I Am My Hair | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

I Am My Hair

"Don't touch my crown. They say the vision I've found. "- Solange

41
I Am My Hair
Emma Summerton

"Are you mixed with something?" "Your hair is so pretty but mine is nappy."

These were all statements that I heard during middle school. Wearing your natural hair used to be taboo in the African American community. If you didn't have a perm or your hair wasn't bone straight, then you were looked down upon. Straight hair was considered the Holy Grail and we did anything to achieve that. Interestingly enough, this was just 10 years ago. Things have changed. On social media, there are more natural hair supported groups than anything else. YouTube gurus have more natural hair tutorials than I've ever seen. I'm ready to salute girls that wear their natural hair out as if we are apart of some natural coalition. I see Bantu knots, Senegalese braids and dreads (which are all natural hairstyles) when I'm out and about. Even though we have made strides towards the acceptance of natural hair in the Black community, there is still a long way to go before it is accepted by other communities.

There are students who get suspended, or even expelled from school because of their natural hair. Elementary children are already limited to expression by the confinement of their uniform, so how dare they attempt to express themselves through hairstyles? Or how dare they wear their hair this way to represent their culture? "It's just hair," some of you may think but no, it's more than that. A U.S. judge stated that prohibiting employees from wearing dreadlocks is not racial discrimination which means that it is okay for African Americans to not get hired because of their natural hair. So, if it is just hair, then why is it being discriminated against? Why is it okay for a child to be expelled from school because of their hairstyle? Why can I miss out on a job opportunity for wearing my natural hair? It is something that is hard for me to understand especially when dreads and other natural hairstyles are considered fashionable for other cultures.

The problem that I have with Marc Jacobs and those Facebook videos that post ways to achieve the natural hair look is that they are using African American's natural features to be trendy when it's discriminated against. Marc Jacobs recently used dreadlocks in one of his latest fashion shows. None of the models were African American. After, he was criticized, he took to social media to state:

"and all who cry “cultural appropriation” or whatever nonsense about any race of skin color wearing their hair in a particular style or manner - funny how you don’t criticize women of color for straightening their hair."

It is interesting that he made this statement about black women straightening their hair when they have no choice. The discrimination that they have in the workforce leads them to do such. Then there are videos on Facebook showing girls using plastic to achieve the natural hair look. It is not fair that others can use African American hair to be fashionable and to fit in, but it is okay for us to be discriminated against if we wear it.

It took African Americans forever to accept their natural hair. For years, we've been at war with ourselves over our natural state. And even though we have gained self-acceptance (somewhat), we still have to go to war with other communities over our hair. It is still allowed for natural hair to get discriminated against while others use it as some trendy wear. Well, I have something to tell you. My hair is not trendy. My hair is not what's "in" for the latest season. It will not be something that will be trashed months from now and seen as un-cool. No, my hair is me.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Christmas tree
Librarian Lavender

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is one of my personal favorite holidays because of the Christmas traditions my family upholds generation after generation. After talking to a few of my friends at college, I realized that a lot of them don't really have "Christmas traditions" in their family, and I want to help change that. Here's a list of Christmas traditions that my family does, and anyone can incorporate into their family as well!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Phases Of Finals

May the odds be ever in your favor.

1323
Does anybody know how to study
Gurl.com

It’s here; that time of year when college students turn into preschoolers again. We cry for our mothers, eat everything in sight, and whine when we don’t get our way. It’s finals, the dreaded time of the semester when we all realize we should have been paying attention in class instead of literally doing anything else but that. Everyone has to take them, and yes, unfortunately, they are inevitable. But just because they are here and inevitable does not mean they’re peaches and cream and full of rainbows. Surviving them is a must, and the following five phases are a reality for all majors from business to art, nursing to history.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

2741
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl roommates
StableDiffusion

Where do we begin when we start talking about our roommates? You practically spend every moment with them, they become your second family and they deal with you at your best and at your absolute worst. They are there to make you laugh just a little harder, cry a little less and make each day a little better. We often forget to thank them for the little things that they do to make college even a tiny bit easier and more fun. This list of 26 things are what you should thank your roommates for right this minute and every day that you live with them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

20 Thoughts While Studying For Finals

I may or may not be stressing right now.

2800
Thoughts While Studying For Finals
StableDiffusion


That time of the semester has arrived once again, finals. The worst week ever. Who thought it was a good idea for all your classes to have exams all in the same week? Definitely not me. Here's 20 thoughts you may have studying for finals.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments