I just read the other thread about the person who was in a class when the word "kinky" was described. As for me, I have noticed that some other people (of different races---not everyone, just some) have misconceptions or lack of knowledge about our hair.
Examples,
1). I was recently talking to a white lady and she started talking about hair. I always wear my hair pulled back and it looks wavy because the curls are flattened out and elongated. Anyway, she commented that she liked the way it looked (the waves/flat curls). She asked if I went somewhere and had the waves weaved in. I told her no. I told her that I just wash my hair, pull it back and it naturally looks that way. She looked like she didn't understand what I meant. I was basically saying that I don't do anything special. It is naturally that way. White folks have all types of hair textures; why would we be any different?
2). I have this white lady in my office, who always complains about her curly hair. She has large Shirley Temple curls that appear easy to comb. I honestly don't see where her complaints are coming from. Whenever she complains, I say, "As someone who also has curly hair, I know what it's like to work with curly hair." She always looks at me like, "What, you have curly hair?"----almost like I'm black, so I couldn't possibly have curly hair. Do people think black folks are born with relaxed or super matted, uncombable hair?
3). I was talking to a Hispanic lady one day, and she said her aunt bought Pantene relaxed and natural by mistake. She said she explained to her aunt that that product was for black people and black people have different hair. I know where she was coming from, but I've seen pictures of her family members and I have seen ladies on this board with that same texture. What is the big difference she was talking about? A number of Hispanics (and biracial people) have curls, waves, frizz, so do we. I would also like to add that she always complained of slow growth also. My hair was growing faster than hers.
Why do some people think there is such a big difference between what we do to our hair and what they do? I have heard of other races using relaxers (of course they don't call them that) and using flat irons/blow dryers and the such---I have seen white folks with hair kinkier than mine. I have seen white folks with Afros and puffs (natural). Where is the big division? why so many stereotypes? People of all races are unique.
Anybody have any stories? Has anyone said something that was just not true about your hair?
Examples,
1). I was recently talking to a white lady and she started talking about hair. I always wear my hair pulled back and it looks wavy because the curls are flattened out and elongated. Anyway, she commented that she liked the way it looked (the waves/flat curls). She asked if I went somewhere and had the waves weaved in. I told her no. I told her that I just wash my hair, pull it back and it naturally looks that way. She looked like she didn't understand what I meant. I was basically saying that I don't do anything special. It is naturally that way. White folks have all types of hair textures; why would we be any different?
2). I have this white lady in my office, who always complains about her curly hair. She has large Shirley Temple curls that appear easy to comb. I honestly don't see where her complaints are coming from. Whenever she complains, I say, "As someone who also has curly hair, I know what it's like to work with curly hair." She always looks at me like, "What, you have curly hair?"----almost like I'm black, so I couldn't possibly have curly hair. Do people think black folks are born with relaxed or super matted, uncombable hair?
3). I was talking to a Hispanic lady one day, and she said her aunt bought Pantene relaxed and natural by mistake. She said she explained to her aunt that that product was for black people and black people have different hair. I know where she was coming from, but I've seen pictures of her family members and I have seen ladies on this board with that same texture. What is the big difference she was talking about? A number of Hispanics (and biracial people) have curls, waves, frizz, so do we. I would also like to add that she always complained of slow growth also. My hair was growing faster than hers.
Why do some people think there is such a big difference between what we do to our hair and what they do? I have heard of other races using relaxers (of course they don't call them that) and using flat irons/blow dryers and the such---I have seen white folks with hair kinkier than mine. I have seen white folks with Afros and puffs (natural). Where is the big division? why so many stereotypes? People of all races are unique.
Anybody have any stories? Has anyone said something that was just not true about your hair?