Hair Discrimination Essay

Natural Hair Discrimination

This paper will argue that to be a Black woman with natural hair, is deviant in the eyes of white culture. Natural hair is regarded as unkempt, unclean, and unprofessional (Thompson 2009). American society seeks to demonize the hair of Black women because natural hair disregards Eurocentric beauty standards (Robinson 2011). To rebel and wear one’s hair naturally comes with a price - especially in the workplace and school environment - because there are discriminatory dress-codes that prevent Black women from meeting institutional requirements (Klein 2013). Black women face discrimination for their natural hair due to the power imbalance of white men in work and educational structures.

Discrimination in the Media

It also recognizes that despite the fact that race is socially constructed, the effects of race and racism are real (Dixson, 2007).

Almost 250 years of slavery and anti-blackness within the United States has created a divide in what type of hair is acceptable. According to Cynthia L. Robinson, “Black hair texture is graded” (Robinson 2011). Precisely, this means that a Black woman has either good hair or bad hair. Good hair has a resemblance of European hair texture, meaning straight and wavy curls. Good hair also diminishes the look of African ancestry. Bad is the complete opposite. The texture is kinky, coiled, and thick, giving the appearance of short hair (Robinson 2011). Hair that bears a resemblance to Eurocentric beauty standards is more beautiful and makes the individual with that hair type more beautiful as well (Robinson

Lee revealed that she once had a manager tell her that he loved everything about her and was considering hiring her, but her hair would be an issue. The manager, who worked for a Sacramento news station told her that her hair was “too aggressive” for his viewers (Starr 2014). Statements such as the one Lee received about her hair being too aggressive are the primary reason why some Black women feel the need to straighten and alter their hair.

The counter-story of Tiana Parker was not told by Parker, but by her supporters. In accordance of the school’s policy book, dreadlocks and afros are faddish and not to be worn by students. The book, however states that girls are allowed to wear weaves. Commentators in support of Tiana pointed out that weaves are an expensive and sometimes painful method of altering Black hair (Klein 2013). Weaves worn by Black women are commonly straight, wavy, and have loose curl patterns, all of which give a Eurocentric appearance (Robinson