“It is a subtle instance of privilege; other women can go to work without worry, black women have to be ready to defend their natural hair in the workplace at a moment’s notice.”
–Elle (arthur from blackgirllonghair.com)
African American women, from a young age have been told that their hair isn’t “good.” There has always been a European standard that has oppressed the black women. There is pressure on them to have their hair straight and their skin light, even though that is fully out of their natural-born control. African American women for decades have permed their hair with toxic chemicals to make it as straight as possible.
Now many are embracing natural styles, but not everyone is ready to jump on this hair movement train. People are denying African American women who wear these styles jobs, firing them, and telling them flat out that they cannot wear their hair natural because it is deemed to be “unprofessional”.
One may ask, how can someone’s natural hair, that grows out of their own head, be “unprofessional”? Why should afros and cornrows be considered “ungroomed”? White corporate America still has oppressive ways. Executives want to hire those only who look like them and fit a certain brand. If your hair isn’t as flat as theirs, you don’t meet the standard.
Back in 2001, Hampton University, a historically Black university, banned cornrows and dreadlocks within the classroom. But the dean insisted it was to help students land corporate jobs. And this is sad. At a place where African American students are supposed to be embracing their blackness and loving everything black about themselves, still instilled in them that they have to conform to European standards in order to make a living.
While natural hair styles are evolving, so is the cultural appropriation. Black women are being shamed for their cornrows, but when a white woman chooses to wear cornrows, it is “cool” and “urban”. Young African American actress, Zendaya was ridiculed for wearing faux locs on the red carpet by Giuliana Rancic, who said Zendaya’s hair probably smells like patchouli oil and weed (I’m guessing a Bob Marley reference, but that wasn’t funny). However, Giuliana also said that Kylie Jenner’s, who is white, faux dreads as “edgy”.
The bottom line is, that it is 2016, and African American women should no longer be ashamed of who they are. They shouldn’t feel it’s necessary to “control” their hair. They should be able to wear their hair whichever way they please.
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