I recall in elementary school (in the 70s), all the girls wanted to wear our hair in afros. Justice at approximately 8 years old (use of photo is strictly prohibited) It is amazing what a hairstyle does for a little girl’s confidence. It is a trope created to reinforce the ideology of white normativity, and unfortunately, Black people have not only bought into it, but we have also consistently perpetuated it. Bad hair means you look like a slave.” This is a racist trope that Black people have had to contend with for generations, whereby our Black hair is not viewed as good enough, beautiful enough, or clean enough. Later in the song, India comments on societal standards for Black hair (especially Black women’s hair) by making the statement that “Good hair means curls and waves. She then says that it wasn’t until she cut off her dreadlocks that she realized, “I am not my hair. Singer/Songwriter India Arie has a song entitled “ I Am Not My Hair” in which she recalls her hair journey growing up, from the press & curl, the Jheri curl, a relaxer, and then natural.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |