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A review by hattiereads20476
Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture by Emma Dabiri
My browser history is evidence of how unfamiliar I was with the concepts in this book; I must have googled dozens of different people and places and ideas and hairstyles. Also a youtube clip from "Malcolm X."
Frankly: I've often felt awkward when standing the "natural hair" section of the hair products aisle. Is it weird if I buy Cantu, Shea Moisture, these products that I'm not sure were meant for me and my curls? How much of "natural" and "curl" and all these things apply to me? When I see a woman rocking curls--which I notice, because of my own hair--is it okay to comment? Does that change if her hair is kinky? I feel sheepish and ill-equipped, so I picked up this book.
It was about FAR more than I expected. I'm stunned by the intricacies and richness and research, the insights into Nigerian culture and African history and Irish racism and, ugh, again the horrors and degradation that continues to be traced back to colonialism.
This is about a lot more than hair. But also, it's about why hair matters, oh so much.
Powerful and thought-provoking.
Frankly: I've often felt awkward when standing the "natural hair" section of the hair products aisle. Is it weird if I buy Cantu, Shea Moisture, these products that I'm not sure were meant for me and my curls? How much of "natural" and "curl" and all these things apply to me? When I see a woman rocking curls--which I notice, because of my own hair--is it okay to comment? Does that change if her hair is kinky? I feel sheepish and ill-equipped, so I picked up this book.
It was about FAR more than I expected. I'm stunned by the intricacies and richness and research, the insights into Nigerian culture and African history and Irish racism and, ugh, again the horrors and degradation that continues to be traced back to colonialism.
This is about a lot more than hair. But also, it's about why hair matters, oh so much.
Powerful and thought-provoking.