Thursday, June 21, 2012

judge her relaxer? you don't get to do that.

photo: getty images
This one goes out specifically to all those natural sisters who look down their noses at those who rock relaxers, to the extent of trying to shame and judge them.  Over at Clutch, Mame Kwayie breaks it down in a searingly honest piece on her experience as a black woman with a relaxer living in the midst of natural hair movement, that seems to have gone to some folks' heads...
 "As much as I want to say it’s just hair, it’s not. It’s never been. It’s political around company. We ignore that it’s even more political among ourselves. That you think your hair elevates you says so. That I feel guilty for not partaking in the natural hair revolution says so. Perhaps this revolution all dressed in self-love needs to wear different, more inclusive clothes." (Clutch)
I love the wide open honest way in which the whole essay, "Stop Staring, My Eyes Are Down Here", flows.  Had to share.  Read the entire piece here.  Thoughts?

Thursday, June 14, 2012

melissa harris-perry on black hair

You know, as disheartening as it can be to think of how far we have yet to go in terms of true acceptance and understanding that beauty is a diverse thing, it's good to see the conversation kept alive and presented in a way that is not only enlightening, but downright hilarious in moments.  Check out Melissa Harris-Perry's Teachable Moment on the politics of black hair.
via The Root: