Who knew that it was possible for this much brilliance, wisdom and insight to be together in one space?! Take a listen as two powerhouse sisters discuss black womanhood and feminism in public dialog. “Black Female Voices: bell hooks and Melissa Harris-Perry” Listen deeply and carefully.
Photo Credits: The New School
PS: If you are following this blog, please follow me on the new/relocated site. THE INTERSEXION
There’s been a whole lot of talk about hair over the last week or so – more specifically African American hair. First there was the Sheryl Underwood statement that shocked and offended quite a few folks. Then we got somewhat past/through that, only to finish the week out with a local school reported to have sent 7 year old Tiana Parker home, not for bad behavior, not for any type of contagious or communicable disease, nor for a school emergency, but because of the way her hair was styled. I always seem to have a hope when I read these types of stories that it just couldn’t be true. Approximately 3 months ago, an Ohio school decided to ban Afro Puffs and braids/twists, and they have since apologized and an apology was in order along with the removal of the ban. And now it happens again with young Tiana Parker.
I was pretty pissed off about the entire situation, hurt that a child was hurt in this way; and then I stumbled upon the most beautiful response to date, designed by Dr. Yaba Blay with contributions from a host of African American women with Locs and encouraging messages for Tiana Parker. Here it is.
There are many responses that are needed. Does pressure need to be put on the Debra Brown Community School administration? Absolutely. Should there be an outcry of injustice, discrimination and misuse of the establishing of policies? Most definitely!
Some would argue that the school was within their right because after all they did state in their policy that: “Hairstyles such as Dreadlocks, Afros or Mohawks and other faddish styles are unacceptable.” To say that Tiana’s dad, Mr. Parker should have known better and just submit himself and his daughter to the rules, is to miss a more serious offense – that this should never have been a policy in the first place, in that it is an objection to the type and texture of African American hair – hair that grows differently than straight hair, is curly and tightly coiled without any chemical alterations, and therefore by default must be styled differently.
The style of an Afro and/or Dreadlocks are not “faddish” by any stretch of anyone’s historical awareness or imagination. What is the deal with African American hair and the interest and fascination? Why is it that I, even as an adult, whether in institutions of higher learning or interacting with some straight haired folks in other settings, can run into folks who feel the need to “touch” my hair and be somewhat offended and put off by my response of no?
Historically speaking, many Black folks began a process of straightening our hair in order to fit in and be accepted by a dominant, and racist society. Today, several African Americans still straighten their hair – chemically, flat ironed, etc – for most that I know who still straighten their tresses, it is not at all about acceptance, it is just what is normative for how we were raised or because of personal preference for a straight look. I don’t knock them, I used to have my hair chemically relaxed too. As a teenager I waited in anticipation for getting old enough for my parents to allow me to “relax” my hair. So, I get it. We could talk about these types of surface aspects forever, but unless the underlying issues are addressed, such as why all this even matters in the first place and why policing hair styles/textures is wrong. As I see it the following are a few reasons actions such as those of DBCS and others matters.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
HOW THIS IS WRONG:
Perhaps it is embedded in our psyche so deeply and for so long that it is almost impossible for some to unlearn it or even realize that something is wrong and of need of being unlearned. Who knows??? But, Tiana and others like her have a plethora of people in their corner, encouraging and holding them up.
Photo Credit: Black Girls/Long Hair
Afro-puffs and small twisted braids, with our without rubberbands, are NOT permitted.
You can read more about the story HERE and also read a copy of the letter that was distributed.
I am baffled that a school would go this far in the name of a dress code. Do they not understand African American hair texture and care? Do they want to understand? Do they understand and just simply want to exercise their power to dominate people of color. Do they not know that Black folks’ hair grows up and out, rather than down – it’s natural, not extreme or unkempt. Our hair grows out of our head a certain way, and the care of our hair is different from those with straight hair, and it is beautiful – period! For years we have straightened our tresses, using chemical relaxers, weaves and the like, in order to be more accepted and more “presentable.” Some still do straighten their hair and I am not knocking that. But for those of us who choose to rock our natural texture – distinct though it is, how dare any organization or institution object!
This battle has ensued for quite some time now for adult African American men and women in the workplace, and for children to now be subjected to this is outrageous – way to shape and mold their self image and view of self!! This is insulting and should not be tolerated.
This must stop and parents should fight it with all that they have. Racism is NEVER acceptable!
AP Photo/Chris Heller
Quvenzhané Wallis, once you hear her name pronounced it is nearly unforgettable due to its uniqueness, as well as this nine year old actress’ utter self confidence in providing correction and enlightenment for those who get it incorrect. Quvenzhané, the youngest Oscar nominee for her role in Beasts of the Southern Wild, unfortunately received a great deal of disrespect last evening during and after the Oscars by grown folks, adults who should have had better sense.
Though I could take some time to write about this, I will instead link to a few women whom say what needs to be said much better than I could at this moment. Here they are.
The reality is that this is not about Quvenzhané alone. No, this is about larger systems that allow for such disrespect, verbal assault and disregard for women in general, especially Black women; and in this case it was slung in the direction of a minor who is on her way to even more greatness – greatness which many of our Black ancestors never imagined possible. The disrespect in the name of humor, satire or whatever went way too far. Don’t forget to check out the links above.
Photo Credit: Obama Campaign
I hesitate posting the commentary below because I don’t desire to insult intelligence – people of color vote intelligently and make informed decisions regarding voting for presidential candidates. However, some of what the writer of the message below is valid and worth thinking about.
A white man asked his black friend,
‘Are you voting for Barack Obama just because he’s black?’
The black man responded by saying,
‘Why not? In this country men are pulled over everyday just cause they’re black; passed over for promotions just cause they’re black; considered to be criminals just cause they’re black; and there are going to be thousands of you who won’t be voting for him just because he’s black! However, you do not seem to have a problem with that! This country was built with the sweat and whip off the black slaves’ back, and now a descendant of those same slaves has a chance to lead the same country, where we weren’t even considered to be people, where we weren’t allowed to be educated, drink from the same water fountains, eat in the same restaurants, or even vote. So yes! I’m going to vote for him! But it’s not just because he’s black, but because he is hope, he is change, and he now allows me to understand when my grandson says that he wants to be president when he grows up, it is not a fairy tale but a short term goal. He now sees,understands and knows that he can achieve, withstand and do Anything [even as one who] is black!’ – Author Unknown
Intersexion 