Nationals 2017 - Jordyn Allen "The Birds and the Weaves" - Informative Speaking

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, the speaker addresses the history and significance of Black hair, exploring the cultural misunderstandings and stereotypes surrounding it. She highlights how Black hair has been historically scrutinized and how the movement 'You Can Touch My Hair' aims to dispel myths. The speaker also delves into the impact of hair politics on African American youth, touching on everything from braids and afros to the corporate world's bias against natural hairstyles. Ultimately, the message emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and breaking down the stigmas around Black hair.

Takeaways

• 😀 Black hair care requires specific products and methods due to its unique texture, such as relaxers, hot combs, and braids.
• 😀 The 'You Can Touch My Hair' movement aims to dispel misconceptions by allowing others to touch Black hair and understand its care needs.
• 😀 Afro-textured hair requires different moisture management techniques due to its unique structure, which affects how water and oils travel down the hair shaft.
• 😀 Black hair has historically been subject to discrimination and societal pressure to conform to European beauty standards, including straight hair.
• 😀 Madame CJ Walker became the first female millionaire in the U.S. by creating products specifically designed to straighten Black hair.
• 😀 The Afro became a powerful symbol of Black pride and resistance during the Civil Rights Movement, challenging societal beauty norms.
• 😀 African Americans are often taught to wear straight hair in order to gain employment or social acceptance, reinforcing the stigma against natural hair.
• 😀 School policies and workplace standards have historically banned Black hairstyles like braids, dreadlocks, and afros, marginalizing Black cultural expression.
• 😀 Representation matters—seeing Black individuals with natural hair in media, such as TV hosts like Melissa Harris-Perry, can inspire young children and promote self-acceptance.
• 😀 Barbershops are integral community spaces in the Black community, providing a place for social interaction, unity, and empowerment, especially during times of oppression.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the speaker's discussion on black hair?

The primary focus of the speaker's discussion is to educate the audience on the cultural, historical, and societal significance of black hair, highlighting misconceptions, the history of black hair care practices, and their impact on the community.

How does the speaker introduce the topic of black hair?

The speaker introduces the topic humorously by referencing the well-known 'birds and the bees' talk and then pivots to the 'birds and the weaves,' suggesting that understanding black hair is equally important for social harmony and respect.

What is the significance of 'relaxers' in black hair care?

Relaxers are chemicals used to straighten tightly coiled hair, a process with historical roots dating back to the need for African Americans to conform to European beauty standards. The speaker mentions that this practice was popularized by figures like Madame CJ Walker, who became the first female millionaire in the U.S. as a result of her hair care products.

Why does the speaker address the topic of hair extensions?

The speaker addresses hair extensions to clarify common misconceptions and the social stigma surrounding them. The speaker emphasizes that buying and wearing extensions is a personal choice and that it’s offensive to question whether someone’s hair is 'real' when they’ve spent considerable time and money on it.

What does the speaker say about the care of dreadlocks?

The speaker dispels the myth that dreadlocks are dirty or associated with negative stereotypes. They explain that dreadlocks, like other hairstyles, are clean and that wearing them does not imply any harmful lifestyle choices. The speaker also addresses the use of satin caps to maintain these hairstyles.

How does the speaker describe the 'You Can Touch My Hair' movement?

The 'You Can Touch My Hair' movement allows African American women to educate others by letting them touch their hair and answer questions. This movement helps challenge stereotypes and defuse misconceptions by fostering direct, personal interaction with black hair.

What is the biochemical difference between Afro-textured hair and Caucasian-textured hair?

The speaker explains that Afro-textured hair and Caucasian-textured hair have identical biochemical compositions, but the key difference lies in their elasticity and combability. This difference requires unique hair care practices to maintain moisture and manageability in Afro-textured hair.

What historical context does the speaker provide regarding black hair in America?

The speaker discusses the history of African hair care, noting that during the transatlantic slave trade, African people were forced to conform to European beauty standards, which valued straight hair. This led to the development of hair products like those created by Madame CJ Walker, who helped African Americans straighten their hair to fit societal norms.

How did Angela Davis' afro contribute to the civil rights movement?

Angela Davis’ afro became a powerful political symbol during the civil rights movement, representing African American pride and resistance to the mainstream standards of beauty. Her natural hair stood as a reminder of the importance of embracing one's cultural identity and rejecting imposed beauty norms.

What challenges do African Americans face regarding their hairstyles in professional and educational settings?

The speaker highlights that African Americans, particularly students and professionals, are often pressured to alter their natural hairstyles to meet the expectations of mainstream beauty standards. The example of Hampton University banning dreadlocks and cornrows shows the systemic preference for straight hair, which influences job prospects and acceptance in both educational and corporate settings.