As a complicated year starts to wind down, let's reflect by picking this up from the archives:
If you have had a chance to check out our 4 keys to mastering the natural hair journey, you know that the very first one is "Mindset". Were you surprised by this? Mindset is at the core of nearly everything in our lives and it can either be working with you, or against you.
On May 5th, 1962, in a speech in Los Angeles, Malcom X, Yes, THE Malcom X, the activist asked… "Who taught you to hate the texture of your hair"?
Strange huh...that someone who was trying to solve such important human rights problems would choose to include a sentence like that in an important speech. Why is that? Seems a little random… but is it?
Isn’t hair one of the first things someone sees about you? Isn't a bad hair day enough to ruin your morning? Don't you walk a little taller when you know you look amazing? (we're all human, it is what it is :))
What happens then… when you don't love your looks so much, how does that change how you engage with the world?
Back to Malcom's question: "Who taught you to hate the texture of your hair"?
Maybe you don't hate it, maybe you even love it. Maybe you even think you have "good hair". I guess my question to you then is…are we making progress, or are we staying the same? This speech took place 58 years ago, and the question still seems worth asking. That's a little troubling isn't it?
Will you let me give you some homework? Next time you describe your hair, or someone else's hair, ask yourself if there is a hint of negativity in there. Do it for yourself, but also for whomever might be watching. Many of us have a level of influence to others in our lives. Perhaps we should ask ourselves: Are we contributing to perpetuating these negative feelings, or are we improving the situation? And if you think your generation is lost, don't forget…the kids are watching!
Before you hit reply and tell me that all the love is fine, but some hair is harder to deal with than others, and facts are facts…let me ask you this: If we've put humans on the moon….do we really think we can't figure out how to make caring for tiny curls easier without exposing ourselves to harm? Surely there is room to do better?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this, leave a comment, or email me, and let me know, this is a safe space :)
Speak soon! Keep shining, don't forget to tell a friend to sign up below, and remember: You are incomparable.