For my natural hair lovers! I have a question. As my hair is now in a pretty large fro - I see how people perceive me differently, especially my students. I've had comments like, "You must live in (I'm changing the name) Cotton Candy Grove, where all the hippies live." or "Black Power Sister," from a smartass class clown and even a "You look like one of those Africanist type people." (This is not an exact quote, but close - I mean really??)
I think I have always had the same thoughts regarding post-colonialism, class, equity, race etc. But the longer my hair gets and the more "true colors" I see from all people- of all "different colors" I wonder if these experiences are changing my thoughts and making me more conscious and intune to my roots and even "strengthening" my current though. It's funny, but I've always said hair is powerful...
On top of that...I feel like my hair allows me to have a sense of freedom when it comes to clothes. I wear brighter colors and OWN the heck out of it...I feel more like an individual and a trendsetter...I feel like I am supposed to be this way because I have choosen to be 'real' which is outside of the norm and stands out at times...Hmmmmm I wonder if any others feel this way???? Am I crazy?!
You know how I feel about your dome LOL! I think it's the coolest thing. Not only is it beautiful but it's how God created you and the funny thing is I think I'm the only follower you have that has a relaxer LOL. I'm still contemplating on how to go about the transformation from "commercial" to natural. I think I will start this summer with my braids which is what I like to rock when it's warm. Pray for me girl.. I have an addiction to hair crack (relaxer) LOL
ReplyDeleteLyds I feel you because depending on what I'm doing, I will straighten my hair. Think about it, you never saw me wear my hair "out" unless it was in a ponytail. The stepshow senior year was probably a first and that was only through the encouragement of others. Here I am always getting crap for pulling my hair back or straitening it, everyone loves it. The crazies who have ish to say or want to look sideways just need a quick education on what it means to be natural, followed by, "how should I wear my hair? would that make me less (fill in the blank). You may be one of the few in your students' lives that is confident enough to be naturally you, and you can't change cause the ignorant don't get it. Change their image of what a Black woman with "a 'fro" is. Be the Change (like my cheese?).
ReplyDeleteGirl, I LOVE your cheese! HAHA...But yeah, I feel you too...and I remember that stepshow! AHAHAh your hair was (is) BEAUTIFUL. And I guess there will be crazies no matter what, huh? HAHA I like "to be change," so I'm on it!
ReplyDeleteOh and Charm...I like how you said "transformation" ...it really feels like one. Scary and crazy...not sure what will look back at you in the mirror. Of course I'm bias, creamy crack was so cruel to me, but yes I am praying for you fo' SHO.
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