I understand that Chris Rock's new movie entitled "Good Hair" opens in the Charlotte, NC area on tomorrow (10/23). Unfortunately I only saw intermittent parts of his interview on Oprah several weeks ago. I do know from the various media writings and from the movie's trailer, that Rock was inspired to produce this movie after his six year old daughter asked him, "why don't I have good hair"? So I want to talk about this age-old topic of "good hair".
When I was growing up, we would describe people with fine and often naturally straight hair, as having "good hair". Good Hair was the kind that didn't "nap up" or cause you to have "bb shots" or what we commonly referred to as a kitchen in the back of your neck. This occurrence was due to the lack of having a relaxer in your hair. Over the years, African American women (primarily) have had to deal with the many struggles and challenges relating to our hair.
Historically as a culture, African American women have had to deal with varying degrees of name-calling and put-downs if our hair was not "tight" and "right". In fact, often the natural state of our hair which is coarse, kinky and for some, even bushy, has carried a negative connotation. But many of us have allowed the images of media to shape and define how we should look, and as a result, what is considered the look of beauty. Regardless of where you fall in this argument, there is no doubt that 85% of all hair products is purchased by African American women. Is this because we are vain? Do we hate who we naturally are underneath? Have we bought into the old adage that "white is right; if black get back"?
I'd be the first to admit that I HAVE TO GET MY HAIR DONE! For me, that's permed, trimmed and sometimes colored. Does that mean that I'm denying who I am in some way? I don't think so. I was fortunate to be raised to have an appreciation for my heritage and for my race. As a child of God, I understand that who I am on the inside is what defines my value and my worth. I wear my hair short and "my man" likes it! But for those who choose to weave it, wig it, or add a few pieces to it, I simply say, DO YOU! In my opinion, it's all GOOD HAIR!
At the end of the day, we must be comfortable with who God has made us to be. (Sounds like a previous posting doesn't it?) Enhancing what He has given you doesn't make you wrong or bad. There simply needs to be a healthy understanding that our hair does not make us who we are. So we shouldn't hate the hair that we have, but at the same time, we shouldn't feel like a sellout just because we decided to add mousse or a flat iron to our shopping cart. Celebrate you, whether long tresses or short. God loves you either way!
I NEED A WORD - DEVOTIONAL
Jeremiah 31:3 - "…I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness."
You know you have the true love of someone when they can see you with your hair all over your head and still love you. God sees us with our hair "undid", or while hiding it under a cap or scarf, and He STILL loves us. What a loving Father. We don't have to fix up, dress up, or make up. He loves us (even in our natural state) with an everlasting love!
Growing up I went through the torture of getting up early on picture day having to get my hair "hot combed"....& then as I got older getting relaxers. My hair was so THICK & LONG it was unreal. I have tried it short, long, braids, color, and to me with every style & every change I've realized that at the end of the day the person I am on the inside doesn't change. I used to think that if I were white then I'd have better hair but I came to grips with reality! LoL! So I've learned to just be happy with myself & not determine my worth by my hair. Your hair is your glory so I believe whatever works best for you, then go with it!! God made us all unique & different!
ReplyDeleteOh how I remember those "hot combs" at the stove! Thank God for "hair deliverance"! LOL! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have always had naturally curly hair and I was so ashamed of it at one point because of all of the curls that came from it. At about 15, I got my first relaxer to keep my hair straight. I did not like getting a relaxer but I knew that would keep the curls away. I was at the point where I was tired of getting the relaxer to fit in instead of enjoying my hair and what I had. So about 6 months ago, I decided to go natural once again. I do have to use a straightner until all of the relaxer grows but I will be going both natural and straight from time to time and I do not have anything to be ashamed of it. Now that I am happy with me and how God created me I am able to do this and not feel guilty about it at all. I just encourage others to do what makes you feel good about yourself not what others think that you should do, because in the end who are you trying to glorify...everyone else? or God? So just do what makes you happy!!
ReplyDeleteJessica, so true! We need to glorify God in all that we do! Blessings........
ReplyDeleteFirst Lady,
ReplyDeleteThis is good. I dealt with this not to long ago with my 4 year old now six. Most of her classmates in her class were caucasian. I will never forget she came home and said I want my hair like Mrs. Horst (her preschool teacher who was caucasian). She was really upset and I had to explain to her that God made her and she is beautiful just the way she is. Sometimes with my family they stress so much about my girls and my little cousins having their hair done. I am all for my girls getting their hair done, but it is more important to Willis and I that they are good respectful girls and also know that God loves them just the way they are. I've seen so often young women that had their hair done, but were empty and hurting on the inside. I was one of those young women. So, remember that God loves us just the way we are and be the best you that you can be.
Love Ya
Faith