Good Hair: Perceptions of Racism (Award winning short film)

Summary

The script revolves around Thema, a newly promoted Black woman partner at a law firm, and her daughter Ama, who faces discrimination at school for her natural hair. Ama is sent home for violating the school's appearance policy, igniting a debate on racial bias. Thema initially advises compliance but reconsiders after a journalist offers to expose the school's policy. The school eventually reviews its policy, leading to a victory for Ama and a moment of pride for Thema, who learns to navigate her identity and the systemic challenges it presents.

Takeaways

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The script revolves around a family dealing with racial and identity issues, particularly concerning the daughter's hair at her new school.
• 🏢 Thema, the mother, is a newly promoted partner in a law firm and faces questions about her qualifications and the reasons behind her promotion.
• 📚 Ama, the daughter, is sent home from school because her natural hair is deemed non-compliant with the school's uniform policy.
• 🤔 The school's policy on hair is challenged, highlighting the systemic bias against Black hair and the broader issue of racial discrimination.
• 💼 Nicole, a colleague of Thema, expresses concerns about Thema's promotion, suggesting that it might not be solely based on merit.
• 🏫 The school authorities initially enforce a strict uniform policy but later reconsider their stance after potential media exposure.
• 📰 A journalist from The Herald, Issa, offers to write an article to challenge the school's policy, which could impact the school's reputation.
• 🤝 Ama's ally, Kerry, a white student, supports Ama and questions the fairness of the school's policy towards hair.
• 👩‍🏫 Teachers at the school have differing views on the policy, with some showing support for Ama and others defending the status quo.
• 💪 Ama's mother, Thema, initially advises her to conform but eventually supports her daughter's right to express her identity through her hair.
• 🏛️ The script ends with a victory for Ama and a change in the school's policy, indicating a small but significant step towards inclusivity and racial equality.

Q & A

What is the main conflict Thema faces in her professional life?

Thema faces the challenge of being the only Black woman in her department and recently promoted to partner, which leads to questions about whether her promotion was solely based on merit or influenced by identity politics.

Why does Ama get sent home from school on her first day?

Ama is sent home because her hair does not comply with the school's uniform and appearance policy, which requires all hair to be of a reasonable size and length.

What is Nicole's concern about Thema's promotion?

Nicole wonders if Thema's promotion to partner is due to her qualifications alone or because the firm believes she possesses a quality they are lacking, possibly implying a quota-filling rather than merit-based decision.

How does the school's policy on hair length affect Ama?

The school's policy on hair length is discriminatory against Ama's natural hair, leading to her being sent home and feeling singled out due to her race.

What is the significance of the conversation between Thema and Richard regarding her promotion?

The conversation reveals the complex dynamics of diversity and meritocracy in the workplace. Richard admits to promoting Thema not only for her qualifications but also for her identity as a Black single mother, highlighting the firm's strategic use of diversity.

How does the school initially respond to the issue of hair discrimination?

Initially, the school enforces a strict policy that leads to Ama being sent home. However, after a call from a journalist, they decide to review their uniform policy in relation to hairstyles and ethnicity, temporarily suspending enforcement against students from African and Caribbean backgrounds.

What role does the media play in resolving the conflict at the school?

The media, represented by Issa from The Herald, plays a pivotal role by threatening to expose the school's discriminatory practices, which prompts the school to review and temporarily halt enforcement of the policy against Ama.

What is the underlying message in the conversation between Ama and Kerry about the school's policy?

The conversation underscores the unfairness of the school's policy, as it disproportionately affects students like Ama with natural, voluminous hair, suggesting a bias against racial and cultural differences in appearance.

How does Thema's attitude towards Ama's situation evolve throughout the script?

Initially, Thema is more focused on pragmatism and compliance with the school's rules for Ama's future. However, after engaging with the school and the media, she becomes more supportive of Ama's right to express her identity and be proud of her natural hair.

What is the outcome of the conflict between Ama's natural hair and the school's policy?

The conflict results in the school deciding to review its uniform policy regarding hairstyles and ethnicity, leading to a temporary suspension of enforcement against students like Ama, allowing her to wear her hair in its natural state.