Sesame Street Suppors Good (Black) Hair

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enpFde5rgmw

It still amazes me at how simple of a movement can make such a huge impact. Most people don’t even realize how the little experiences we have as children greatly impact our lives as adults. For Black Americans, the shallow criticism we receive about our hair has a tendency to lead to low self-esteem, negative perceptions about our image, and fear that we’ll pass our negative traits to the next generation (given that many people believe that Black hair is a negative trait). In addition, many Black people carry the burden of needing to alter their appearance in order to seek approval from White society. No Black person wants their hair to be associated with the “N” word, so many Black people are constantly using chemicals (aka: creamy crack) to alter the way it grows, and sits on their heads. Especially for Black women, having the “N” word hair can be a devastating blow to their ego, self-confidence and ultimately their acceptance in society. The “N” word I’m referring to, of course, is “Nappy.” One of the most degrading things you can say about a Black person’s hair is that it is nappy. Even I was tormented as a child about having nappy hair, and it still haunts me as an adult. Studies show that the purchase of hair care products are rated well above technology, clothing, and even real-estate in the Black community. I believe this is because many people have been conditioned to accept the fallacy, “the straighter your hair, the prettier you are.”

                I believe this video produced by Sesame Street will have a huge impact on young Black women in the future. It teaches young girls to embrace and accept their hair regardless of what is seen in movies and magazines. This video is an example of the very small things that we can do to boost self-esteem in young Black women (and men). It also teaches non-Black boys and girls that having curly hair is not a bad thing, and encourages them to accept their differences as well. I honestly believe that more videos such as this will encourage positive social movements in the future. Rather it is about hair, skin color, language, or sexuality, getting children to accept our differences will create a better world in the future.