First I would like to remind everyone that “Natural” beauty and occurrences are caused by nature. African American hair in the natural state is thick with tighter curls than people of other nationalities.
The conversations in class today lead me to share this trailer for the film” Good Hair”which came out in 2009. The movie is a documentary that asks African Americans “what is good hair?” In the film Chris Rock (an African American comedian) explores what a relaxer ( a science kit for straighten hair) does as well as the potential effects on the human body. He interviews people in the black community about weaves, the cost, and the origins of hair sold in America.
If you have viewed the above video, now lets examine what may happen to women who wear weaves for an extended period of time. The actress Countess Vaughn who starred on 227, Moesha, & The Parkers shared her experience with the world in regards to her experience with wearing a weave. Stating “I just wanted to look Natural”. She was so willing to conform to what society says is beautiful despite the signs that her own health was in jeopardy, not ignoring the fact that as an actress the pressure to see herself as beautiful adds even more pressure to conform with societies standard of beautiful.
Natural hair looks different among all nationalities. I hope most of all we can see that an African American straightening their hair is not natural. I am not saying that straightening of the hair is wrong. The problem is when society tells an individual that they have to straighten their hair in order to be accepted.
I think the last point you made really says a lot. There's no problem with wanting to cut your hair, grow your hair out, curl it, straighten it, etc. But it is so important to critically think about why you are changing your hair. Is it for your own person benefit and you just would like to see a little something different or is it due to the pressures placed on us by society? The same thing goes for what we wear and if we put on make-up. Are we doing it because we want to or because it is deemed to be "in style?"
ReplyDeleteIt breaks my heart when as a parent I have to explain to my child that her hair is beautiful without chemicals added. Also as a child she doesn't understand that I would have to put harmful chemicals in her hair in order for her to achieve the hair society emphasizes as normal. I hope you viewed both videos and gained a better understanding of the risks involved for women conforming to a white standard of beauty.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to tell you how pretty your hair was. I don't know if you curl it or what. Its the wavy texture for me that made me notice plus the colors. I always got that I do what's comfortable vibe from your hair expression. Hope I don't offend you.
Yeah, Its also really interesting and powerful that you say you have to explain it to your daughter. Imagining a conversation with a child where I'd have to explain just societal norms in simple basic terms just make them seem even more ridiculous. Thanks for both links
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad that you have to have that conversation with your daughter, but it is so amazing that you are talking to her about it at such a young age!
ReplyDelete