dozens is a communal activity, and the ability to hold one’s own in
a verbal battle earns respect and admiration. This tradition mirrors the broader
African American experience of using humor as a tool for survival, defiance, and self-
expression.
The Dozens is often considered a rite of passage, teaching young people how
to handle criticism and navigate verbal confrontations. By engaging in this tradition,
individuals develop resilience, learning not to take words personally and to respond
with confidence. 528

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