It's February. Black History Month. So it's only seems fitting that we discuss the "Natural Hair Movement". Well, first I provide a disclaimer. I don't ascribe to the "Natural Hair Movement". Nor do I believe in the "Natural Hair Community" and here's why...
Natural hair can be empowering. To wear the hair you were born with after years of altering its texture changes how you see yourself -- both literally and figuratively. But for some,they take it too far. They deem themselves better than those who don't relax. Come up with rules on what it means to truly be "natural". They judge. They assume. They create division. They hurt.. far more than they help.
Let that marinate.
Now digest.
Natural hair does not make you progressive. Relaxed hair does not make you complacent. They are not mutally exclusive. The "movement" and "community" should be about the sharing of information and healthy discussion. But it's not. And it's sad.
Moving forward, I hope to see a change in the "natural hair community". One that does not judge or have pre-conceived notions about others based upon how they wear their hair. One whose bickering does not turn away the very people they want to help.
What are your thoughts? Let's discuss.
