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Hair and Black Identity
Lately, I have noticed that the majority of black women and girls featured on mainstream TV commercials all have natural, ethnic hairstyles (i.e. afros, dreds, twists, kinky curls, cornrows, etc.), while very few feature those with straight/relaxed tresses. In fact, the only commercials I've seen lately where this is not the case are a Pantene commercial, a lipstick commercial featuring Halle Berry, and a TV ad about a cure for vaginal yeast infections.
I casually mentioned this new trend to a male friend who rocks the sexiest twists I've ever seen on a man, and he responded by saying that such commercials are capturing the true essence of the black female, and argued that by relaxing and straightening our hair, we are de-valuing our "blackness" by trying to be white. Since the majority of us in the forum are women--black women, I thought I'd throw this topic out there. To me, these commercials seem to be saying that our blackness is definied by physical characteristics stereotypical of African Americans, like kinky hair, full lips, voluptuous bodies, etc. They imply that if a black woman posses attributes that don't fall into the stereotypical "norm," she's not black enough to be the "token" black person in their commercials. (And let's face it, most companies only put blacks in their commercials for political reasons, anyway). Now, I am very open to debate on this topic-- I thrive off intellecutal conversations such as these! But more than anything, I want to hear from my sisters who, like me, opt for relaxed styles over natural ones. Why do you relax your hair? Do you think that, by straightening our hair, we're falling prey to Westernization? Are we not being true to ourselves as African decendants by altering the texture of our hair? How do you feel when you ONLY see black women on TV who have natural hairstyles? I'll add that many of these actors appear to be bi-racial, so I am even more confused as to why they seem to be the "standard" for black people in TV commercials, just because their hair has a curly texture. Somebody help me out here! This has been on my mind for a while! PS: If you think I'm making this up, just sit down and watch TV commercials for a couple of hours. Look at the hairstyles on all the black women and girls you see, then join me in the forum with your comments! Thanks for at least thinking about it! ------------------ Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Pi Kappa, SP97 #3 of QUINTESSENCE |
I wore my hair au naturale for a year. I stopped because it became difficult to manage once it got to a certain length.
It's so funny because "brothers" would not talk to me when I wore my hair natural. LOL! I talked that talked about Westernization when I was natural and even persuaded a couple of sistahs to join me. I feel like a hypocrite now! ------------------ Director #2 LMAC Spr 99 [This message has been edited by DirectorDST99 (edited August 21, 2000).] |
This is a great topic. My friends and I were actually talking it about the other day. Well for me, I don't see anything wrong w/ relaxing one's hair. I do it and that's what works for me. BUT, if I could go natural, I would do it in a minute. It's probably a heck of a lot cheaper! And I know that the chemicals are continously breaking my hair down. So that's why I'd want to go natural.
The longest I've been w/out a perm/relaxer was about 9 months (I had braids). So my perm had grown completely out. When I would take the braids out to get them redone, my hair was like WHOA! It had grown so long, but I didn't know what to do w/ it. So once I got sick of braids, I got a perm. For me, I barely have time to take care of my hair permed! If I went natural now, I'd be bald! Since I'm in school, I just don't have time to deal with the up keep of a natural style. Plus, I just don't think I'd look that great with something like locs or twists. You know, not every style works with everybody http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif So the most "natural" I would go would be braids. I would love to chop all my hair off, but I'm afraid my head won't look too great like that. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif So I wear a perm cuz it's just easier to deal with. And I don't think I'm falling prey to Westernization. I mean, why shouldn't we as black women be able to style our hair in a way that works for us? My question would be, if white women can perm their hair (make it curly) then what are they falling prey to? I just see it as a way of simply styling your hair. I think people tend to read into the reasons black women straighten their hair way too much. I'm not saying it doesn't have any basis, but I think for me and my friends, we do it out of convenience. Just like when I wear braids or get a ponytail, it's done b/c it's easier to deal with. That's the first thing on my mind....not "oh I'm gonna get some weave or straighten my hair so my hair can look like that white girl at school/work/ or on t.v." My hair is terrible when I don't have a perm! It's always been that way since I was little. But if I could find a natural style that would work and look good, I'd do it. But for now, it's a perming I shall go http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif |
This is a very interesting topic.
I choose to relax my hair because it is much easier to manage. I have extremely thick hair, and the relaxer takes away some of the thickness of my hair so I am able to handle my hair. I also like the way my hair looks vs. the natural look. I just came out of braids, which I wore for 9 months and loved. But I've returned to the relaxed look But here's another question to ponder: how do you feel about white people who are constantly trying to "tan" their skin to look darker, thicken their lips, and perm their hair to add the curl that we were born with? Are they de-valuing their whiteness? Just thought I'd throw that question out. |
'I rock ruff n stuff with my afro-puffs!' Heeeeeyyyyyy!!!!!
Greetings to those Devastating Divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and sisterfriends. I have been reading the posts for a while now and I just felt the need to reply to this one. Yes I am a natural 'sistah'! I have been natural for 2 years plus. Mind you this was a big step for me and it wasn't by CHOICE. I was diagnosed with a hair condition that couldn't be treated with the use of chemicals -- so I braided it up and let my natural nappy roots take over. 'Going natural' is a big adjustment for those of us that enjoy the ease and convenience of the 'fried, dyed and slick back to the side' do. I am not trying to sell anybody on natural hair, but there are so many advantages. For one you get in touch or get to know YOUR hair (what products works best and the actual texture of your hair). This is very important because as you all know a woman's crown is her glory. We all want our glory to shine through! Also natural hair is much, much healthier than 'relaxed or straightened' hair. Every time a perm is used the hair shaft is broken down more and more which ultimately break the hair off. No matter how much conditioner or 'rebuilding' supplements you put in your hair, it will never live up to its full potential. This always leads to that 'new look' (i.e. CUT). Trust me I know - been there, done that. Now don't get me wrong - NATURAL HAIR IS WORK! If anyone told you that the nappy naps are easy to maintain - then they lied. You actually have to put in more time and energy into the au naturalle then into the 'relaxed'. If you don't, you might just be sporting a fade. One thing that I have noticed is that women with natural styles always have to be on their p's and q's because they are constantly being challenged. People always want to know 'why'? They think that you are trying to be 'too black', indignant or a rebel. Society doesn't like the idea of a woman, especially a black woman being strong, independent, self-reliant, self-sustaining and basically just being who we are. To my 'relaxed' sistahs, do what you want, but don't let anyone tell you are devaluing your 'blackness'. Represent to the fullest, but I can pretty much guarantee that you will not be challenged as much as we are. See, you are and have been 'accepted' (or at least that is the way that it appears). We are still fighting for that. We are entering a new struggle and just hope and pray that all women; straight, curly, dyed, long, short and happily nappy alike come together and make one loud, booming voice - In the name ourselves, but most importantly in the name of our Sistah. (Always others before self!) Women should be allowed to wear their hair in which ever way that defines them, for me I have the BIG Afro-pic hanging out the side. Stay Tru!!!!! PS. Sorry for such a long post, but I was feeling this one. ------------------ Phillipians 4:13 "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" |
Sorry to step in like this. I do not think that altering your hair texture is "selling out". Of course, this depends on the reason that you alter the texture of your hair. If you do it to blend in or mask your African heritage then there is a problem. If you are doing it for those reasons then you have a serious identity problem. Fact is, if you do anything for those reasons, you have a problem.
Black women are beautiful because of their strength, intelligence, and passion. Not their hairstyle. You are Queens. And I'm gone |
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Hypocrite...NO INDEED! I wore my hair natural for 6 years...Trotted myself to the Barber Shop every two weeks (and was Cute!) http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif But I was really tired of having no versitility. Sooo I went back to relaxing my hair. Westernization? Of Course we are westernized! We are Americans, we live in America, the Hub of Western Civilization. And there is nothing wrong with that. We have not been taught how to "manage" our hair in its natural state until very recently with the establishment of independent African-American beauty suppliers and authors of "Hair books" for wearers of natural styles. My younger sister just returned from a six week trip to Ghana. She stayed in ACCRA, the major city and was amazed at how many billboards there were for Relaxers, straightners, SKIN WHITNING CREAMS! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif She wears her hair natural...She has the Angela Davis thing going on sometimes, twists sometimes, coils, cornrows, etc...She is one of the sisters who has learned to have natural AND functional hair. Not all of us have that talent. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif She said that the women in ACCRA kept asking her why she didn't have her hair relaxed, and wasn't it difficult to manage as it was. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif Talk about culture shock! Anyway, my point is..As much as people would like to think that our "Blackness" is defined by a hairstyle, choice of makeup, or the thickness/width of our features, it is not. It is in our attitude toward our communities, our "people". it is our level of consienceness regarding the things that we need to know and do to get "our thing" together. It is the respect that we (should) have for our history, our ansestors, and our foundation. NOT the "need" to BE an African but to be proud of BEING an African-American. *stepping DOWN from the podeum* http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif Those are my thoughts...Great topic! |
Thanks everybody for your comments! I am feeling you kissy324-- I find it VERY interesting that when black people straighten their hair, they are accused (by some) of trying to be white, but when they "tan", it is never for any Afrocentric reasons!
Just last week I got into a debate with a group of my white student workers about tanning. We'd gone to Cedar Point Amusement Park one Saturday, and a few of them kept commenting on how "white" some of the people were and how they needed some sun. I told them that it's funny how white/light skin is glorified in this society up until summertime; then it's deemed "ugly" by the same people who find it attractive the other 9 months of the year. These same people think Michael Jackson has "issues" because he's so "white" now! And of course, let's not forget the new trend in plastic surgery whereby whites are making their lips thicker by having fat cells injected. But, WE'RE the ones who are assimilating or being Westernized when we do something that they don't think is characteristic of blacks. This from the same group of folks who STILL think Cleopatra is white!!! Forgive me for venting-- I do have love for all people, but I just think it's ironic that the ideal picture of beauty, even in the eyes of Caucasians, is the African American, at least by virtue of the beauty trends in white society. What do y'all think? (That's the Mississippi in me coming out!) ------------------ Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Pi Kappa, SP97 #3 of QUINTESSENCE |
If some women are like me, they didn't have a choice as to when their hair was first relaxed. My mom took me to the beauty shop when I was about 8 or 9 for my first perm. Before that, the hot comb was used to press my hair. (I can still hear the crackling as the comb went through my hair.) After a while, both my mom and I were tired of the hassle, so perming we went. The jheri curl was popular at this time, but my mom said no. (Thank goodness! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif )
When I got to high school and started playing sports, I wore box braids which damaged my hair. It recovered, but then I went to crochet (sp?) braids, which were okay. Now I just wear my hair pulled back. Now, on the identity thing I don't know. I mean sistas are wearing green, blue, and gray contacts, and blonde hair (I mean platinum). I had golden highlights, but that damaged my hair, so never again. I have been told that I would look good with light brown or green contacts, but that doesn't appeal to me either. My thinking is if God wanted me to have green eyes, He would have given them to me. I have used bleaching cream and cocoa butter, but it's to lighten dark scars from acne, chicken pox from back in the day, or from a scrape. I don't use it to make myself lighter. I'm somewhat in between on skin tone, but closer to the lighter end of the spectrum. I can rememeber my older relatives telling me to come in out of the sun when I was a kid. Not to avoid cancer, but to avoid getting darker. People still have this mentality that black is bad or ugly and light is desireable or pretty. I feel it boils down to what the bruh said, it's the reason behind your look is what counts or the problem. ------------------ Sisterhood, Scholarship, & Service Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. "Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom" [This message has been edited by c&c1913 (edited August 22, 2000).] |
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I, too, was raised in one of those communities that favored the light kids over the dark kids, and insisted that the light kids stay inside so they wouldn't get dark. I am still dumbfounded by that ridiculousness! But, would you believe that stuff still goes on?!?!? [/QUOTE] I believe it and see it everyday. Just a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine (who's light-skinned) had a baby by a dark-skinned man. I can't tell you how many people said that they hope the baby comes out light like the mother. I thought how about just hoping for a healthy baby! ------------------ Sisterhood, Scholarship, & Service Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. "Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom" [This message has been edited by c&c1913 (edited August 22, 2000).] |
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So I have a question: Do you all think there is a line b/t wanting to be different and then doing things to downplay your given ethnic identity/heritage? If so, where does one draw it? Take for instance Sisqo and Lil' Kim...why do you think they dye their hair? Why do you think L.K. wears the blue contacts? Do ya'll think they do it b/c of the biz or b/c of other reasons? |
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Man the PG & E man was just here, teasing me about my "Angela Davis" fro, telling me I'm militant. Now, y'all know better, it's just a blanket assumption about my hair and skin. That's all we have in common right now! LOL I change my hair often. Now I'm going natural to twist and loc it, but I still need variety, so I color my hair. It's my beauty, I'll do what I want with it!! Sheesh. I'll holla at yall later. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif Sal |
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I, too, was raised in one of those communities that favored the light kids over the dark kids, and insisted that the light kids stay inside so they wouldn't get dark. I am still dumbfounded by that ridiculousness! But, would you believe that stuff still goes on?!?!? ------------------ Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Pi Kappa, SP97 #3 of QUINTESSENCE |
I feel you, DoggyStyle, but, she's definitely NOT a Eurocentric Caucasian who looks like Elizabeth Taylor. When have YOU ever seen her depicted as having olive skin and full lips on the silver screen? What I meant in my statement is that whites refuse to accept those of her physical attributes that are more characteristic of people of African decent than of Europeans.
------------------ Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Pi Kappa, SP97 #3 of QUINTESSENCE |
I choose to perm my hair because I am flat out lazy. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/redface.gif I don't want to take the extra time to maintain my hair. When my hair is permed I can wash it, wrap it, and go to sleep. I wake up the next day comb it down, bump the ends and go. I don't have to curl my haid but maybe every two or three days. When i get really lazy I braid it up or like recently I swallowed my pride and kept my hair in ponytails for a month. My hair grew like a California wildfire and I am think about putting it back in one. I have not put a perm in my hair for almost three months now and I'm still looking good. I thought about jsut stopping all together and getting an electric pressing comb and doing it once a week. ANYWAY, I do what I do to my hair out of laziness nothing more nothing less.
------------------ The Unseen Mistress steps back into the mist...a bright light flashes....and like that...she was GONE |
Hello sistafriends,
I would just like to add my opinion to this discussion. Prepare yourself though sistafriends I got a little long winded in this one. For years black people have been left out of mainstream television. For years we were told that our hair was too kinky (even a little kink was too much). For year we only saw lighter shades of black represented on television and in films. Nowadays we see a few darker toned sistahs in main stream advertisements and videos (don't get me started on the videos). What is so wrong with finally not being condemned because we were not born with naturally straight hair? Finally we are seeing another variety of Blackness in these advertisements. What is so wrong with finally being able to celebrate our roots and not the styles that have been pushed on us for years upon years? Straight hair is better, light skin is better, skinny is better... enough is enough. Personally I think that advertisers and such are just trying to attract more African - American dollars. Trying to say oh now it's ok for these types of people to buy our product. African-American women with kinky or not so straight hair. If we are putting relaxers at our hair at 10, and 11 or our early teens, then we really have no time to get to know our hair. We don't know how to manage our natural tresses. We are led to believe that our tight coils are unmanageable, how would you know if you were wearing a relaxer since you were 11. My mom didn't stop doing my hair till I was like 12. The minute I touched my natural hair I was like “give me a perm!” I didn't want to take the time to get to know my hair... Now I have decided to go back to my natural hair because relaxers burn the crap out of me. I love my hair now, after almost a year of “what am I going to do with this mess.” I can wash my hair, brush it out and go... No more patting my head for a week cause I can't scratch or it'll burn. I mean there are different shades of blackness and just cause you wear an afro or a doobie doesn't MAKE you more or less black, but it's time for the constant putting down of our natural hair, natural complexion and other things to stop. If you choose to change the texture of your hair, the complexion of your skin, or the color of your eyes.. that’s your choice. But I believe that since we have only seen light skin women with super straight hair in advertisements for so long some people believe that this is the only acceptable way to look. I am guilty of it for at least 10 years. The advertisers see it as a fad I believe. It's really evident to me in the Gap Kids add with the little girls singing on the stage like a band. The 'token' black child has her hair flying all over her head, it's appalling to me.. (it doesn’t look like they put a comb through her hair) the other girls (all white) have neatly combed hair, without a strand out of place no funky pony tails nothing. If I don't like the way black women especially are in advertisements and certain music videos I don't patronize those artist and those products. But there are exceptions. Black Hair Care magazine, nothing but straight hair styles, the only natural styles are braids (which aren't good for your hair). But I've learned how to work with my natural hair, just like I learned to work my relaxed hair. I would do my own doobies and it would look better than most salon jobs and now I can do just about any style I see in those black hair care books. My point is don't knock it till you've tried it. And if you aren't getting compliment or attention from men because of the way you wear your hair be it relaxed, jheri curl, natural, whatever then maybe it's the way you carry yourself. I am proud of who I am. My hair does not make me and less of a woman, if any man has a problem with the way I wear my hair, then he isn't the man for me. To be caught up on such materialistic thing is childish. Humans were once covered from head to toe with hair, some day we may not have hair at all I guess by then these men will have to change their opinions on hair. [This message has been edited by Lovealious (edited August 23, 2000).] [This message has been edited by Lovealious (edited August 23, 2000).] |
Sisterfriends-
Before I went away to college, I was NATURAL for all of my life. I was known for my braids, extensions, and cornrows in HS. Braids definitely saved me $ because I always braided my own hair (with years of practice). But saving $ was also spending lots of time rebraiding my hair. My kinky hair was past my shoulders! So when I went away to college, I did not have that extra time to braid my hair. So I did what I vowed I would never do and gave myself a relaxer! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif Now, three years later, I loved my relaxed hair. When I permed it, I decided to give myself a change and took a dramatic haircut (yes, shaved off the back of my head and all). But it since grew back, and I love my layers. It's all about versitility for me. And I certainly do not think that I am trying to be "white" by straightening my hair, because I know that I am black as ever, especially when I need that touch-up every six weeks! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif ------------ Maria |
Unfortunately down souf!!! (SOUTH)
Much of the natural look is still not in! When I left MN....everybody was freakin' a natural look...GREEKs were on the forefront of that...AKAs and Deltas were famous for locks, twists, fros, and braids... It just seems that in the GREAT ATL. You will only find conscious (afrocentric) women and men sporting these styles (although cornrows are making a "come up") Many women (and men too) are relaxing are texturizing their hair b/c they think thats the best way to look...AND Brothers here only want to date Long-haired sisters (no matter their personality) one of my friends who is an AKA (who sports a short natural cut) was told that her hair was too short (to be an AKA) by some people who weren't even in a sorority! I'm hoping the south as a whole will move from this pathetic view about "nappy" hair... I'm happy to be nappy!!! I am, The Ice Cold Kreator |
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Like you, I won't even touch music videos because I'd be here all day! The point I was trying to make about Black hair and TV was pretty much reiterated in your statement about the GAP commercial. I understand what you're saying about "seeing another variety of Blackness" on TV, but the thing I'm bothered about is that the media only attempts to give us ONE variety at a time. Yes, it is a media trend, and I guess I'll have to accept that. However, it seems a little biased to me that the trend would shift from light-skinned blacks with straight or naturally curly/fine hair textures to dark-skinned women with extremely kinky, natural styles. What about women like me who fall somewhere in between?!?!? African Americans are, in my opinion, THE most diverse race of people in that we DON'T fit a certain mold in terms of how we look. We vary GREATLY in skin color, hair color and texture, facial features, body shape, etc. And yet, we are usually only depicted in one way or another on TV-- never as diversely as we really are. I am extremely happy that we've shifted from the "light is right" trend, but I will never be completely satisfied until we as a physically diverse people are accurately depicted and fully represented in mass communications. The commericals today seem to be sending a message that blackness is defined by thick and kinky hair (I won't say "natural" because many blacks--dark-skinned and light-skinned alike--have naturally straight hair!). My argument is that blackness is not based on physical attributes. One of my dearest friends is a sistah who could esily pass for white; however, within 2 minutes of talking to or being around her, you'd want to elect her the next president of the NAACP! She radiates BLACKNESS; she's a proud, Afrocentric sistah who makes you feel good about being black. On the other hand, I went to college with a black girl with brown skin and kinky, natural hair, who is an assimilationist who ONLY hung with white students and stood on the side of those white students who argued that our Black Student Union and Black Greek Council (including the frats and sororities in it) were racist, unconstitutional organizations that should be abolished!!! I do relax my hair religiously every 8 weeks, and as cute as many natural styles are, I doubt I'll ever change. I love my hair and everything about it, so I'm not relaxing it to be white or anything other than the proud, Black woman I am; I relax it because it's less time-consuming to style, not because I detest my natural hair. To be honest, when I first get it relaxed, I hate it because it's too limp! But, when that kinky new-growth starts coming in, you can't tell me I'm not a DIVA! I would love to see us as Blacks become more accepting of each other's personal expressions. Blacks are priviledged to be able to do more with their hair than any other race of people. Many black hair care books do seem to lean toward the relaxed looks, but I have seen many books that feature natural and braided styles only. We need to start appreciating each other for who we are and not for how we choose to style our hair. I'm all for the natural styles on my sistahs who rock them, but I'm just saying that it's not for me. I just don't want people who choose to wear their hair natural for WHATEVER reason to judge me because I don't, just as I'm not gonna judge them because they shy away from chemicals. Once again, thank ALL of you for your feedback on this topic!!! I never expected to see flames coming out of this folder, but I'm glad about it nonetheless. It is wonderful that we can have discussions like this! Love ya! ------------------ Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Pi Kappa, SP97 #3 of QUINTESSENCE |
I think the supermodel Alek Wek has shone a positive light in the fashion industry. She sports a very short natural haircut, has a very dark skin tone and I think she is beautiful. I hardly (if ever) see her in wigs or weaves, even as a fashion model.
I'm interested to hear other opinions on Alek Wek. |
Soror Director,
Isn't your 3-yr-old a little girl? If so, what do you think you'll be doing to her hair when she's a pre-teen? Just wondering. ------------------ Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Pi Kappa, SP97 #3 of QUINTESSENCE |
Hello to all the ladies of DST. Whats up DSTDirector it Tinese SGRHO! I think women relax their hair for various reason other than trying to be white. Personally, I relax my hair because I'm a very tender headed. Taking a comb to my hair without it being relaxed hurts my scalp to the point of it being sore and having a headache.
Tinese |
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I know the light skin/dark skin debate is still an issue around here. I know I'm going off topic slightly,but I would like to share a personal experience. I hope nobody minds this slight shift in topic. I attend LSU and this summer I was in summer school. After class one day, a classmate and I were walking across the quad. It was unbelievably hot that day and we were walking in the sun. So my classmate says that we should have walked in the shade. I was like it didn't matter to me because I was already at my destination. So she goes "Well, I don't need any more color. Maybe you do,but I don't" Talk about somebody blown completely away. I have never had a issue with my skin tone. I am neither light skin or dark skin. I fall right in the middle. This particular person happen to be dark-skin. How do you respond to a comment like that? |
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Ice Cold, Where in MN did you live? I spent 2 years in MN after graduating from an HBCU in ATL and then returned to ATL. I think what you are observing is something that I too observed, but with a different twist. Because there are so few African-Americans in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area the AA folks there tend to be more cohesive and demonstrative in their blackness. I was able to get connected with a lot of different folks there because they all seemed to be saying "A young black woman! Please don't leave! We'll do anything if you stay here!" http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I don't think black folks in the ATL feel it necessary to wear their blackness on their sleeves (or head if you will) because we are so plentiful down here. Then it becomes a much more personal choice. I can 'choose' to wear my hair one way, and choose to live my life any number of ways. Consciousness is not just about a hair style. It's expressed in so many other ways. This reminds me of the movie "Mixing Nia" that has been on heavy rotation on HBO lately. Karen Parsons (Hilary from Fresh Prince) plays a young biracial woman who is trying to embrace her blackness. On her quest she meets and begins to date an afrocentric college professor (with dreads of course) and begins to make subtle (and not so subtle) changes in her hair, speech, clothing and food choices thinking these external things made her more "Black". She found out that they did not. |
I think what sums the entire topic up is the fact that the "SISTAHS" just have it like that. We are such a unique species that we can do so much to ourselves and so little to ourselves and still look DAMN good.
I love my blackness, I love that my hair can be kinky and short, relaxed and short, kinky and long, etc. You feel me? I love that we are so versatile. I just love my blackness. I love that I have a two, maybe three toned body and discovered that my 3 year old has inherited that same physical characterisic as well. I love what makes me UNIQUE. Don't you? This topic gets the BEST TOPIC award for the month! ------------------ Director #2 LMAC Spr 99 |
I wear my hair relaxed and could probably never do the natural thing. My hair so nappy that I have to perm it every 5 weeks! The natural look does look very good on some but it is not for everyone. My hair is easier to manage while it is relaxed. It has nothing to do with wanting to look like a white woman. With the best perm in the world my hair still does not look like a white womans. I would never want hair like that anyway. I enjoy my hair. I love the fact that we can do so many different things to our hair. My blackness is defined by my actions. my knowledge of myself and my people. my love and respect for myself and my people, and all the energy i invest into my community. It has nothing to do with my hair. Just because a woman is sporting a natural does not mean she is in touch with her "blackness". Actually if someone has changed their hair to a natural just because they think it will make them more "black" then they are very much out of touch with their "blackness" and it will take more than tossing out a relaxer to bring them back in touch with themselves. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif
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Soror the411, hopefully when my now 3-yr old turns pre-teen and teen, she will be so in touch with her heritage that she can decided what to do with her hair. My intentions now are to never put chemicals in her hair since I know how to take care of natural hair now.
Hey Tinese, good seeing you here my Greek Soror. ------------------ Director #2 LMAC Spr 99 |
Greetings to the sisters of Delta Sigma Theta and those posting on this most interesting topic.
I'm following this topic with interest because it hits so close to home. My ethnicity is Asian Indian...take a look at any TV or print ad in India, and the models are slim, with pale complexions and light (not necessarily brown) eyes. This is the norm, when the average Asian Indian woman is shapely, wheat-complexioned, and has dark-brown eyes! I can't understand this phenomenon, especially since the women in the ads are representatives of the women in the target audience. Here's a humorous experience I've had with respect to skin tone: I was at "Welcome Fair" for incoming freshman, where merchants from around the community gave away free samples of product to the incoming freshman. An ethnically Caucasion lady whose skin ought to have been more pale than mine (but in reality, she was about 5 shades darker than I am at my most sunburnt), was representing a local tanning salon. I didn't really stop by her booth, so she ran after me with tanning oil samples, saying "Well, you're off to a good start...here are some samples to get you started." LOL! ------------------ equeen A Lioness has her Pride! @>--;-- Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies |
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I think with the majority of women, it is personal choice. |
Greetings to the sistahs of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
I am new to this message board and have been totally engrossed by this topic. I apologize for the length of my comment. I guess I've truly experienced so much on this topic. I, like many other sisters, was 'relaxed' by my mom at the tender age of 7. I believe that the combination of a lack of knowledge on how to take care of natural hair combined with the ease of 'relaxed hair' (typical of the '70's) created the urgency to relax it! I don't find fault either way with relaxed or natural; instead, I embrace all our infinite possibilities. The point that I'm attempting (long-winded I know) to make is that it wasn't until I was 26 that I felt 'courageous' enough to grow out my natural hair and cut off my shoulder-length relaxed tresses. I now have (snap of the fingers) that much hair. What I rushed every six weeks to scare straight was actually very manageable in its natural state. Excuse me if I sound corny, but, I felt set free. I've found that men are drawn to it and ask to touch it quite frequently. This greatly puzzles me! In addition to the 'hair identity' topic, I, too, have received many comments about my own 'ethnic identity'. It seems that even though 'we' all know that we come in different shades, widths & lengths of features- I continue to receive the same 'dead-end' question of 'What are you?' Both of my parents are black. I am on the lighter end of the 'color spectrum' with very full lips, slightly slanted eyes, and high cheek bones. When I respond that I am (with much attitude) black, people don't believe me. In every way I embrace my ethnicity! My final comment is: Essentially, why are we (people in general-no matter your racial background) so caught up in labeling one another? I am guilty myself of spending 15 minutes trying to pigeon-hole someone I see on the street as either black, white, hispanic, mixed, etc. I know I have digressed from the original topic at hand; however, it all bears food for thought. |
I have just started wearing my hair natural and it's trying at times but I am giving myself a year to try and adjust. My hair is about neck length and I either twist it or keep it braided.
My view on the whole situation is that we as African-American women are the most versitile people in this country. We can braid it, curl it, straighten it, color it and lock it. And guess what... we still look good!!! So I say to you my sistas, "Do what you feel is best for you and yeah we know how the system works but we have to learn how to work the system." Sorors bring up the best topics! OO-OOP to all of my 2000 sands!!!! |
I just recently got my haircut down to a natural, and I love it to death!!! I have gotten more compliments with this hairstyle than any other hairstyle I have ever had. I had always wanted to go natural, but I didn't have the nerve. I am truly glad I made the decision that I did. I don't feel that just because I wear my hair natural that I am more Afrocentric than any of my Black sisters. I just feel that I am expressing who I am through my hair style. Black women are beautiful regardless if they wear a perm, natural, or weaves. We are individuals and we should express ourselves individually.
Mahogany 31-LZ-00 P.S. The men love my natural. |
Peace to my Dynamic, Salient and Temperate sorors of Delta Sigma Theta, IINNNCCCorporated!!
I have worn a short natural since 1993 and I love it. After I graduated, my hair was a mess from perm-neglect. I cut it off and never looked back. If and when I grow my hair out, it will be in dreads. I say do what is best for you (cuz ya' kno' er-rybody cain't wea' da' same stylz!!) and don't be ashamed. We all need to be prepared to defend our decision (to go straight or nappy) or just let it go. |
Greetings all:
Just adding my two cents to the topic. I relax my hair to keep it manageable - I grew my perm out at one point, and my hair was lovely, but extremely thick and I couldn't get it under control. I like the manageability of my hair, but the idea of "going natural" is very appealing. I will probably end up growing dreds sometime in the future. FYI: Here is an interesting article about a woman's decision to lock her hair after years of relaxing. http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill...5224/LOCKS.htm ------------------ "Queens shouldn't swing...if you know what I mean.." |
Interesting topic. I am quite proud to say that I have had natural hair for 4 and 1/2 years. Yes, it is some work. My hair is long, not the hanging down way, but the poofing out way. When I take just a blow dryer to it (which I usually don't), it is huge. I mean, honestly, in so. cal, I haven't seen natural hair this big/long in my memory. But it is doable.
About versatility, it really can be versatile. It's not as easy when you're hair is short, but once you've got a few inches, you can do anything. People are always saying my hair is in a different style every time they see it. And no, I don't think that being black is about how you do your hair. Being black is not a choice one can make, anyway. BUT, I do think it a shame that many black women would not even know how to take care of their own natural hair, that we know the altered version but not the natural one. I've actually had black women ask me how I do my hair because they've never even known what it was like to have their natural hair. I think that's kinda sad, but that's just my opinion. In the long run, a person is better off with hair that makes them feel comfortable and hair they like, however it is styled. And that comment about black men not even wanting to speak to you if you have natural hair, well, that's a whole other topic. But I must say . . . Naw, wait, I'm not going to say it. But I will say that the majority of compliments on my hair come from non-black people and the majority of seminegative statements and criticism about my hair come from other black people. That may just be because they feel they can say things like that to me since they are in my own group, but I don't know. The compliments I get the best feelings from, though, come from other black people who can look at my hair and appreciate the beauty. |
Sorors, I have worn my hair in a short natural since 1993 when it all broke off because I was not able to keep up my perm. I can say that it was truly a great decision for me. My hair and scalp are healthier, I spend less time (and money!) on my hair and, thankfully, the style complements my bone structure.
However, when the the time comes to grow my hair out, I will grow into twisties and then into dreads. I love my natural self!! I believe your hair should complement your personality and your lifestyle. I do not believe that your hair should represent the extent of your political or social belief system. I have run across some politically backwards and socially unconcious (sp?) sisters sporting 'fros and braids. So don't let the nature fool you. |
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