"So I decided to write an
impromptu blog article about my encounters of being a natural beauty in a
Euro-centric society. I have not always been a natural beauty, but being an
African-American woman” other non-ethnic cultures are “intrigued by the texture
and hairstyles of African-Americans. At first, I use to be offended because
some people wanted to ask a million questions about my hair and even go to the
extent of wanting to touch my hair.
I remember asking one of my
cohort members in graduate school about their fascination about the
kinky/tightly coiled texture of people of color hair. She gave me the most realest
and sincere answers ever; she wasn’t taught about the various texture of hair
and thought it was best to ask. “Close mouths don’t get fed!” Amen to that
quote. So back to the topic - I educated my cohort member, but ended up getting
some valuable knowledge from her as well. I remember her telling me that she
has “bad hair” because it was coarse, curly and tangled. I’m thinking to
myself, wow here I am complaining about my hair and she was having similar
issues like me. When she told me that it took her 4-6 hours to straighten her
hair, I gained a deeper appreciation for my hair at the moment. During this
time, I was in a relaxed state of mind and complaining about bringing my
breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hair salon and hearing the “hoodrat
chronicles”. LOL! So, ladies and gentlemen, not all non-ethnic people’s hair is
straight and easily manageable. They too have various hair issues as well. I
don’t think I could handle washing my hair daily, de-tangling it for hours and
possible straightening my hair for another 4 hours. That’s not what’s up!
Since moving back to the New England , many people admire my natural state, especially
non-ethnic people. I receive many compliments from them about my natural hair.
I don’t take offense to this because honestly, I am a beautiful woman who
embraces my natural state to the fullest and appreciate those who recognize
true and natural beauty. I don’t feel compelled to straighten my hair just to
please society and to assimilate. If you can’t accept me for who I am, than you
are missing out on an amazing, loving, and gifted person. This blog article goes out to all my natural
Beauties, Princesses, and Queens out there.
Another shout out to those who want to become more educated to our natural
state and are open to asking genuine questions." - written by Guest Writer, Drea Camille
To see more of Drea, go to - Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr
love it! i have also had those conversations with non-black women who have curly corse hair that they damage to attain long silky locks, or ails of their mothers using an iron to straighten their hair in the 60s.
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