When defining good hair, most African Americans lean towards the Eurocentric definition of beauty. By that, I am referring to the reality that hair textures that are long, straight, and fine are more often preferred to those that are kinky and nappy. Unfortunately, we as African-Americans, have been conditioned to believe that anything even remotely associated with Africa is hideous, savage, and pagan. This is especially evident in our constant display of Eurocentric overtones. But today I would like to challenge you to re-evaluate that perception of beauty and to say it loud, I'm Black and I'm proud!
I began wearing a natural after I attended the Million Woman March in November of 1997. It was that event that rekindled the flames that had been burning in my mental since creation. I knew I wanted to go natural after studying and finally hearing the calls of my ancestors who reminded me that I am who I am and that is the only person who I can be. I am an African. And getting a perm every six weeks to make my hair straight, or colored contacts, or anything foreign to my natural being is not going to change that. However, on the same token, as a sister who only recently started sporting a natural, I believe I can offer an objective viewpoint from both sides of the spectrum. I've always considered myself beautiful in both my Afrocentric and Eurocentric states. But before I gained a true understanding of myself, I wasn't as beautiful, in my opinion, until I had a fresh perm, form fitting gear on, etc., etc. That is when brothers would approach me the most. And we all know that you are not beautiful until a grip of brothers tell you that you are right? Wrong! You are only truly beautiful when you can recognize your own beauty without having to have it reiterated by others. Matter of factly, one of the reasons why I was so hesitant about going natural initially is because I was afraid that brothers wouldn't approach me. And what's even more disturbing about that suggestion is that I was correct in my thinking. I mean, not to be braggadocios or anything, but before I went natural, I had to beat brothers off with a stick. Now, you would think that I beat myself with an ugly stick! I mean, I can't pay a brother to approach! And yet, unfortunately, that reasoning for not going natural doesn't hold a candle to the reason that is by far the most common one I've heard: "I DON'T HAVE THAT GOOD HAIR". So often, I am approached by sisters who say to me, "Girl I love your hair. I wish I could do mine like that, but I don't have that good hair". That saddens me, and it irritates me, because the wonderful reality behind that misconception is that kinky hair is good hair. And it is really a shame that you are ashamed of yourself (whether you admit it or not) when you are the most beautiful in your natural state. And if you just happen to be one of those sisters who would need to have your natural beauty verified by someone else, then I just did. Your kinky naps are your crown of glory. Never minimize the importance of that with negative connotations.
In conclusion, I would like to leave this thought with you. It has been scientifically proven that the first human being on the face of this earth was an African to whom scientists affectionately refer to as "Lucy". Now, if the Creator created us in His/Her own image, and the first image created was an African, do you dishonor your Creator when you transform your appearance (e.g. perms, European weaves, etc...) from Afrocentric to Eurocentric? The spirals in your hair should readily be associated with the spiritual aspects of your being. For you see my brothers and sisters, you, in all of your natural, African splendor, are a divine manifestation of the Creator. So express your divinity openly and proudly, from your kinky naps to your skin of black.
Lets get black people!
Peace
By: Auset
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