I’ve worn my hair straightened in some form or fashion since before I can remember. When I was ten, I got my first relaxer. Before that, my parents straightened my hair with an old fashioned pressing comb. As an adult, I’ve pretty much worn it blow-dried and flat-ironed to within an inch of its life.
Before Covid, I couldn’t tell you the last time I did my own hair. I’d become so reliant on hair stylists that I didn’t even know the real texture of my hair. I literally just never had to deal with it.
Oh, how things have changed.
After outside was cancelled, I went as long as I could without touching my hair hoping that the pandemic would abate and I could go back to my regular hair appointments. One week turned into two then three, then four. How long could I hold out? When I finally grabbed a bunch of random shampoo and conditioner and went for it, it was a tangled disaster. So much so that I had to cut out large chunks with scissors. Seriously. It was bad.
Since then (many tears and countless YouTube #naturalhair videos later), I’ve put away the scissors and have learned to be gentle with my tresses and myself.
But here’s the more interesting part - all this coincided with the #BLM resurgence. The combination of being stuck at home coupled with the increasing footage of black lives being snuffed out forced me to confront the ugliness of racism in less subtle, even more personal ways.
Of course I’ve faced racism. I’m a black woman. It would be impossible for me not to. However, it’s rarely blatant. Before the quarantine, I spent a great deal of my life in corporate environments where racism is pervasive but stealth. It reveals itself in things like being ignored in corporate conference rooms because people assumed I couldn’t be the one in charge. Or assuming that my role was in HR rather than marketing. Or odd compliments like “you’re so articulate, you write so well...” as if somehow I shouldn’t. Corporate environments aside, in regular life basic things like luxury shopping take on a whole different vibe - where sales people either ignore you or surreptitiously track your every move. Honestly, I’m not sure which is worse.
But what's this got to do with my hair? A lot.
Everyone handles racism differently. For me, I learned to present myself as polished as possible and amongst other things, polished, in my book, meant straight hair.
It made me feel more professional. It made me feel a little less “other”. And if I’m completely honest, it made me feel more attractive. Even with no makeup, if my hair was straight, I’m embarrassed to say, I felt presentable - even pretty.
Malcom X asked, “who taught you to hate yourself?”
That’s what I’ve been asking myself lately. It’s one thing to use my hair as a form of self expression. I can wear it how ever I want. It’s my hair. But it’s another to wear it a certain way because it makes me feel like I fit in or because it’s more “acceptable” or because I think my natural hair is unattractive.
The combination of Covid and #BlackLivesMatter forced a kind of epiphany for me. What is wrong with the natural texture of my hair? Why was it so important that it be straight?
I grew up in a time where black parents pressed their little girls hair, parted it down the middle and put it in ponytails with bows and barrettes.
Today, black girls rock box braids one day, Diana Ross glam-fros the next, bone straight hair the next. They go with the flow. They go with their mood. I admire their sense of self and freedom of expression.
It wasn’t like that when I was growing up. Sadly (but understandably), my generation was taught to be a lot more conformist.
It breaks my heart when I see the proliferation of mini “self love” books for little black girls with titles like “Love Your Hair,” “I’m a Pretty Princess,” “Love Thy Fro,” “Happy to be Nappy,” “I Love My Hair!” “My Hair,” “Hair Like Mine,” “Hair Love”. Something is really wrong with this picture. It implies something is bad about our hair that makes it difficult to love. Then again, if those books had been around when I was coming up, maybe I wouldn’t have this odd relationship with my own hair.
Who knows? But it’s telling that there are no books gently instructing children to love their blue eyes. Who has to tell Emily to love her blond hair?
Today I’m wearing my hair is in it’s natural state in all its kinky, curly, coiling glory. I’d say I was rocking’ it but to be honest, I’m not quite there yet. As they say in the natural hair community, it’s a journey.
This is where I am. I’m learning to embrace the beauty of my natural hair and what it says about me and who I am as a black woman.
As I get used to styling it and seeing my new reflection in the mirror, I’m learning to love myself more. It’s awkward and challenging but long, long overdue.
I’ll share more on my IG (@savvyclickchick) as I move forward. In the meantime, if you have natural hair tips or just want to commiserate or share your own story, please do share. It’s a challenging time but as we reflect and heal ourselves so too may our we begin to heal our world.
Your comment was posted successfully! Thank you!
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Essay about hippocratic oath .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Classroom resume writing
Admission essay writers website usa
Custom dissertation introduction ghostwriters site for school
Quotation for thesis
How to write a biography essay
Movie reviews online
Accounting thesis topics
college university essay topic bibpb[/url] on ancient ghana cxqod 2021[/url] how to write a feature article rdjzw[/url] of outline for essay jkiyn 2021[/url] 6361915Sample cover letter for child social worker
Professional literature review ghostwriting for hire for college
Dissertation results writing service ca
Samples of application essays for college
Scholarship essay advice
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
about hippocratic oath [/b] pro[/url]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=https://m.facebook.com/StudyBay-studybaycom-107621224747270/]studybay[/url]
Top cv editor sites us
spectacular essay contest – Technology and society essay dqwcj 2021[/url] to do cheap personal essay on shakespeare – Resume older worker ldjhy 2021[/url] school essay ghostwriter service dlpgn[/url] to get health assignment jcmwq 2021[/url] thesis writers site for college qpigv[/url]Specialties list for resume
Executive sous chef sample resume
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
about hippocratic oath [/b] essay on eid festival urcco[/url] resume proofreading sites for university nfzur 2021[/url] the transcendentalist essay jgynm[/url] order of experience ldtbm[/url] pro[/url]BoomEssays.com Review
https://golf-wiki.win/index.php/What_NOT_to_Do_in_the_essaytyper_dotcom_Industry
https://devpost.com/calhounanker254
http://3zfe6.7ba.info/out.php?url=https://essaysbots.com
Cover letter templates for administrative assistants
Presentation writers for hire online
Write a philosophy of teaching
[url=http://ru-zaem.ru/]заем ру[/url]
[url=https://zaimoff.kz]онлайн займы кз[/url]
http://www.grandslamfantasytennis.com/news.php?newsaddress=https://essayshark.review
https://alexander6d40vqn3.ltfblog.com/profile
Do my history book review
Real estate summary resume
Thesis theme customization book fourblogger
https://balisurfexpress.com/background-slider/tommy-schultz_com-172/#comment-20812
http://firepower.teamforum.ru/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=201469&p=276113#p276113
https://takeaction.blog.ss-blog.jp/2021-04-28-1?comment_fail=1#commentblock&time=1620994579
Essay about hippocratic oath
telecommunications jobs[/url] major cover letter examples pjzgr[/url] essays jvjpr 2021[/url] admission essay proofreading website usa ojmng 2021[/url] about hippocratic oath [/b] for apa research paper example – Federal resume assistance in va beach wxnmy 2021[/url] pages should book report have pbfru[/url] critical thinking proofreading websites ca ohgkk[/url] contrast essay format ppt[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/277928-the-vanguard-a-photographic-essay-on-the-black-panthers.html#311503
https://club.mmkc.su/news/malomu-biznesu-dadut-esche-pozhit-r366/?page=217#comment-6093
https://www.ohananatura.com/blogs/olaona-blog/covid-19-a-desinfectarse?comment=120352374818#comments
Professional dissertation introduction ghostwriter sites for masters
about hippocratic oath [/b] cover letter for career changer vipfg 2021[/url] consultant resume vwewj[/url] written essays sports xgzrx[/url] applied business coursework unit 1 oblxr[/url] sample resume owjvs 2021[/url] addiction argumentative essay owdbn[/url]Us to uk resume
Evergreen aviation museum water park essay contest
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Social psychology thesis .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Hot to write a reg file
Dissertation results ghostwriters site gb
The absolutely true diary of a part-time indian essay ideas
Business plan writer sites au
Custom blog writer sites for university
Top paper editing site for masters
How to write an argumentative essay university
me an example of a business plan – Top school dissertation proposal help elrpx 2021[/url] written essays in english rqcap[/url] depression[/url] on mirror by sylvia plath bqdpc[/url] 619159bEducational and career goals essay engineering
Does planning interfere with creativity essay
Best creative writing writing websites for school
Style for research papers
Best writing sites for mba
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
psychology thesis [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.blogzag.com]studybay[/url]
]
my english as second language admission paper[/url] resume example exufd[/url] h d thesis in plant biotechnology wyivf 2021[/url] to write mass balance equations[/url] university college essay ihxjh[/url]Help with law blog post
Ways to write a birthing plan
Romeo and juliet essay intro
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
psychology thesis [/b] school language arts teacher resume ftexi[/url] of definition essay in justice[/url] free resume – Essay industrial safety ijjzx 2021[/url] about tigre[/url] pro[/url]EssayMonster.net Review
https://www.instapaper.com/p/yellowdibble3
https://smart-me.ru/members/studybay/activity/153145/
http://blog.pucp.edu.pe/blog/renzogm/2009/06/06/por-que-spider-man-no-puede-ser-real/#li-comment-148774
How to write a personal statement for college applications
buy online[/url] ru[/url]Romeo and juliet fate vs choice essay
Literature review on effectiveness of the use of social media
http://trackbookmark.com/story7502622/edubirdie-edubirdie-com
https://forum.paxcoin.co.kr/index.php?action=profile;u=123766
Business advantage writing services
Free essay on west africa
Compare and contrast essay 123
http://www.riotcommunityboards.net/showthread.php?tid=59280
https://thebohemiaway.com/blogs/bohemia-blog/i-m-good-health?comment=125289300039#comments
https://qppnphif.blog.ss-blog.jp/2019-10-01?comment_success=2021-05-20T22:12:00&time=1621516320
Social psychology thesis
to do rhetorical analysis essay online becst[/url] annotated bibliography editing websites for university[/url] custom essay writer websites for masters wuamh[/url] writing twitter bio wpykh[/url] psychology thesis [/b] to write a program script vzuhs[/url] essays writing services gb inkxi[/url] novel dissertation[/url] popular personal essay on pokemon go jyase[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/472801-functional-resume-template-free-download/
https://www.aiyima.com/blogs/news/our-brand-history-hope-you-participate-with-us?comment=124027404363#comments
http://www.bartarforum.ir/member.php?7115-studybayws&s=ab57aac05fecfac1bec94d3ecc305891&tab=activitystream
Use footnotes research paper chicago style
psychology thesis [/b] to write a chart resume esckj 2021[/url] school essay writing website online jtjac[/url] dissertation conclusion ghostwriter services for phd – Chemistry daily life essay cinji 2021[/url] for pro life on abortion ohqfj[/url] business[/url] discussion section tqbzs[/url]Prepress manager resume
Online help for homework
У нас вы можете купить стекло: лобовое, боковое, заднее для отечественных и иностранных автомобилей. В наличии всегда до пятнадцати тысяч наименований, ассортимент которых мы постоянно расширяем.
Высококвалифицированные менеджеры проведут бесплатную консультацию по всем интересующим клиента вопросам и помогут купить автостекло, оптимально подходящее для вашего автомобиля. Индивидуальный подход к каждому клиенту обеспечит максимально быстрое время обработки вашего заказа.
https://autosteklo77.com/glavnaya/vendor/agc-yaponiya Компания «Автостекло77» предлагает своим клиентам широкий спектр услуг по продаже, ремонту, замене и обслуживанию автомобильных стекол. Все сопутствующие работы проводятся исключительно высококвалифицированными сотрудниками, имеющими значительный профессиональный опыт, на современном технологичном оборудовании.
Смотрите самое рейтинговое бесплатное порно секс анал молодые 18 видео с делением https://piskodrav.vip/categories/%D0%A2%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%83%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%B8/ для категории:русское порно, неожиданный минет 18 летние девушки, зрелые женщины, домашнее порно
В процессе эксплуатации автомобиля происходит износ ветрового стекла. На него воздействует окружающая среда: грязь, песок, пыль. Со временем стекло становиться менее прозрачным, что ухудшает видимость. В темное время суток или в дождь через стекло плохо видно. Это может привести к дтп. Многие автомобилисты не обращают внимания на это. Мы советуем поменять стекло. Установка нового лобового стекла сохранит вам автомобиль и избавит вас от многих неприятностей.
лобовое стекло фиат дукато Попадание камня или шипа в лобовое стекло от колеса впереди идущего автомобиля, всегда не приятный момент. В результате скол на лобовом стекле. Он может перерасти в трещину. Трещина или скол на лобовом стекле не всегда требуют его замены. Мы предлагаем ремонт сколов и трещин на лобовом стекле вашего автомобиля с использованием современного оборудования и материалов. Даем гарантию на все виды работ. Ремонт автостекол это наша работа!
Автоинструктор в Измайлово, Гольяново, Соколиная гора, Семеновский.
Автоинструктор метро Измайловская, Первомайская, Щелковская, Партизанская.
Автоинструктор МКПП в Москве. Инструктор по вождению в Измайлово.
Недорогие курсы вождения с автоинструктором в ВАО. Частный инструктор по вождению в Москве.
https://autoinstruktor.1c-umi.ru В стоимость включены: 25 практических занятий( метро Партизанская или Водный Стадион) + курс теории (очно- у метро Водный Стадион; или заочно – вам вышлют промокод и вы получите доступ к видео урокам). Поскольку я преподаю теорию, то все вопросы связанные с ней, мы сможем разобрать в процессе практических занятий. И это, как показывает практика, самый лучший способ изучения теории.
Обучение в автошколе занимает в среднем 3 месяца.
По окончании автошколы вы получаете документы необходимые для сдачи экзамена в ГИБДД. С этими документами вы можете сдавать экзамены в любом подразделении ГИБДД на всей территории РФ.