Growing up, I very often heard the phrase “good” hair and “bad” hair. In the Dominican community that I grew up in, hair is very important. It was essential to a women’s beauty. I myself grew taking a lot of pride in my hair, but one thing I could never rap my mind around was the “good” hair “bad” hair concept. What some people considered good others considered bad and at times I just felt that everyone had their preferences. People do what they can and what ever comes easier to them. I for one began to straighten my hair because it was easier for my mother to handle. My hair is thick and I have a lot of it so I can see where it can get tiring.
In an essay by bell hooks called Straightening Our Hair, she discusses how many black people do it to conform to white people’s definition of beauty. I feel that although some might see that way, I think that today it’s not as much as conforming but what it easier for people and what’s the style. Bell hook’s reasoning for people straightening their hair seems very radical. I can see where she is coming from. I also believe that when blacks and other minorities began to straighten their hair it was for conformity, because at that time it was important to get the stamp of approval from whites; it was important to pass. Celebrities today that straighten their hair or get weaves is because their physical appearance is what they make a living out of. They wear the latest clothes, shoes, jewelry, make-up, accessories, and yes, hair. Looking at today I see the whole straight hair issue as just a style and not a matter of conformity.
I think I agree with you on more then one note. 1.she did seem to be a tad bit radical with her ideas and concepts.2 being of hispanic roots i know that many women have long hair because that is a trend among spanish women, just like you would usually find spanish men with short cut hair. so growing up i was ne ver allowed to grow my hair to braid it.
ReplyDeletehair is just personal style you dont do it a certain way to to confirm with anyone you do what you like
You make very good points. People do different things to their hair for different reasons. I also straighten my hair because it is easier to handle that way. In no way am I trying to deny who I am or conform to certain standards of beauty. bell hooks is more than a tad bit radical. I also don't get the concept of good or bad hair either. I feel like it's your hair and it is up to you to make it or break it. Everyone is different in their opinions of what is good hair and bad hair, but to me, there is no difference. It's all in how you style it and rock it!
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