I hesitate to put my opinion out there, but it's mine, and I can do that, so here goes.
Unfortunately, what we as Black women do to our hair is very much historical, and it is not a waste of time to talk about it, nor is it unimportant as opposed to racism, because it is a part of racism. Our (Blacks) self-image is a HUGE part of racism. Do I relax my hair? Yes. Has it been bothering me lately that I do? YES!!! There are so many things that we as a people need to unlearn, and it's hard to state any of them without others feeling attacked. So I want to say now, I am not here to attack anyone, their beliefs, or their opinions. However, this issue of hair is very important. We need to understand that while we have perpetuated the separations within our race, we did not initiate it. It has been HISTORICALLY ingrained in our minds that if you're black stay back and if your light it's alright. And that includes our hair. This is why so many of us have issues with interracial relationships, because it further illustrates the point that the "status quo" is prettier than we are. Believe that our ancestors did NOT get off that ship with relaxers in their hair. So there HAD to be a reason we began to do that. The fact of the matter is, we began to straighten our hair to emulate the hair of caucasion americans. Whether or not that's the reason we do it today, that is why it started. Just like people use the N word today as a term of endearment, that does not mean that it didn't start out as a racial slur. It amazes me that someone can say that this is not racial, because that's all it is. I am struggling with letting my hair grow out of the relaxer out of sheer laziness. I'm used to my hair being relaxed, and I've become content with it like this. Not to mention, I have to take the time to make sure it stays healthy, etc. However, I realize the message that it sends (straight hair is prettier), and I want to change that. I can be a beautiful Black woman with my hair natural.
On another note, and then I will get off of my soapbox, there are MANY things that we do today that were ingrained in us by White America. If you haven't read it, pick up a "Sisters of the Yam," by bell hooks. It's deep yall. You'd be surprised what society has subliminally placed in our heads. It's easier to get defensive than it is to actually try and listen to find truth, because we are afraid of the truth, because if we find out that we do much of what we do based on society, we'll feel out of control of our lives and the decisions we make. But the truth is out there.
And that's my .08, sorry for the long post.
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