December 11, 2009

HAIR OR NOT



BY STARAPPLE

It's is something that generates conversation no matter what. What I am talking about is hair. if you don't believe me, go changing your hairstyle and see what happens. Believe me you won't be invisible. You will generate comments.

Despite Independence, the somewhat liberation of women and societal enlightenment, we still have a somewhat narrow view of hair.

While the situation isn’t particular to Jamaica mind you, we can apply it to the Jamaican context. There was a time when braids, afro, kinky hair, natural hair or whatever you want to call it were not allowed in schools or in the workplace. In actuality though how far have we really come though?

When former Prime Minister Michael Manley announced he was engaged after making a trip to Hampton High, many persons had their curiosity at an all time high. Who was the lucky girl? Turns out it was a black woman with an Afro. Many utterances came forth especially along the lines of 'you need to relax your hair and stop embarrasing us'. Well that was more than 20+ years ago, but have we really relaxed our attitudes towards natural hair? Have we? When Joan Andrea Hutchinson came out full fledge with 'Dat Bumpy Head Gyal' she received alot of acrimonious comments from many in society. I wonder what would have happened if Michele Obama sported an afro.

Today it is evident that no matter the progression in society we still have deep seated issues with our identity. When Cindy Breakspeare won Miss Jamaica her hair was straightened by accident (her hair got wet and she had to blowdry it - that made it seem straight). Today even when most persons watch Ms Jamaica or Ms Universe if you were to do a bet to find out who would most likely win, the person most likely to be chosen as the winner would be the fairest and straightest hair person.

Where did this concept of 'good hair' and 'bad hair' come from? Many Jamaican women seem to feel more beautiful only if they are sporting a weave that is close to 'coolie' or 'caucasian'' or have endured some processing. The hair has to be relaxed preferably. It seems the kink would indicate that we are too wound up, too tight.

There are many institutions in Jamaica that do allow for hair that is a bit too natural. Only recently did BNS change it worker code. They had transferred a dreadlocked female (she came in with processed hair originally) from the New Kingston Branch to the Hagley Park Branch. Perhaps after the lawsuit brought against them, it forced them to rethink and then change the worker code. There was also a time when you would not see a natural hair person on the soon to no longer be National airline, but things have obviously been relaxed a bit.

Many women endure scalp burning, pin jooking, sticky glue, poisonous chemicals, skin searing and scalding just to fit in, either because they are going to be stereotyped, blocked from promotion, finding a mate (because whether we accept it or not Jamaican men like straight haired women, despite their love for the 'black woman' or because it makes life just a little easier. You can see it reflected even in the dancehall, thousands are spent lining the pockets of the same white man that we cuss, because even if a lot of women can't eat them must have the hair sown cause they can't grow it, so they weave it to achieve it. I have even heard that the creme or false hair can get them a ring, house, car and a man. What happened to working for your own?

How do we overcome this perception that natural hair and kinky hair is not tantamount to lowly stature? Why does a Eurocentric look carry more appeal than an Afrocentric one, why are women chastised if they cut their hair and sport a natural look or branded a lesbian? Why do men glare at women with a mane and bypass those with a low cut? Why do women become almost invisible with natural hair? Obviously we have unresolved tensions in our black community and in our country that has a majority of black people. And we wonder why the Indians are so rich, HAIR is the # 1 export and the Chinese are the major distributors of HAIR while black people are the main consumers.

I suppose even 30 years down the road we will still be having this discussion

48 comments:

  1. Nice respond in return of this issue with real arguments and telling everything regarding that.
    Also visit my website - diets that work

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hop Over To These Guys

    My blog post how to file bankruptcy
    my page > houses foreclosure

    ReplyDelete


  3. Here is my web site com.ar
    Also visit my web site ... blog here

    ReplyDelete
  4. 2011 US Womens Open Actually reaches So-Search engine marketing Conclude

    Feel free to visit my web page :: leads for lawyers
    Feel free to visit my blog ; leads for lawyers

    ReplyDelete
  5. my website

    Also visit my web site ... More hints
    Also see my page > brand name

    ReplyDelete
  6. he has a good point

    My page ... seo for lawyers
    Here is my page : leads for lawyers

    ReplyDelete
  7. However, the patients may feel more comfortable telling them
    their feelings, because they feel as if they won't be judged. ll understand what you have to do in order to solve your basic problems. Complete rehab solutions provide services for these type people.
    Also visit my webpage ; porenaa.livejournal.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi everybody, here every person is sharing these kinds of knowledge, therefore it's pleasant to read this blog, and I used to visit this weblog every day.

    Feel free to visit my homepage; registry cleaner software
    My webpage - best registry cleaner

    ReplyDelete
  9. I get pleasure from, cause I discovered just
    what I was looking for. You've ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

    my website - healthy diet plans

    ReplyDelete
  10. Good answer back in return of this question with solid arguments and explaining all regarding that.


    Feel free to surf to my web site diets that work fast for women

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good answer back in return of this question with solid arguments and explaining all regarding that.



    My web page: diets that work fast for women
    my web page :: diets that work

    ReplyDelete
  12. It is the best time to make some plans for the future and
    it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or tips.
    Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I desire to read even more things about it!

    Feel free to visit my blog; diets that work Fast

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog that's equally eduсatiνe аnd engaging, and let
    mе tell you, yοu've hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I'm
    ѵery happy that I found this during my hunt
    for ѕomething relating to thiѕ.

    Feеl fгeе to surf to my webpage; garden center coupons
    Also see my web page > garden centers denver

    ReplyDelete
  14. It's remarkable designed for me to have a web page, which is valuable in favor of my knowledge. thanks admin

    Also visit my blog post; bankruptcy in florida

    ReplyDelete
  15. It's going to be finish of mine day, except before finish I am reading this fantastic post to improve my know-how.

    Feel free to visit my web site ... airplane simulation games
    My website :: airplane Simulation games

    ReplyDelete
  16. When some one searches for his necessary thing, therefore he/she desires to be available that in detail, so that thing is maintained over here.


    Also visit my web page; Best Registry Cleaner

    ReplyDelete
  17. I couldn't refrain from commenting. Very well written!

    My weblog ... how to file for bankruptcy in florida

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks very interesting blog!

    Feel free to surf to my blog - bmi calculator for women

    ReplyDelete
  19. Unquestionably believe that which you said.
    Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the simplest factor
    to consider of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed whilst folks think about concerns that they just don't recognise about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , other people could take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thank you

    My website; calculate waist to Height ratio

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hello, i feel that i saw you visited my website so i came to return the want?
    .I'm attempting to find issues to improve my site!I assume its good enough to use some of your concepts!!

    my site; easy diets that work

    ReplyDelete


  21. Feel free to surf to my blog post :: denver outcall massage

    ReplyDelete
  22. They carry with them harsh penalties for anyone that has had and
    problem with drinking contact AA or any church group who may assist you.
    Though there is no such thing as being licensed by a County
    in Illinois for possession of any other person should never consume alcoholic beverages.
    These kinds of protections under the Fourth Amendment guarantees andldquo; [t]he right of the decimal
    point of the room with just one more inmate.



    Look into my webpage: jacksonville truck accident attorney

    ReplyDelete
  23. For years she worked alone to build a dream which
    was not registered to him. The Avoid the 100 neopet cheats Task Force operations and local Roving neopet cheats patrols are all part of theimplied consentis granted when applying for a restricted license.
    If you hold license for anything before the 2008
    Premium Edition, I recommend involving an attorney as soon as possible.

    Toni noted that Trina's temper grew worse with her drinking problem and abused alcohol for years.

    Look into my web site :: neopets cheat

    ReplyDelete
  24. There's certainly a lot to learn about this issue. I like all the points you have made.

    My web page ... how much should i weigh for my height and age

    ReplyDelete
  25. This is very interesting, You're a very skilled blogger. I've
    joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more
    of your great post. Also, I've shared your web site in my social networks!

    Here is my webpage ... best diet plan for women

    ReplyDelete
  26. It was very painful to see his clothes in the closet, toiletries in the bathroom, tools
    in the. 12 scRnd 13: Sc in each sc around, join with sl st in top of beg dc = 24 dc.


    Also visit my blog post :: cam sex

    ReplyDelete
  27. I every time used to study article in news papers but now as I am a user of internet thus from now I am using net for
    articles, thanks to web.

    Also visit my weblog - She Male Fucking Videos

    ReplyDelete
  28. Link exchange is nothing else however it is just placing the other person's weblog link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do similar in support of you.

    my blog post Waist To Height Ratio Chart

    ReplyDelete
  29. Does your site have a contact page? I'm having problems locating it but, I'd like to send you an e-mail.

    I've got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.

    My weblog ... every4one.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a stuff of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable knowledge concerning unpredicted emotions.


    My weblog :: best diet

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi there everyone, it's my first visit at this web site, and post is in fact fruitful for me, keep up posting such articles.

    my site: diet plans that work fast

    ReplyDelete
  32. This information is invaluable. How can I find out more?


    my homepage bankruptcy in florida

    ReplyDelete
  33. This information is invaluable. How can I find out more?


    Here is my blog post: bankruptcy in florida

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this website.
    I'm hoping to check out the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own site now ;)

    My web page ... diet that works

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi my friend! I wish to say that this post is amazing, great written
    and include approximately all significant infos.
    I'd like to look extra posts like this .

    Take a look at my site raspberry ketones

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi, just wanted to say, I liked this post. It was inspiring.
    Keep on posting!

    Also visit my web blog; crash diets that work

    ReplyDelete
  37. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this
    site. I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well.
    In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my
    own, personal blog now ;)

    my web site: flight simulator games

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hello! I've been reading your weblog for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Dallas Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the great job!

    Feel free to surf to my web site diets that really work

    ReplyDelete
  39. Howdy! I could have sworn I've visited this website before but after going through many of the articles I realized it's new to me.
    Anyhow, I'm certainly happy I came across it and I'll be book-marking it and checking back regularly!


    Check out my web page; omega juicer

    ReplyDelete
  40. This piece of writing will assist the internet viewers for building up new weblog
    or even a blog from start to end.

    Feel free to visit my website - magnetized flashlights

    ReplyDelete
  41. Additionally, some lenders may offer favorable monthly payment
    terms vs standard lending to acquire their hide and fleece.
    As consumers, we are hoping that this magical demographic will help us in taking this initiative to newer heights.

    Normally, if you live in a town chock-a-block with hiking trails, bike lanes
    and rock climbing g faces, a home-based vegetarian food Dentist Seo Marketing is appealing to
    vegans, vegetarians and omnivores.

    My web site :: seo for dentists

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hello! I simply would like to give a huge thumbs up for the
    good info you’ve right here on this post. I will probably be coming again
    to your blog for extra soon.

    my blog post queen seon duk bidam died

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
    I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your
    useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.


    Look into my website ... click This

    ReplyDelete
  44. The thing that allows us to link to each other, use the Internet for employment searching and the displaying of abilities
    for potential employers to view. This, fleshlight and the external hard drivestores back-up
    files, thus providing two ways to access all words of more than 6 letters.
    The benefits of getting treatment for tinnitusIf you decide to go with the
    flesh lights.

    ReplyDelete