by Naturally Leslie

Ladies, weigh in for me. Are we natural haired women stuck up? Like hair snobs because we have left the creamy crack behind? I actually went to see Chris Rock’s Good Hair a few months back with my mom, on a whim, and I think we were the only two women with natural hair in there. I didn’t pay much attention at first but as time went on, I noticed myself laughing at parts (and there was no one else laughing) or crinkling my nose at things that I deemed ridiculous (like spending $1000 for a weave when you don’t have lights). Then all of a sudden I got self-conscious. I began to wonder if when the lights came on, the non-natural ladies in the room would look at me with a critical eye, like I thought I was ‘above’ them for not dealing with the bull crap that can come with relaxers and weaves. I don’t know. I just got a weird feeling and wondered if I, on some level, am stuck up about hair.

What do you think? Has this ever happened to you? Do you catch yourself having critical thoughts about women who choose to straighten? Have you even been accused of it? One of the points made by some of the people in the film is that hair is just another way for women, especially Black women, to try and one-up each other. Like breast or butt size, skin tone, and weight. Like we should not ‘hate’ on other women for the choices they make about their bodies and lifestyles. It’s complex and I’m sure you have some very interesting opinions. And for any guys out there feel free to jump right in on this one too!
Naturally Leslie loves all things hair, politics, culture, society! This is just one of her many thoughts and you can catch more of her wisdom at naturallyleslie.blogspot.com.

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2 Comments
  1. Impy 15 years ago

    I won’t think im stuck up, maybe a tad critical of others. That’s only on the occasion when a permy or pressed head wants to complain about the cost, the smell, the rain or any other down side affiliated with compromising the natural texture of their hair in the quest for societies definition of beauty.

  2. Kirei Na 15 years ago

    Wonderful topic for discussion! I laughed when i saw the title. I don’t think I am stuck up…and if I am, I was before I went natural too. LOL. But I do find myself turning my nose up and rolling my eyes when non-natural women complain about having to keep their hair up and how much it costs and all. It also annoys me when it is a battle to keep up with the new weaves and hair trends. Its like some are always looking for what’s new in the weave world to be “one-up” on the next weave wearing woman. But that can be said for clothes, cars, and such too.
    I feel a sense of pride and confidence being natural though. I believe it takes a brave soul, for some, to go against the mainstream especially when it comes to looks and hair. its a lot wrapped up in the way Black women view others and perceive themselves and their hair and to be able to abandon that “social prison” takes courage. I can feel Sexy, jazzy, and attractive without the long weave or a new lace front. I think my biggest fear was being able to be seen as attractive by others without having on a wig and sporting my natural locks. But THATS another discussion…

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