"When Will Smith confronted Chris Rock at the Academy Awards, as the world discussed 'The Slap,' it sparked conversations among Black women and girls worldwide about our identity being once again ridiculed on one of the most widely watched and discussed award shows globally."
The expression of beauty through Black hairstyles has been a long-standing signature of Black culture and has been a sensitive topic of discussion for decades
Unfortunately, mainstream media has played a critical role in perpetuating society's skewed view of beauty, consciously and unconsciously misrepresenting the true beauty of young Black girls for centuries. This misrepresentation is deeply rooted in the intersectionality of historical and contemporary systemic oppression.
Currently the world continues to uphold harmful Eurocentric beauty standards which often leads to diminished self-esteem and in some cases mental health issues. The intersectionality of racial and gender identity, may also contribute to persistent, disproportionate self-doubt about their beauty.
Why?
A young child's mind is like a sponge; they absorb all the information they receive from the world around them. That’s why at such an early age, young Black girls see the racism and discrimination in the world, leading many to perceive themselves as unworthy and ‘ugly’ and these views are promoted or reinforced through mass media,
Every Black woman has her own personal story, experience and journey with her hair. Imagine what they are expressing to young Black girls. Be careful! These young girls are often striving to find a safe space when it comes to their hair. They are struggling within their own communities, their own schools, and even their own homes. On top of that they are navigating the unique and societal stereotypes of Black women in mass media which continues to overlook the societal hardships Black girls face due to ongoing and subtle hair stereotypes compared to other cultures.
Amidst this dominant narrative, it is crucial to recognise, acknowledge and showcase the inherent beauty that lies within each young Black girl. Parents, mentors, family members and enlightened role models should be having conversations that go deeper than Beyoncé and Rhianna as examples of Black beauty.
Identity, Stereotypes, Respectability and Their Effects
“The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” Malcolm X
Society has not always been kind or accepted Black women; constantly treating them differently compared to other cultural groups. Whether it was because of their physical appearance or the stereotypes that were attached to them the wider world seems unkind. It’s not imaginary, the social oppression, abuse and racial discrimination have historically forced many Black women to hide their hair.
Black women, instead of mimicking the Eurocentric ideals of beauty, let’s celebrate how young Black girls are not the butt of jokes but stunning in their own right!
How do we do this?
Firstly, it is important to shatter these stereotypes and reject society's narrow definitions of beauty. It’s time to promote the unique physical features, hair and beauty which is undeniably gorgeous and deserving of admiration. By, promoting our own portrayals of Black beauty young Black girls can embrace their individuality and find strength in their distinctive characteristics.
The importance of diversifying images of Black women and increasing awareness of how stereotypes affect perceptions of Black girls we can increase their self-worth and confidence.
Stop Institutionalised Hair Discrimination in Schools
"For generations, there has been a relentless attempt to control how we choose to style our hair – from the historical enforcement of head wraps under the now-defunct Tignon Laws to schools branding Black hair as 'distracting,' 'unruly,' or 'wild.' While Rock's remark might have seemed inconsequential to many, for Black women, it was a profound insult."
A growing and concerning example of bias against natural hair in schools in the UK is the enforcement of dress codes and policies that disproportionately target hairstyles traditionally associated with Black hair textures, such as afros, braids, twists, and locs. These policies may explicitly or implicitly discriminate against students with natural hairstyles, leading to incidents where students are told that their hair is "distracting," "unprofessional," or "inappropriate."
For instance, a school in the UK might have a dress code that prohibits "extreme" or "non-conventional" hairstyles, without clearly defining what constitutes extreme or unconventional. In practice, this vagueness can result in the targeting of Black students who wear natural hairstyles, as these styles may be deemed against the school's policy due to cultural bias or lack of understanding.
Such biases can lead to instances where Black students are asked to change their hairstyles, face disciplinary action or even be excluded from school events or activities. These policies have been criticised for perpetuating discrimination and bias against Black students and reinforcing Eurocentric beauty standards.
Efforts to combat such bias often involve advocacy groups, parents, and students pushing for changes in school policies to promote inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity in hairstyles. In recent years, there has been increased awareness and activism to challenge and rectify these biases within schools in the UK.
The behaviour and policies undertaken by these schools were so decisive that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) funded legal action in cases of alleged hair discrimination.
In 2020, Ruby Williams won £8,500 in an out-of-court settlement against the Urswick school in Hackney, East London, after she was repeatedly sent home because of her afro hair. Of course, the school did not accept any liability.
Celebrating Heritage and Culture
From the birth of 'good hair vs. bad hair' in the 1700s through to Michelle Obama wearing her hair natural, there's a reason why hair is such an integral part of Black history and heritage. And let's not forget historic figures like Madam CJ Walker for her contribution to Black hair care, becoming the first African American woman to become a self-made millionaire in The Guinness Book of World Records.
The evolution of afro hair and its impact on society through time tells a powerful story within itself, a story that speaks volumes about the Black experience and identity.
If we look back in history, you will find that established in the early years of African civilisation, many famous styles like braids, twists and dreadlocks were used to symbolise a person’s tribe, social status and family background. Though it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment of creation, they were celebrated and worn with pride by both men and women for centuries, becoming the ultimate way to identify someone upon first glance.
The Black Power Movement
"When I finally felt comfortable about my Blackness and who I am, it was because I was around people who taught me it was beautiful to be who I was, hair and all." Kathleen Cleaver:"
We cannot forget the emergence of The Black Power Movement during the American Civil Rights Movement.
The Movement was rooted in racial pride, autonomy and self-determination. It brought a new era in the fight for social justice as it encouraged Black people to reclaim their erased heritage and celebrate their identity and beauty whilst focusing on building their own Black economy, social and political power.
Many members of movement wore their natural hair out in an afro, embracing their natural textures for the first time. The hairstyle quickly became known as a symbol of Black power and defiance with activists like Angela Davis, Nina Simone, and Nikki Giovanni at the forefront, wearing it as a radical statement of pride.
We have a strong history to be proud of in terms of our hair so let’s send out a message of love and support to young black girls, reminding them that they deserve love, respect and success. That is why global events like the award winning World Afro Day for Schools (2022) organised by Black Brit Michelle De Leon is very important.
The aim of this educational event was to reach out to a diverse group to celebrate of Afro hair, identity and equality in schools, colleges and platforms where young people congregated. Since 2017, World Afro Day actively challenges negative attitudes towards Afro hair into a positive force for inclusion.
The world's unconscious and often conscious misrepresentation of young Black girls' beauty still continues to have a detrimental impact on their self-esteem. It is crucial to challenge these societal falsehoods and recognise the inherent beauty that lies within each individual.
As Black women take control of the portrayal of themselves, it puts them in a better position to encourage young Black girls to celebrate their heritage and embrace their natural beauty.
It’s time to emphasise the importance of self-confidence and self-acceptance, which will empower them to look beyond societal expectations and recognise their inherent worth. By cultivating their talents, pursuing their passions, and displaying kindness towards others, these young Black girls can truly shine.
The Revival of Natural Hair
After two decades of Black women sporting a multitude of hairstyles and the growth of wigs, weaves, keratin treatments and other chemical hair procedures, a new natural hair movement is revived in 2017 with Michelle Obama at the helm. The former First Lady wore her hair straight for the eight years she was in office, but a few months after leaving the White House in January 2017, Michelle was spotted wearing her natural hair out in public for the first time.
The moment sparked a wider conversation about the ongoing stigmas around Black hair not only in the US but the UK, and reaffirmed previous comments by author Chimamanda Ngzoi Adichie, who had explained to Channel 4 News in 2014, that the First lady wearing her natural hair during her husband Barack Obama’s election would have cost him the presidency.
By celebrating diversity and rejecting harmful beauty standards we can foster a strong sense of self-worth and confidence for young Black girls. History, culture, traditions, social struggles can’t be denied.
Which is why Black consciousness can provide a protective factor for young Black girls as they embrace their identity, navigate their unique journey and embrace their unique beauty in a nonracial way.
In closing, it’s our job to never lose sight of these core values, beliefs, and emotional connections that increases the self-worth, confidence and level of pride for young Black girls.
Share your views below as we send out a powerful reminder that these young girls are undeniably gorgeous, and their unique hair is a testament to their beauty. By embracing their heritage, cultivating self-confidence, and rejecting societal expectations, these young black girls can overcome the world's lies and shine brightly with their true, authentic beauty.
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