It seems like everywhere I turn black women and natural looks is up for discussion. It even has become something of a hot topic between men and women, with men even opting for the natural . So what happened to the days of packaged hair and creamy crack? One can only imagine.It seemed like overnight, the same women who felt obligated to change their whole image to meet a standard of beauty, are now made to feel like fools and fakes. Women committed to their perms and makeups are now on the defense, while natural women relish in their gorgeous kinks and locks.
The entire concept brings many questions to mind. What exactly what has created the trend? Is it even a trend? Why are women choosing to go natural? Is it a personal choice or is it to be accepted by fellow black woman? If the latter is the case, in my opinion natural is simply the new relaxer. For that matter, what is natural? Is it simply lacking chemical, or all heat and processing all together?
The topic has even made it all the way to CNN, which is amazing when considering how subjects similar to this, are typically avoided due to lack of knowledge, and lack of pursuit of that same knowledge.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/07/25/touching.natural.black.hair/index.html
An interesting point made in the video, is that many black women are intimidated by the natural look, out of fear of being judged, viewed as unattractive, and trapped underneath the glass ceiling. All of these are likely true, and it is unfortunate that such a beautiful, distinct characteristic would be considered unacceptable and intolerable in society. That being said, I still can't help but feel as though the tables have turned and that instead of being pressured to be straight, we are now pressured to be kinky. :)
Many women are like the woman in the video, gorgeous and confident in their natural look, and because that look works so amazingly for them, they seem to believe the same holds true for all black women. I disagree. I feel as though each woman has her unique look, and it is up to her to decide what makes her feel the most confident! I personally decided to stop using perms because they were too harsh for my hair, and I wasn't realizing all the damage I had done for over a decade! I know others who faithfully stand by their relaxer, and look beautiful doing so! This is there personal choice, and they haven't let new trends influence them, which I can respect more than using the natural look as a "fad".
The point of this rant? For almost our entire history in this country, society has subliminally turned black women against each other, by trying to convince us that one woman is better than the other based on looks. Conventionally, that look has been light skin, long straight hair, and occassionally "pretty" eyes. This has worked against the appreciation of diversity, and individual confidence that is needed by all of our women! Without us realizing it, we are reversing the ideal look, but perpetuating the same thoughts! Embrace who you are. Natural is beautiful! Relaxed is fabulous! Do your own thing, to each her own beauty.
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