Hair

A) In her magazine article "Black Women's Politically Correct Hair," Regina Jere-Malanda makes the following observation: "Physically, socially, economically and stylistically, black women's hair is indeed, not just hair. It is a big deal which evoked serious debate..." Explain what she means by referring to her article, Chris Rock's Good Hair, and The Tyra Banks Show video clips screened in class.

Regina Jere-Malanda debunks black hair, the object of popular debate and heavy scrutiny. In her article, she sheds light on many cases where black hair has been in the spotlight. She refers Michelle Obama who wore a natural hair style and was ridiculed by the media. There were cartoons of her in an afro with a gun on her back. She includes the testimony of Dr. Reese who says from personal experience, that the ill-tolerance of natural hair is associated with Black Panthers in that it represents "militancy". On The Tyra Banks Show, the ideology of having more relaxed hair is said to date to slavery times where having such hair could mean better treatment. These associations along with others have brainwashed the community into thinking that having natural hair is distasteful. Thus, the idea that having straight hair is equated to conforming to popular opinion and not loving one's natural self causing debate.

B) What is the "prison industrial complex" and what impact has it had on the following: a) individuals, families and communities; b) state economies and education systems; and c) private corporations?

The Prison Industrial Complex is a system set forth by insensitive politicians. These often selfish politicians benefit financially from the expansion of the prison system. This system has effects that can be seen within many different g...

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...amily had a serious illness develop or a death.

G) In your own words, how would an environmental justice framework help the problem of environmental racism?

A framework of such kind would push initiatives of justice for families that are burdened to this form of disrespect. Many lives would be saved and it would force the government and these companies to own up to their transgressions. No community should have preventable diseases thrown onto them when it could have been avoided if the government was honest. The environment itself would be much more safe and healthy if communities weren't targeted for placement of these toxic facilities. It would make people more aware and vocal of what is going on and the standard of living for human life would be preserved. Moreover, communities and the government would share the responsibility of keeping the environment healthy.