Our Hair

Its funny how the subject of appearance is so established in our society. We know that fashion is in, individuality is respected, but overall we have an "established" look of what's acceptable. You know, the look that allows one person to think liberally toward another. For instance, the average person has a more postive thought about a man who's clean cut, nice suit, etc., as opposed to a person who isnt as clean cut in a tshirt and jeans.

Well, lets be specific and bring it to America. Let's also be specific- "post-racist" America. Now before you think this is a soapbox rant against "the man", just relax and read on, I'm trying to expand your thinking.

Now look back to the example I used in the first paragraph. Only this time, let me fill in the blanks and edit. We're at a job interview. We have, NOT a white man and black man, but two black men. We have, not one in a suit and one low-casual, but both in a suit. We have two black men with equal credentials and education. What's the difference? One is clean cut, one has a thick, nappy afro.

Pause...

Now, according to what we know about the standards of appearance, I don't even have to use rhetoric to tell you, the clean-cut brotha more than likely got that job.

Thats just the way it is...right?

But why?

Why is it that the way our hair grows natually is considered unprofessional?

The natural growth texture of a black man's/woman's hair is kinky. Its nappy. Its thick. So why is it that after all this time we are still subject to prejudices, based on what comes to us naturally? This is chliche' but the lyrics to India Arie's "I am not my hair" best apply here.

Why is this a problem?

More and more black people reject the natural growth of their hair. Many would rather get their hair permed in order to feel accepted and to feel beautiful.

PAUSE

This isn't a diss to the ladies who get perms. Understand, that I'm not a natural hair extremist, nor do I have a problem with anyone who chooses anything other than natural growth. Different strokes for different folks.

WHAT I DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH

Is those who despise their God given texture, and those who look down on the ones of us who have chosen to be natural with a sense of "better-than". YOU have a serious case of self-hate.

The Moral: Remember presently and through your own history, what your natural hair means to you, and what it has cost those who came before you. Trends come and go, but what you have is forever...