I saw the link to this New York Times article about natural hair on Black Girl with Long Hair (BGLH).
Like her, I am also a bit sceptical when I see mainstream media try to write about natural hair, mostly because they either never get it right or because it doesn't say anything that I don't already know. But then again, these articles aren't targeted at people like me, who are die-hard nappies.
What this article does is to explore the debates for and against wearing hair naturally.
For includes (according to people interviewed): Means you have a higher degree of self-acceptance and self-love
Against: You're more likely to fit in or be accepted by the conservative establishment
Comedian Chris Rock has a documentary coming out called Good Hair exploring the whole 'good' and 'bad' hair debate, which looks good. See the trailer.
Haha,comedian Paul Mooney is hilarious.Nice trailer!
ReplyDeleteThe trailer is hilarious!
ReplyDeleteOh well, I suppose I can't understand why it remains such a divisive issue but that's just me. I'll probably be called a traitor by the two sides because I can go either way. Sometimes, I go nappy for a year and when I feel like, I get a perm. I hate weaves, but that's just me. I am not sitting on the fence. I am making choices and I am happy that I have the luxury to do that.
What I will not accept, though, is when people somehow equate having natural hair with being more in tune with their African heritage. I hear that being thrown around a lot and I think it's a bit shallow (and I do know a thing or two about being African seeing that I teach that course). I respect nappies but I don't accord them any elevation on an imaginary pyramid of "Who is a better African?".
I was shocked recently to discover an English friend thought black women had straight hair naturally :-)
ReplyDeleteSeriously? LOL!
ReplyDelete