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What is Naturalism?
- By naani
- Published 01/14/2008
- Natural Hair
- Unrated
Naturally Examined
I just had one of the most engaging conversations with another Natural head. Often in discussing controversial or sensitive topics, it's hard to keep our person out of the debate and effectively build. Tonight that wasn't the case.
Since this sista and I had such a productive chat, (we respectfully agreed to disagree), I figured I'd pose the question to you. Simply put...
"What does 'Natural' mean to you?"
When I first embarked on my journey, 'Natural' was about purity, authenticity and affirming the "African" part of my America. I felt that in order to move away from the fakeness I saw on my television screen and in ads, we as a people...as individuals had to return to "nature."
So no chemicals, no extensions, no contacts, no color, no make-up. No meat, no alcohol, no smoking. I wanted to strip it all down. I wanted to remove the strangle-hold that Western culture had placed on my mind and body.
I started to read more and my music preferences changed. I began to walk with my head held a little higher and more introspective in my dealings with others. I mean I had always been "d
eep"...now I was "deeeeeeeeeeeep." :-)
I would easily snub my nose at the Mary J. Blige wanna-be's or the scandalously clad women with the fake hair who were rump-shakin' it in the videos. Clearly those women couldn't love themselves. Clearly the only reason they had those weaves in was to imitate white people.
Natural Herbal Conditioning Hair Teas Available at naaniSHOPPE.comFast forward to Spring '99. Without going into detail I embarked on a life altering journey which caused me to truly confront a concept that's greater than Naturalism...Self-Love.
Now before I expound I want to hear from you naaniFAM!
* What does being "natural" mean to you?
* What do you think of people who continue to sport relaxers?
* What do you think of people with natural hair/Dreadlocks who use color their hair?
* What are your thoughts on physical enhancements (jewelry, contacts, fake nails...)?
* How do you think we should go about affirming our "natural" image and rejecting the post-colonial idea?
Comment below!
Since this sista and I had such a productive chat, (we respectfully agreed to disagree), I figured I'd pose the question to you. Simply put...
"What does 'Natural' mean to you?"When I first embarked on my journey, 'Natural' was about purity, authenticity and affirming the "African" part of my America. I felt that in order to move away from the fakeness I saw on my television screen and in ads, we as a people...as individuals had to return to "nature."
So no chemicals, no extensions, no contacts, no color, no make-up. No meat, no alcohol, no smoking. I wanted to strip it all down. I wanted to remove the strangle-hold that Western culture had placed on my mind and body.
I started to read more and my music preferences changed. I began to walk with my head held a little higher and more introspective in my dealings with others. I mean I had always been "d
I would easily snub my nose at the Mary J. Blige wanna-be's or the scandalously clad women with the fake hair who were rump-shakin' it in the videos. Clearly those women couldn't love themselves. Clearly the only reason they had those weaves in was to imitate white people.
Natural Herbal Conditioning Hair Teas Available at naaniSHOPPE.comFast forward to Spring '99. Without going into detail I embarked on a life altering journey which caused me to truly confront a concept that's greater than Naturalism...Self-Love.
Now before I expound I want to hear from you naaniFAM!
* What does being "natural" mean to you?
* What do you think of people who continue to sport relaxers?
* What do you think of people with natural hair/Dreadlocks who use color their hair?
* What are your thoughts on physical enhancements (jewelry, contacts, fake nails...)?
* How do you think we should go about affirming our "natural" image and rejecting the post-colonial idea?
Comment below!
Spread The Word
Comments
Comment #1 (Posted by Esti)
Being natural to me means being as you were born. I don't understand why black people in particular seem to have a problem about being natural, when everyone else on the planet is. Noone spends as much money on changing their image like black people do. I know people will fall back on the excuse that white women go to tan, get implants or whatever. But when people use this excuse, you need to remember that you can't just go to the shop and buy an implant, the way you can go and buy a relaxer kit for £2.99, every 6 weeks; and on top of that pay an expensive visit to the salon to help maintian your hair evey month. It all adds up in the end. I read an article that said black women in America spend $9 billion on hair and fake nails. Then you see the run down projects and wonder why these women can't put their money back into their own communities instead of waiting for others to do it, then blame racism when things don't improve. There is no need to relax your hair. None at all. We all know relaxers are dangerous chemicals; women are advised not to use them when poregnant. And there have not been ANY research to fully understand the implications of using relaxers. So why are people still using these chemicals? They cause hairloss, brittle hair. People can argue 'Not if you use them properly, and get your hair treated'. But the reality is there are young girls walking around with already damaged hair, who's mothers do not know how to use these relaxers, or don't know you're supposed to condition the hair, or go to the salon (which costs money) to keep the hair looking half decent. It is a sad sight to see young girls with already receding hairlines, and their mother's can't understand that it is the relaxers causing this. There are more peopel walking aaround with damaged relaxed hair, then there are with half decent looking relaxed hair. Just observe for yourself next time.
Comment #2 (Posted by AC)
Nature is most importantly about being you. I like having hair curly and wearing a fro, but if, and when i do, wear extensions or straighten my hair, I am not being unnatural. I am still doing me. Although, I like the think that natural for all people would include wearing your hair in the way that God intended when he created you, you have to figure that out for yourself.
First you have to look at why you wear your hair (and everything) the way you do. Is it just because you think that the way you do. Is it just because you think that it is the way that will make you look best to others even if you like another style or is it because you like the way you look and feel in that style? I like wearing baggy "stay-yo-butt-n-the-house" clothes just as much as I like to dress "fashionably" and to dress formally. I wear what I want to wear, when I want to wear it...NO MATTER WHAT OTHERS THINK. This is being natural, so if you feel that your hair should be blonde, straight and and down to your butt because that is what you like and not because that is what you think is "fashionable" or "sexy" then right on...even if I do think that relaxing your hair is harmful and you should take your health into consideration when you create the look you so desire
Comment #3 (Posted by T)
First off , on the fake nails etc I feel its a waste of $$, u have to redo it and waste endless hrs at the salon. I feel a natural manicure and moisturizing treatments are enough for beautiful hands.
As for perms I am a lil liberal, because I put a texturizer in my hair after being completely natural for almost 4 years (had locs), I naturally have tight coarse african hair and really only a pick can go through it. ..but if someone chooses to sport relaxers its on them..Im fine with being different. The texturizer allows me to switch back and forth a little.
I mean to be honest jewelry is just as bad as flirty clothes, because they highlight a feature of us whether it be an ear, lip, nose, arm or anklet or neck.
Natural is something close to nature and although we cant walk around in our "birthday suits" we have to do something second best. But Im a fan of wanting to adorn yourself and maintaining ur hygiene and mental health, but it doesnt have to be overrated
