Quote:
Originally posted by Discogoddess:
What makes you draw the conclusion that braided hair for men is not part of our ethnic heritage? Are you speaking only of our heritage since arriving in America? I'm asking for clarification.
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While in America, male slaves, post slavery, through the decades up to the '60s, men did not wear braided hairstyles. Maybe you can tell me which African tribes that we descend from wore them. I know that the Masai people of East Africa wear them, but I am unaware of any males of West or West-Central Africa that wear braids and/or locks/dreads
I'm not implying that there is anything wrong with braids. It is just that I have not witnessed the "cultural" or "historical" link that Africans or African American men wear braids, especially in professional settings, i.e, ministers, doctors, dentists, lawyers, salespeople, politicians, etc. I don't recall the N.O.I or any of the Black Panthers or any Afro-centric organization of the militant '60s wearing braids, like I notice on the people outside of professional life.
Cornel West has worn an afro for a long time but I have never seen it braided in public.