People talking to your hair?

kbaby · 06-28-2005, 07:38 AM

This was something I saw mentioned on the 4b board...Has anyone else noticed people who talk to your hair instead of to your face? I transitioned for about 8 mos and tried weaves, twist outs, updos, etc. while I was transitioning. During those 8 mos (and especially NOW), my co-workers appear perplexed when they speak to me, almost like they don't know what to say. Most of the African-American people who work here are great...they always compliment my natural hair and want to know how I accomplished certain styles, etc. However, the white folks always say things like, I liked your hair better straight...what's going on with you hair...and so on. It is really pissing me off! I have told them, in no uncertain terms, that 1) i love my hair just the way it is and 2) it's none of their business WHAT I do with my hair!! :x How do you all handle the ignorance?

Psyche · 06-28-2005, 09:24 AM

Quote:

I liked your hair better straight...

I've had ppl say similar things to me. They've said "I reeaally like the way your hair was when it was in braids." I guess that's supposed to be a hint, a secret way of saying that they didn't like my hair the way it was. Like I'm gonna run out to the store right now and buy some fake hair to put in my head just so you'll be more comfortable.

Please. But now those same ppl come up to me only a year later and tell me how they love my hair. Somebody's confused and it ain't me. One idiot, I mean woman, even laughed at my hair! Not because it was funny, but because she was uncomfortable and didn't know what to do or say. Most of the other women at my job have never said anything because they just don't get it. They understand black women with straightened hair, they understand black women with braids, but a black woman wearing her natural hair? What's wrong with her? I do find that when they talk to me their eyes aren't focused on my face, they're all up in my hair. And in my case this ignorance comes from either race.

msjoker · 06-28-2005, 03:58 PM

In the beginning of my natural journey, my granny asked me if I was going to "soften" my hair. She meant if I was going to texturize it. I told my granny "no" and now she always comments on how pretty my hair is. I love my granny! :love:love.gif

kbaby · 06-29-2005, 03:43 PM

Thanks for the insight QT...you are definitely right about people just being uncomfortable. MsJoker, you are sooo funny! My grandmother is the same way. When I first told her I was going natural, she said, "well, at least you have good hair". I debated her on that for WEEKS...what is good hair anyway?!?! I think now it's not shaping up quite like she'd hoped and she doesn't have much to say. I know it's because she's from the old school and just isn't used to black people not straightening. I think she'll come around. My mom, on the other hand, a 70s rebel, LOVES it.