In the aftermath of Allison Samuels' controversial article in Newsweek, Zahara Jolie Pitt and the Politics of Uncombed Hair, Newsweek asked three bloggers, including yours truly, to write a response to the article and Samuels' rebuttal to the criticism. I gave my response the title Are We All Really "Team Zahara?" but I am fine with how Newsweek printed it: Nichelle Gainer: It's Time To Fully Embrace Natural Hair.
I am also happy to see that Newsweek didn't shy away from asking Roslyn Hardy Holcomb for her response, Hair Don'ts Hold Us Back, after her scathing assessment of Samuels' initial article. Tami Winfrey Harris of What Tami Said also contributed with Natural Hair Is Not Unhealthy.
Please let me know what you think.
I cried watching the youtube video on Roslyn's response article in newsweek. Someone should have called child protective services on that mother, snatching through that toddler's head like that. Thank you Nichelle for responding so straight-forward and eloquently. Both of my daughter's hair are natural and beautiful, and seeing theirs makes me want to release myself from the bonds of relaxers and 4 hour salon visits and embrace a more natural beautiful state. In any event, healthy hair is the goal, and Zahara's is gorgeous.
Posted by: Dee Jackson | October 30, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Thanks to all of you for your wonderful, thoughtful responses. This hair issue is so deeply ingrained that it takes a great deal of patience to get people to get it. Do whatever you like with your own hair, but don't put you "stuff" on other people. My daughter is only five and it has never occurred to be to do anything to tame her hair. I do take excellent care of it and she swims and does whatever I deem good for her. Hair is the last concern. I realize many people aren't there yet so I don't preach to others about what they should do with their hair. Natural hair works for me so I stick with it. It pains me to see little kids with relaxers and I hope someday all our little girls will be encouraged to embrace the glorious halos atop their heads.
Posted by: SunnyJ | October 30, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Beautifully written Nichelle :)
What a wonderful accomplishment *NEWSWEEK*!!!
I'm rejoicing with you! Congrats!!
Posted by: Sangindiva Superstar | October 31, 2009 at 02:58 AM
the newsweek article was ridiculous. her hair looks adorable. it is JUST HAIR.
Posted by: eva | November 01, 2009 at 05:03 PM
What happened to the days when children's lives were supposed to be fun and carefree? It's a shame that people are trying to take that away, especially with ridiculous things like this. Zahara is beautiful, and nobody should be put under the spotlight for reasons like that.. especially not children!
Posted by: Ebonni | November 02, 2009 at 06:58 PM
Great article in Newsweek, Nichelle. Congrats!
Posted by: Adrien Field | November 08, 2009 at 03:34 PM
Great Article Nichelle.
Posted by: beautylogicblog | November 12, 2009 at 07:24 AM