Thursday, October 29, 2009

Good vs. Bad….hair?!

Yep, I’m talking about it! So is everyone else apparently since the release of Chris Rock’s new movie Good Hair (open nationwide Friday 10/23/09). I heard about the movie a little while ago but was recently reminded of it by my husband. My husband, who is white, asked me if I knew about this “good hair vs. bad hair” thing. He read an article about the movie in one of his magazines which really demonstrates how popular the topic has become. I read an article in USA Today reviewing the movie and there are a lot of mixed feelings toward it. Some people feel that Chris Rock put black women’s “business” out in the streets. I think it’s great that people are talking about this issue. Anyone that is upset with the way Chris Rock is portraying black women and their hair habits should really pay attention to the reason behind the film. The motivation behind the film came from his daughter asking him why she didn’t have “good hair”!!! When I heard that, my heart ached. Why should this young black child feel like her natural appearance isn’t “good” enough?!

In my opinion, being knowledgeable about our differences is what can help us understand each other better. I will never forget the first conversation I had with my husband about “weave” and the different textures of black women’s hair. He was absolutely blown away but appreciated everything that I told him. I have a diverse group of friends and I’m eager to explain why my hair is different than theirs every time they reluctantly ask, “how do you get your hair to look like that”. I’m never offended but actually excited to share my hair journey with them J I don’t know why people are so scared to talk about it.

I decided to “go natural” my junior year of college. I actually made the decision after realizing how much money and time I was spending on my hair. I would drive from Philadelphia all the way to Maryland once or twice a month to get a relaxer (when you find a good hair dresser, you have to stick with them!). I figured if I go natural, I can just take care of my hair myself. That was 7 years ago and I couldn’t be happier with my hair. I went through some moments when I didn’t know what to do with what was on top of my head but I learned to deal with it. It’s my hair, it’s a part of me and I love it. A lot of other people like it too. I joke with my friends and call it the “crowd favorite” whenever I wear my hair picked out in an afro.

What I take away from the issue of “good hair vs. bad hair” is that it’s your hair and there is nothing good or bad about it! If you relax it, buy it, or pick it as long as you are happy with it then own it and love it!!! Don’t ever be ashamed of your hair, no matter how you wear it. It’s a part of you!

3 comments:

  1. Great blog posting lil sis! I too have been reading articles about the recent movie and can't wait to check it out. I love that our mom never let us say "good hair" and explained that all hair is good in it's own way (shout out to Lady...lol)!!! I plan to do the same with my kids and as an adult don't use the term "good hair". Too all my divas....rock your style however you choose and be YOU ;-)

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  2. Evina, you are so beautiful and so is your hair! Thank you for enlightening us on your hair journey! PS-I like the new site set-up and your logo :) Jen

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  3. Great Blog, Evina!!! My mom, like yours, NEVER let my sister and me say "good hair." She would flip out and correct us in a nano-second. I haven't seen the movie, but I am very eager to see it. I am glad that light has been shed on this topic. Growing up I got sick and tired of being the spokesgirl (since I was one of few Black girls in my neighborhood) for Black people with Black hair.

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