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African American Hair research papers
African American Hair research papers
African American Hair research papers
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Since the abolishment of slavery black women are no long being forced to alter their hair; however the underlying principle still remains as society indirectly forces black women to alter their hair in order to “fit in” as society says having straightened hair symbolizes femininity. Once again these standards exclude black women as their “kinky” hair does not fit into societal norms of feminine. Therefore they must alter their hair, may it be chemically or thermally, in order to come close to the dominant standard of beauty (Donald,year). In essence, among black women hair alteration is done because of outside pressures and as times process they began altering their hair as a means to feeling beautiful within themselves rather then self hatred.
Braids have always been popular in black culture not only because they are fashionable but because they also have some cultural significance. There are different braiding styles to suit different tastes but the most enduring style of all is the box braid. We could go on and recount the origins of the style and trace it back to African origins like how African women wore their hair, how they braided it and how they adorned those braids with beads and shells to indicate their social status, religion and seven marital status but that as a whole different story. What we can talk about is how this hair style has endured over the years and why it has withstood the fickle nature of fashion and transcended cultures remaining relevant to this day Rise in Popularity
Europe, Africa, and the Americas each had intelligent societies developed in them. However, geography of the territories they lived in contributed to the development of these civilizations. Civilizations that lived close to each other often influenced or inspired each other. Moreover, civilizations often took from their predecessors. A key example of this is when the Aztecs destroyed and took over the Toltec Native American’s land.
I never would have gotten this far or have agreed to such a daunting task if I did not find the hair boutique material interesting. Interesting may be a bit of an understatement. A study in African-American hair weaving is like studying wine. It involves: geography, chemistry, horticulture, geology and climate. To pass this test, I needed to improve my knowledge African-American hair textures and basic to classic weaving styles.
This deepens her argument even more by clearly indicating there is nothing wrong with her hair, therefore nothing to be “fixed” because it is her identity and culture which should be
Many people are aware of the struggles that African American women has endured for some time now. African American women has faced similar struggles compared to Caucasian women; however they struggles are totally different. For example, in the past no women could vote or voice her opinion. Society depicted women to be maids and baby makers. Society also created a standard for women that basically said white women are of higher quality than black women.
Reading Response #2 People assimilate their hair to European standards to give them the ability to survive harsh conditions from White people. In Hey Girl, am I More then My hair?: African American Women and their Struggles with Beauty, Body Image and Hair, a 2006 journal article by Tracey Owens Patton she talks about the intersections of connections between hair, gender, and the construction of race. She explains many ideas of oppression and makes sure to constantly go back to her point that certain hair types have power and benefits in society. Juxtaposes beauty standards of African and Euro American, Theoretical framework of standpoint theory and Afrocentric theory, body, image, and race, of oppression with Black women, and redefining standards
African Americans may use many things to express their culture. Women often style their hair in various ways. Some of these
For centuries, Black woman have been defined by their skin color and hair texture and they have endured social and institutional pressure that as a result, have kept many women from embracing the hair textures they truly desire whether that be natural or straight. Hair has meaning. It is never just hair because it is an extension of our inner selves. It is an extension of our personal, spiritual, cultural, and inner sexual identity. Hair is what we make it, but because of how society has been constructed and more importantly because of the history of Black oppression in this country, more outside meaning has been assigned to black hair.
Hair has been a form of identity for the black community. We identify ourselves and we stand out from other cultures. This is why almost every black woman has experienced the fear of the hot comb, the burn of a perm, the tightness of braids, and the good feeling
African Americans much like myself have a deep desire to have an identity rooted in cultures. Often times We're left in a no-man's land, we don't often ever see ourselves reflected in today’s society. America loves appropriating African American culture, even though America, at time, doesn’t show much love to black people. From our dreadlocks to our dashikis White America continues to take black tradition and use it for their own personal entertainment hardly ever giving proper credit, stepping over historical background, or just feeding into stereotypes. Every year Whites receive all the proper credits for succeeding at mocking “black culture” This year was filled with white people receiving praise for hairstyles that African American men and woman have been wearing for years, and have been looked down for wearing.
Typical Women in African American Culture African-American culture in the United States and especially the South contains different cultures and customs of African groups. It is somehow a part of the American culture, still so obviously different from theirs. The woman is a source and sustainer of virtue and also a prime source of evil. She can be either because she is, a man is not, always a little beyond good and evil.
The straightness of relaxed hair allows it to hold more moisture. Relaxed hair is also easier to style. People are able to get up in the morning do a brush up and go. Relaxed hair can also withstand the treacherous humidity. Most people shun other with relaxed hair because they feel it is disrespectful to their African heritage.
Hairdressing is an integral part of our lives because everyone likes getting their hair done because they want to look and feel good about themselves. Ask yourself this – Do you check for split ends? Do you secretly wish you were a blonde, Do you love getting new styles and colour? I’m guessing you’ve answered YES to all these questions! The truth of the matter is we are generation of self-obsessed narcissists.
This lead to synthetic dye to color cloth and hair. Nowadays hair color is designed to enhance your natural beauty, being less damaging to hair and move vividly color in a variety of shades. There can be found all over the market. Today hair coloring is very popular over 75% of women color their hair.
