Seems that this subject keep coming up lately; Black women and their hair. It’s to the point that major news papers (like TIME) are writing about it. And as of recent, they’ve taken it all the way to the White House.
For the first time in U.S history, there is a family of color in the White House. 
Let me clarify, a family of color that is the First Family of these United States and not a family of servants. I’m just saying. With Michelle Obama being the first black woman to ever be honored in this position, a lot of curiosity, commentary, and confusion has peppered the conversations of the American people. Whether it is about her fashion choices, her patriotism, or, in this case, her hair, Ms. Lady is being talked about. I believe she is not only an enigma to the white mass, but also to some of her black sisters.
This current article that discusses Mrs. Obama’s hair brings up some talking points. Is her choice of wearing her hair straight making a statement – that straight hair is more professional? Desirable? Is her hair chemically relaxed, or straightened with heat? If it is the latter, would she ever where it natural? But wait, if you pay close attention, her young ones seem to be chemical-free and only sport straightened styles for “special occasions”. But why not have Sasha wear a cute afro puff at the Inauguration? These are just questions, but I’m interested in knowing what you think/
September 3, 2009
everyonesister
2 responses to “I’ve Got Good Hair (Part 2)”
cljohnsonblog
September 3rd, 2009 at 22:41
I’m from the south and it still amazes me that we are still using words like “Good Hair” and “Bad Hair”. There is no such thing. One of the major lasting impressions of racism on the African American Community is making African Americans think that certain qualities and characteristics they possess are not good unless conformed to align with the standards of white America.
That’s why you have Black women that straighten their hair. You had men in the 50′s and 60′s that wore perms so that they could look more “white” You still have one now….Al Sharpton (no disrespect intended).
Beyond the hair issue, it opens up dialogue for many other issues. It’s why we struggle as a community with sexuality and finding our place in society. It’s also the reason some black men feel as if the White woman is the symbol for beauty and the black women represents anger, temptation. and seduction. Many Black Americans view sexuality as lustful, whereas our counterparts view it as an ordinary part of life. Our vision for the most part has been distorted.
One more thing is if you get a chance, take a look at my blog, cljohnsonblog.wordpress.com. I posted an entry entitle Girl, Let’s Just Get Married. It takes a look at some of the statistics of Black Marriage. It’s amazing to see that Black women are considered the least likely to get married, yet white women have the highest rates of marriage.
It’s great that these issues are surfacing. I personally subscribe to the notion that if your are going to change an issue, you must first admit it exists and then have open dialogue about it. Only then can you begin to come to a resolution.
Great post, sister. Keep up the great work! God Bless.
Sonja
October 24th, 2009 at 07:07
I am so behind. I saw the movie Good Hair and enjoyed it, however, it did not discuss natural hair but if you did not know how dangerous chemicals are too your hair you will know after seeing this movie.