I was pleasantly surprised to see the discussion of the Politics of Black Hair on MSNBC Melissa Harris- Perry Show which my hubby and I watch every Sunday. It got me thinking more about my own hair evolution. Somehow I had convinced myself that the timing of me cutting all my hair off and going natural was just by happenstance. In actuality I had entertained the idea of cutting my hair off, to give to Locks of Love, several months prior to me actually doing it. Was it really by chance that I decided to cut my hair off within a week of turning in my two week notice. Once I knew that I would be a stay at home mom and wouldn’t have to be in a professional environment for several years. I like to think the way I chose to wear my hair was not influenced by outside factors be it political or social, but indeed it was.
Comment and let me know your take on the discussion and if the way you wear your hair has been influenced by political or social factors.
A link to the segment:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46979745/#47755433
I too appreciated the Melissa Harris-Perry segment. It was Bold & Poignant. I believe Black Hair is Political and it’s time wig-wearing, weave-sewn-in Sisters realize the beauty of their own natural hair. Many of these Sisters don’t know what their natural hair: looks like, how it feels, how it cultivates. To know your self is to know your whole self which includes your HAIR…The Politics of Black Hair…The Kink Rules: http://karenhalliburton.com/
I really grew tired of the perms and weaves. I wanted to stand out from the crowd. Being surrounded by long corn-silky hair, whether it was natural or sewn in, made me feel like a robot. I wanted to find out my true beauty and this was the biggest thing I have ever done. It set me apart from everyone. I truly felt beautiful in my own skin and hair! I never looked at it as a social or political thing…jus my “thing”