Talk of the Town

By Randall

January 28, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

Find some socially compelling issues to report on. Black folk are being foreclosed, laid-off, jailed unfairly, have disparities in health care treatment and the list goes on. This is all about MONEY for Rock. Plain and Simple.

By Tommi

January 28, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this

I have not seen the documentary but I hope that it addresses wearing our hair in its natural state (not chemically altered) as beautiful and good.

By JN

January 28, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

I think this is a particularly sensitive subject in the African American community and I am saddened to think that he has made a documentary about it. I hope that is is not purely comedic, but I am subject to take check it out. But keep in mind the Lord made all hair good!!!!!

By Uncle Tom

January 28, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this

I guess I will humor the ole’ gal since there is only 1 other comment posted at this time… Good hair is hair that doesn’t start to fall out of your head after the age of 28 (men & women included).

By awm

January 28, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

GARBAGE>>GARBAGE>>

By Schooler86

January 28, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

This sounds like an interesting and unique project that Chris Rock has done. As a light-skinned, black male with “good hair” I have dealt with this situation for my entire life. There should be no distinction termed “good hair” because there is good in all textures of hair and people should embrace that. Chris Rock has taken on a prominent issue in black culture that peeks the interests of a broad audience. That said, I believe it will resonate throughout a broad audience and hopefully have lasting, positive effects on its viewers and challenges people to think OUTSIDE THE BOX.

By Charlie

January 28, 2009 12:47 PM | Link to this

As someone who is balding in his mid 40’s, I would say as long as you have hair….you’re having a GOOD HAIR DAY!

By Lolita

January 28, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

DITTO to Randall, Tommi and JN.

By Jennifer

January 28, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

“Good hair” in the black community refers to non-kinky or coarse hair. The texture of our hair in black women is different than most races and ethnicities. Most black women strive for straight hair instead of embracing their natural hair. This is why we wear weaves and place perms in our hair. For example, perms in our hair makes it straight for about 4-6 weeks and perms in “good hair” makes it curly.

By Faye

January 28, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this

The main issue regarding “Black Hair” is the attitudes Black Men have about “Black Hair.” Black Women are only catering to desires of Black Men. I hate to generalize, but a lot of Black Men seem to prefer women with long, straight hair, and light skin.

Consequently, women are trying to attract a man, so they straighten their hair or wear a hair weave. Black Women are not the only women who alter their hair to attract men, white women also wear hair weaves, straighten, curl,and color their hair.

Perhaps Chris Rock should start his quest with the media that is projecting these images of what is the standard of beauty is. Obviously, these images are communicated to his children, and they realize they don’t look like the images projected to them daily.

By what the heck

January 28, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe he would make a documentary about this and even worse that an article would be written about it. Come on no wonder the AJC is in trouble.

By Lynn

January 28, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

I’m a 60-plus African American woman who absolutely hates the term “good hair.” I had very long hair, but it absolutely need a hot (really hot) iron to tame it … which I hated too.

While in college in the mid-60’s I decided to cut it all off. The response from my family, hometown friends, former high school teachers, ex cetera was insane. Of course, it was during the era of black pride. I’m not critical of people who perm or dye their hair. It’s about choices, but make the declaration that “good hair” is straight hair or some processed hair is crazy.

I’ve worn my “natural” for more than forty years, never dyed my hair or had a pernament.

What is good health … it’s healthy hair. I have healthy hair.

By lyrazzel

January 28, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

About 10 years ago wasn’t Spike Lee talking in movies about good hair and bad hair? Rock’s idea is far from original. Anyway is the trend of black women having blonde hair finally over? I found that one rather difficult because here were all these women saying they want to boost women’s self esteem and be proud of being a black woman, then they go blonde and use makeups that make them look paler skinned—of course—its TV. (See Queen Latif before she became Jenny spokeswoman then after, skin lightener follow most hiphop R&B women. By the time you are a big star, you are blonde, underweight and close to looking tan, which isn’t a very good example for children to look up to. May it die the death of Gerry curl or lye. It was a treat during the elections to see M.O.’s hair not go light, not be covered in wigs that show ringlets—like Oprah loves, or plastered up with braids from some impoverished women’s hair—exploitation for beauty occurs with wealth.

By Brainwashed

January 28, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this

The term irritates me to no end because there is no such thing! Hair comes in different textures, just as people come in different shades.

Unfortunately, this is what happens when people subscribe to a mentality that is not conducive to their existence…ya feel me?

By Katrena

January 28, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

I think that the topic is interesting and the dialogue is probably long over due. I have been perm free for 4 years and it is one of the best decisions that I have made. Black women have to love themselves first and appreciate the different hair textures that exist within our race. As kids, you are tormented by other kids and ADULTS for having natural hair and the cycle continues through adulthood. We are our own enemies. It’s a personal preference but a lot of women despise their natural hair due to the messages that were given to them. So the goal is to perm and straighten to assimulate into a culture that does not define beauty according to features that are more aligned with blacks. My daughter is 10 and she loves her hair because I am sending the right messages about natural hair. If she wants to straighten, it will be to have a different look. But, kinky is just as beautiful. India Arie said it best, “I am not my hair.” The term “Good Hair” sounds like the slave mentality of negros who wanted to pass for white during slave times. During slavery it was cool to be the light skinned curly hair one because you were almost one of them. We are our own enemy sometimes. Let’s get passed the term. All hair is good, you only have good and bad hair days.

By Couvade

January 28, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

The enforcers of the “good hair” regime tend to be black men. White men who date and marry black women simply do not care.

By jsmooth

January 28, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

what is “good hair”? Hair that is managable without excess processing and conditioning. Thats it.

By thelma

January 28, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

all hair is good hair because GOD made it all!!!!!!

By Renee

January 28, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this

Mothers have the opportunity to boost their daughters self esteem by simply encouraging them to embrace their natural hair. I HATE to see little girls (I’ve seen them as young as 3 and 4) with weaves, extensions and relaxers. Relaxers are NEVER ok for little girls. Their hair isn’t strong enough for chemicals, weaves or extensions until they have reached puberty.

In fact, there is nothing worse than seeing little girls with relaxed hair….EWWW! Weaves and extensions are ugly on EVERYONE. Please stop going from long to short within weeks…it’s so pitiful! And scary!

By Laura

January 28, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this

To Lynn: I am a white girl with curly hair and I use a 475 degree iron to straighten mine. Just sayin.

By Ms.T

January 28, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

BTW wearing hair weaves is not the result of having low self-esteem or shame towards your natural hair. I believe that life is short, you only get one chance, so if I want long hair I am going speed-up the growing process and add a lil length. Knocking those who alter their natural texture is inappropriate and is the equivalent of discrimination. TO EACH HER OWN!! I prefer not to damage my hair with lye and other harsh chemicals, but I will not judge or denounce someone who DOES alter their natural hair.

By Pandora

January 28, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

I am from Louisiana and when growing up you were considered to have “good hair” if you had long hair and ‘bad hair’ if you had short hair. That is so sterotypical to me. Growing up my sisters and I all had very long hair (down to our waist) and it was considered ‘good hair’. I feel - like other people have already stated - that ALL hair is good hair! If you have hair on your head it is good.

African-American Women get relaxers in their hair for many different reasons. I get relaxers to make my naturally wavy hair more manageable. Some Women get them so they could have that ‘so called’ good hair! The advantage of being an African-American Woman is that we can wear our hair straight one day - braids the next - corm rowed the next - curly the next- or even get dreds..our hair is VERY flexible! All black women do not have perms or weaves or extensions in thier head. The way I see it if you bought it, it’s yours.

I think that it’s interesting that Chris Rock developed and put together this film. I think I will watch it!

By Cammi317

January 28, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this

Let’s be honest, the real basis of this plague within the black community stems from did your ancestors work in the field or in the house…

I have long hair which I do not chemically straighten. Most days I wear it in a bun. When I want it straight I take it back old school with the pressing iron or use a ceramic iron.

By blkshephered

January 28, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

First I never could stand Chris Rock and yes we are the same race. Good hair is hair that does not fall out or thin. Good hair is strong thick hair. black or white, long short or kinky. Bad hair is thinning and hair that combs out, breaks or bald. I never felt folks with curly or waves or straight was necessarily Good. Most folks who had the so-called good hair usually ended up Bald while I still have a head full of hair. Case in point I have a nephew who is 3yrs older than me. when he was in his early teens to twenties he was considered the goodlooking one with the nice curly hair, large eyes. NOw we are both in our 50s. I am 53 hes about 55-6 he is bald as an egg, not so good looking and toothless. I however still have a full head of hair, and retained my good looks although my hair was never curly like his. LOL guess who has the last laugh. My hair my not be GOOD as some Black folks would call it, but atleast I got Hair. and I aint ball as an egg in the top. Several family members who had the good hair have NONE now while us with the kinky hair still have full heads of hair. So in this case Good hair dosnt mean Lasting hair. Most of the guys with the Good hair, have NONE now. LOL. I would rather be kinky haired than BALD.

By Keva

January 28, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

I haven’t seen the documentary, but I have heard about it. I wonder how Chris’ daughters are actually dealing with it? I’m interested in seeing his documentary.

By Hairless

January 28, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this

As a woman in her 20s with alopecia and no hair, having any hair would be good hair to me. And next time you go to judge that sister on her weave, consider the fact that she may have a medical issue that has caused her to be bald.

By Jo

January 28, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

I’m a white woman with the coarse, kinky hair that most of us see on African-Americans. I wear it long, side-parted & clipped on one side with a rhinestone clip, along with (my) trademark thin pencilled eyebrows & red lipstick, a la vintage Hollywood. All my life, I’ve wished for straight, shiny hair but alas, that’s not to be. So, I’ve come to terms with what I DO have & have turned it into my own unique look.Even though I get lots of compliments & am envied by my straight-haired friends, I still long for that typical “white-girl” hair because the grass is always greener…that’s human nature.

By Tanisha

January 28, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

I think it would be interesting. I am the mother of two light skinned black girls with “good hair”.I also have “good hair” and am fair skinned as well. I think all of these terms “good”, “bad”, “real sista” etc need to die. My husband also buys into this garbage. He said one of the reasons he was attracted to me is because of my “curly hair”. The more we talk about these issues the more we can put them behind us. You can’t change what is in the dark. On another note, I agree with you Couvade. White males don’t care about hair. They tend to love a woman for who she is. I won’t delve too far into this because that would open up a whole other discussion.

By Kenya

January 28, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this

I am amazed actually at the comments here, is there an assumption this documentary will be negative? That is what get when I read this. The first thing that came to my mind was this a good thing to address with our young black children. Self esteem is the stepping stone to success. I did not read this and assume that this was going to be some degrading documentary about black women/men and hair. I hope I am right.

But I also agree with others.. good hair is any that is still on your head, as it is all a gift from God

By Ryno

January 28, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this

I’ve learned a LOOOOONG time ago not to ask about a womans hair - no matter if she’s white, black or anything else.

You’ll get dropped quickly - stay away from this subject men!

By Natural is beautiful

January 28, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this

My woman (wife) has BEAU-TI-FUL reddish-brown tight locs streaming from her head and golden bronze skin… and I absolutely LOVE looking at all of it.

By Music Lover

January 28, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this

I am very familiar with the term good hair. I am an African American woman with curly hair and not a day or two has gone by with someone asking me about it During my ENTIRE (almost 40yr) Lifetime ! I have gotten all kind of comments. From both BLACK MEN and WOMEN/strangers/friends/everyone! We are definitely both caught up in this concept. Good hair being straight and long or naturally curly. I am even more of a curiousity b/c I am a darker skinned African-American. People are always asking what am I ? (I must be Dominican, Ethiopian, Indian, mixed, whatever… I just cant be a regular black person!) And when I tell them it’s natural..then they go “well do you have a texturizer?” this ignorant question implies that I just couldnt be born with it. I MUST have done something to my hair to get it this way ! One women even asked me if “I had any children ?” and when I told her “no I didnt” she said I was selfish not to have any b/c I should pass that hair on to my child. (not kidding!)

Anyway, I agree that “Good hair” is a term and concept that we should do away with but unfortunately I think it is ingrained in all African Americans and its not going to change. Look forward to seeing the movie.

By TDUBB2

January 28, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this

Black people have literally made it from the the slave ship to the white house. Find something more relevant in the black community to discuss. This is the most ignorant non-issue to report on.

By manallyallcrazy

January 28, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this

Usually a person with “good hair” is a black person who has Native American ancestry in their family. LOL.

Person A: Girl your hair is beautiful! Person B: Yeah girl, Thanks. I don’t do anything to it, but let it grow, I got Indian in my family.

NO, but really. It is an (African American) black person who can pass a “fine tooth comb test” without chemically processing (relax NOT perm) their hair. Most likely these people have another type of race in their ancestry. Unlike Aborigines in Australia who are dark complected people with naturally straight and blonde hair.

I would like to check out the documentary. It would be cool to see how he talks about it. Because he is a comedian I know it will be silly. The reference “good hair” is silly and stupid itself. Because its rooted in the hatred of blacks with “kinky, coarse or nappy” hair.

My definition of “good hair” would be its growing, full, thick and its healthy.

By Cecil

January 28, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this

Good hair is any that’s remaining on my head.

By atlangel

January 28, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

Hilarious so far, I am a so called light skinned woman with so called good hair! It still takes a minute to blow dry and flat iron though:) but being from another country I had to be educated on this good hair thing. It’s so foolish for anyone to be considerd “better” by either their degree of darkness or lightness, or by the texture of their hair. There is a history to it and unfortunately some people are unaware of the foolishness they perpetuate with a certain mentality. Personally, my hair is not political and I’m not interested in a man if he thinks my hair is of more substance than my precious internal self!! Rock it the way you like it

By nappyheadedwhat?!

January 28, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this

I’m willing to bet that most (if not all) of the naysayers here are men. It’s easy to talk about how silly this subject is when it does not directly affect you.

Whether you like it or not, or even agree with it or not, there is a such thing as “good hair/black hair” in the black community; and as the article states, it prevents women from working out, going out and even loving themselves. This is a serious issue, and has been for centuries. When our society learns to embrace kinky, natural hair, then maybe we’ll see some changes, but until then black women will continue to spend thousands of dollars and tons of hours ‘getting their hair did’.

By jbean3

January 28, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding me??? Someone wasted time, money and energy to talk about “good hair”??? This is a utter insult to the intelligence of all people. And I am very surprised at Chris Rock for putting his name on this. There are so many other important issues to discuss than the type of hair people have. Everyone made by GOD has GOOD HAIR!!

Use the money and time for something more valuable.

By Reese

January 28, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe it’s 2009 and we are still using the term “good hair”! I am an African American woman and my main concern is the condition and health of my hair. I love the versatility of my hair. I wish everyone would just embrace what they have and focus on the more important issues in the African American community. “Good hair” is the least of our concerns!

By SAR

January 28, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

I think good hair is any type, color, style or texture that makes you feel good about yourself. I have seen many black women with almost no hair, they choose to wear it scalp short and it looks good on them. Any nowadays………. bald is verrrrry sexy.

By Beautiful Black People

January 28, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

Good Hair - Healthy Hair

By rasa

January 28, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this

Good hair is your hair. God did not make anything that was not good. What you think of your hair is what you have learned from others. For some reason most black people (not only women) relate good hair to straight hair, curly hair, the oily hair and never the kind of hair that most black people (except the ones that are biracial) are born with. I love my hair. I didn’t always. I was under the illusion that I was supposed to have long straight hair like white people or people of other races. I permed it, curled it, jerry curled it, rolled it, pin curled it, dyed it… you name it, I did it. Then it came to me one day that my hair was beautiful just like God made it. So now I wear locs. My hair is as thick as it was when I was a child. It is healty, I don’t have breakage. This natural style is the best thing that has happened to my hair. We all have good hair. Leave your hair alone! Wear it like God made it. If you do, you won’t have any complaints about your hair.

By She-she

January 28, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this

As my aunt would say “good hair is cleaned and conditioned.”

By NY4LIFE

January 28, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

Barack has good hair!

By sd

January 28, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

Since I have no background culturally in this subject, I find it interesting and look forward to the documentary. I don’t know why some assume it is negative instead of educational.

The ajc printed an article a few months ago about a white man who had adopted a black girl and had learned to braid her hair very intricately. As a white man who lives in a black community, I found the piece to be educational. I now appreciate the work that goes into my neighbor’s children’s hair and the pride that they have in it.

I look forward to the film.

By VoiceOfReason

January 28, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this

I got good hair….I got african in me!

By sam

January 28, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

As a light skinned Black man in his 40’s…I’ve been told I have good hair my entire life… even to this day. I’ve been told this by Black men and Black women…never by a white person. I knew from an early age what it was all about and what it stemmed from and I never tried to act like my hair was better than anyone else’s. It has nothing to do with whether your hair falls out or not…it has to do with self hatred brainwashed into Black people hundreds of years ago.

It’s funny sometimes (really sad) when I have a conversation with a Black woman…9 times out of 10 they look at my hair instead of in my eyes…some of them don’t even know they are doing it. I love seeing the young people of today wearing their hair natural and chemically free with the dreds and braids. Hopefully they will lead a new movement. It’s sad that poor Blacks spend millons of dollars on unnecessary hair products. Life is to short to let someone else make you think you have “bad hair”.

By Vida

January 28, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this

Good hair is whatever hair you have. I’ve gone natural after having my hair relaxed since I was two “dominicans don’t do natural”. I finally decided a year ago I was sick of the constant straighteing and being told I had bad hair when my hair would get curly. So I think whatever hair you have is good hair. The term is stupid but I still hear it, even more now that I’m natural due to the large curls.

By Uncle Tom

January 28, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

For a woman, good hair is: long and straight-flowing like the mane on a pony. For a man, good hair is: a full head of it and either curly or wavy.

BAD HAIR, however, is hair that: smells foul OR is kinky or nappy.

By D Lil

January 28, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this

I have told my daughter that there is no such thing as good and bad hair. We all have curly hair. Some curls are tighter than others but all Black hair is curly. Yes, I wear my hair natural.

By cakie

January 28, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this

This whole issue stems from slavery and the self-hatred perpretrated on blacks. The issue is very real and very sad. Some black women miss so much, such as swimming in the ocean or standing under a waterfall, simply because of their obsession with their hair. There’s no way in the world I would miss out on such pleasures just to maintain a stupid hairstyle. Further, the huge amount of money being spent on our hair should be spent on stocks or put in savings. I agree with Renee that putting weaves and relaxers in childrens’ hair is outrageous and I’ll go further to say it should be illegal! I am AA and I have successfully taught my girls that it will be okay to straigthen their hair sometimes, or wear extensions once in a while when they are adults, but they should wear and love their natural hair as their main hairstyle.

By Pandora

January 28, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

TDUBB2 you said*”Black people have literally made it from the the slave ship to the white house. Find something more relevant in the black community to discuss. This is the most ignorant non-issue to report on.” **

You got it all wrong! African-Americans have gone from being Kings and Queens in Africa - The Mother Land - to being stolen from our country and forced into inhumane slavery - Jim Crow - Civil Rights - The White House.

If you are going to say anything just don’t be ignorant about it!!! Educate yourself!

By NaturalWoman

January 28, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this

For the record, you don’t have to be light-skinned to have “good hair”. I don’t know why someone needs to state what complexion they are! My brown skinned child has beautiful hair that all of her friends wish they had. Simply wash and wear. It will blow dry straight, and a flat iron will make it really shiny. Now all of her life she’s been told that she has “good hair”. I tell her she has beautiful hair. My hair…kinky but not coarse. I don’t perm my hair, but will wear a weave. Although my hair is shoulder length, weaves make life a lot easier. I can flat iron it as much as I want without damaging my own hair. Right now I’m all natural with a fro that I pull back. Love it! I think I have great hair!

By mike

January 28, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this

Hair period. Lets not forget about baldness,, its not pretty

By Me

January 28, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

Any hair that you have the Lord gave it to you and it’s good hair.

By Can't Fix Stupid

January 28, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this

I got good hair….I got european in me.

See how stupid that sounds?

By Denise

January 28, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this

This is interesting. Like Pandora, I grew up in Louisiana where color is still an issue and so is hair. I hate the term “good hair” as much as anyone else and I think that “good hair” is the hair that stays on your head and looks how you want it to look.

What I don’t understand is why people make negative assumptions about women who get relaxers and color their hair. It’s not about wanting to “look white” or “shun our roots” or “wanting good hair”. I get a relaxer because I like the way it looks and feels on MY HEAD. Other folks like the look and feel of natural hair on THEIR HEAD. It’s a personal choice and there is nothing better or worse about relaxed or natural hair. That comparison is no less ignorant than “good hair” versus “bad hair”.

By The Truth

January 28, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this

White girls get weaves too! What’s their reason?

By MountainDawg

January 28, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure I can quantify “good hair” per se, but I know “bad” hair when I see it! Long hair on males (save for “rock stars” or Samson), the “shaggy” *style” worn by teens these days, mullets (post 1991), afros (look ridiculous IMO), bowl cuts, etc. IMHO men/boys should wear their hair pretty short & woman wear longer hair…BUT to each their own! Call me old fashion, but I’ve never been into “hair styles”, coloring/dyes, etc. That’s all pretty silly IMO.

By AnnieR

January 28, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

If your hair is clean and healthy then it’s good, seems pretty simple to me.

By Hairy Smith

January 28, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this

Hair and grass. Both overated.

Don’t we have better things to discuss?

By kristin

January 28, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this

It’s sad when a beautiful woman refuses to participate in activities because of their hair. Life is to be enjoyed, not to be watched from the sidelines fussing with your hair.

Everyone wants long straight silky hair (I’m white and I don’t even have that) and of course men prefer women to wear their hair like that (look at stripper’s hair). But in reality real men love real women because of who they are and not their hair.

Sexy is rocking what you got!

By Babs

January 28, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this

Bald is beautiful, in fact!

By Judi

January 28, 2009 5:48 PM | Link to this

To the people who think this is a waste of time: No, “good hair/bad hair” is social commentary. It’s all about the way Black people feel about themselves as a race. This is ALWAYS a valid conversation! (How can you not see that??)

I grew up like every little Black girl with kinky hair, thinking it was “bad” and wishing it was wavy or loosely curled. After a lifetime of perms, ralaxers, a weave, and wigs, I finally decided to love my own hair. For the past ten years, I’ve been loc’d. My hair is to my butt and EVERY time I go out, someone stops to say how beautiful my hair is. And it doesn’t get any kinkier than this! I love it! And I am elated to see the younger generations wearing and loving their kinky, nappy hair! This isn’t a trivial issue for Black people. Our self-esteem is wrapped up in it, thanks to slavery and a country that taught us that our African beauty is ugly. Alter your hair if you want to, but understand the deep-seated brainwash that started the industry and practice. Consider getting in touch with your natural side and stop giving your hard-earned money to a Korean/White dominated industry. Invest instead in your children’s education or your own future. Start a business. Stop wasting money to look like someone or something else. Sure - white women wear weaves. But that’s a different conversation that has nothing to do with the Black community. (By the way - someone said “everyone wants long silky hair.” Funny - even as a young girl, I never wanted long silky hair. I just wanted loser texture - so I wasn’t completely lost. lol Good Hair = Healthy Hair.

By GaGal

January 28, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

Amen Couvade. I am a beautiful black woman who is engaged to a wonderful white man. While he loves the various styles I have had (perms, weaves, braids, etc.) he prefers my natural hair. He thinks it is lovely and he loves to run his hair through my wonderful mane of thick coarse hair.

By cathy

January 28, 2009 7:30 PM | Link to this

what is “good hair” why are we still trying to standardize what is good hair or bad hair on the Barbie image. By conventional standards I have “good hair” I envy my friend who has a mass of ringlets, my other friend who has almost a really short fro.

I hate my hair, it is blonde and straight and boring, if one more person tells me how “pretty I am I am going to puke”

I look like the lady in the detergent commercial who is freaked out about ring around the collar.

Embrace what makes you unique. I personally finally broke bad and got a tattoo. Love it….I am finally unique…at 50.

By tina

January 28, 2009 8:25 PM | Link to this

My daughter is the perfect example of this hair myth. She has a black child with hair almost to her waist. Wash it and she looks like Joan from Girlfriends. She is also tender headed. The combination is a disaster. So I send her to the hairdresser every 2 weeks. It gets washed, blow dried and flat ironed. EVERY time we leave the hair salon I can’t even count how may times we get stopped about her hair. People actually ask me if it’s a weave. when I tell her she is only 9, they say “9 year olds get weave”. Hard to believe. But we really place too much emphasis on hair. My mom taught us that just one bout of chemo and it will be hair today….gone tomm. So folks, let it rest.

By ACE

January 28, 2009 8:28 PM | Link to this

It’s blogs like this that remind me how racist, ignorant and judgmental the people that look like me (black) really are. Why this conversation even exists in these times is beyond me. Why anybody pays attention to Chris Rock is even further beyond me…I find him crass and without humor. Why this woman works for the AJC and has nothing better to talk about…well you know.

Be who you want to be, who you are. If you want to enhance it, color it, cut it, curl it, straighten it…who gives a good **. These are the reasons why you children are lost and doing things that are ridiculous. Worry about them and their future.

Worry about how your neighbor who just lost his job gets through the next month, the child who cannot defend his/her self or the desperate person who is contemplating their next victim in order to get what isn’t rightfully theirs. Our country is suffering and you’re worrying about someone’s hair. Sad.

By Kinky Mama

January 29, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

My Daughter and Mother have “good hair” and I don’t. When the subject came up with my Daughter, I informed her that all hair that covers your head is good hair. What’s bad is not having any when it’s not by your own choice. I hope that is one of Chris’ findings.