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amandasbookreview 's review for:
Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture
by Emma Dabiri
Thank you, Emma Dabiri and Harper Perennial for the opportunity to read this book!
Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture by Emma Dabiri is a collection of essays about the history, culture, and racism surrounding Black hair. Black hair has a beautiful history that has been erased by European history. Today, Black hair is still a source of discrimination. It is stigmatized and appropriated. Emma Dabiri begins by giving her background. She is Black and Irish, with “tightly coiled hair.” Her first memories regarding her hair is that it was something bad–something that needed to managed. She didn’t have access to the proper hair care and she was often made to feel ashamed of her hair. She then dives into the history regarding black hair and hair discrimination. The most important detail is her growth to love herself and embrace her beautiful hair.
“Africa is the gift that keeps on giving. African and Afro-diasporic cultures continue to be presented as lesser, as primitive and underdeveloped, while the systematic extraction of their resources-physical, cultural, and material-continues on at a merry pace.”
TWISTED
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a powerful statement of taking back her power, embracing her identity as a Black woman with Black hair. As a white woman, I can’t relate. My heart is absolutely broken for all those who have discrimination for the color of their skin and their hair. It should be accepted and embraced. The fact that history had tried to break and erase Black culture is infuriating. I had no idea that the history behind Black hair is so complex and I am angry that I never knew this. I am so glad I read this because now I do know! Black hair is not just cultural but there is also science and mathematics that comes from this culture. It is eye-opening and brilliant.
The research that went into this book is just astounding. European history tried to erase much of it but she is able to bring up some history. I am now going through her references to read and learn more. I can’t stress this enough, read this book. The discrimination that many face needs to be discussed so we can make a better world for our fellow Black brothers and sisters. Read this book. 5 out of 5 stars.
Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture by Emma Dabiri is a collection of essays about the history, culture, and racism surrounding Black hair. Black hair has a beautiful history that has been erased by European history. Today, Black hair is still a source of discrimination. It is stigmatized and appropriated. Emma Dabiri begins by giving her background. She is Black and Irish, with “tightly coiled hair.” Her first memories regarding her hair is that it was something bad–something that needed to managed. She didn’t have access to the proper hair care and she was often made to feel ashamed of her hair. She then dives into the history regarding black hair and hair discrimination. The most important detail is her growth to love herself and embrace her beautiful hair.
“Africa is the gift that keeps on giving. African and Afro-diasporic cultures continue to be presented as lesser, as primitive and underdeveloped, while the systematic extraction of their resources-physical, cultural, and material-continues on at a merry pace.”
TWISTED
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a powerful statement of taking back her power, embracing her identity as a Black woman with Black hair. As a white woman, I can’t relate. My heart is absolutely broken for all those who have discrimination for the color of their skin and their hair. It should be accepted and embraced. The fact that history had tried to break and erase Black culture is infuriating. I had no idea that the history behind Black hair is so complex and I am angry that I never knew this. I am so glad I read this because now I do know! Black hair is not just cultural but there is also science and mathematics that comes from this culture. It is eye-opening and brilliant.
The research that went into this book is just astounding. European history tried to erase much of it but she is able to bring up some history. I am now going through her references to read and learn more. I can’t stress this enough, read this book. The discrimination that many face needs to be discussed so we can make a better world for our fellow Black brothers and sisters. Read this book. 5 out of 5 stars.