A common misconception is the belief that African American history begins in America. Dating back to West African tribal civilizations, hair was seen as an extension of a person. By looking at a person’s hair, one could discern multiple aspects of their identity. According to Seiber and Herreman (2000), hairstyles reflected social “status, gender, ethnic origin, leadership role, personal taste, or place in the cycle of life” (pg. 56). One of the most distinctive characteristics of African American hair is its versatility and ability to be styled and molded in different ways (Byrd & Tharps, 2001). While a young woman eligible for marriage may wear ornaments adorned in her hair, those in mourning may express their sorrow with untouched, deliberately
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In response to this realization, the European slave traders shaved the heads of all slaves upon arriving to America as a form of colonization (Byrd & Tharps, 2001). When the slaves arrived to America, their African features and textured hair became the antithesis of humanity and beauty (Abdullah, 1998). The same hair that was revered and meticulously cared for in West Africa soon became a symbol for shame as African Americans struggled to assimilate with White America. This moment in history significantly shaped the black psyche and propelled the black hair consciousness that persists in a modern day context. This research observes the constant battle between celebrating cultural and assimilating to a White dominated world. It then analyzes how this battle consequently influences the way African American women manage their impressions with how they chose to wear and style their hair.
My study is specifically looking at how African American women use hair as a tool of expression and self-presentation in today’s society. African American hair has been studied in a historical context, analyzing the cultural significance dating back to African tribes (Byrd & Tharps, 2001) as well as the commodification of the afro during the Civil Rights Movement (Walker, 2000). While historical accounts contextualize the phenomenon of black hair, other studies analyze …show more content…
This often includes manipulating settings, appearances and manners. In order to maintain the performance actors what to give off, they must practice ‘expressive control’ so that they can stay in character. When performers aren’t front stage, they are backstage and can thus be their true selves, let loose and practice for their
In response to this realization, the European slave traders shaved the heads of all slaves upon arriving to America as a form of colonization (Byrd & Tharps, 2001). When the slaves arrived to America, their African features and textured hair became the antithesis of humanity and beauty (Abdullah, 1998). The same hair that was revered and meticulously cared for in West Africa soon became a symbol for shame as African Americans struggled to assimilate with White America. This moment in history significantly shaped the black psyche and propelled the black hair consciousness that persists in a modern day context. This research observes the constant battle between celebrating cultural and assimilating to a White dominated world. It then analyzes how this battle consequently influences the way African American women manage their impressions with how they chose to wear and style their hair.
My study is specifically looking at how African American women use hair as a tool of expression and self-presentation in today’s society. African American hair has been studied in a historical context, analyzing the cultural significance dating back to African tribes (Byrd & Tharps, 2001) as well as the commodification of the afro during the Civil Rights Movement (Walker, 2000). While historical accounts contextualize the phenomenon of black hair, other studies analyze …show more content…
This often includes manipulating settings, appearances and manners. In order to maintain the performance actors what to give off, they must practice ‘expressive control’ so that they can stay in character. When performers aren’t front stage, they are backstage and can thus be their true selves, let loose and practice for their