This 1963 Negro Digest Article was posted on Longhaircareforum by MariaG/BostonMaria today, and I thought I’d share it here!
MariaG said,
This 1963 Negro Digest article was posted on NC by Thkchk this morning and I wanted to post it here as well. The article is about two different female opinions on going natural vs straightening… which is funny because over 40 years later we’re still “arguing” over the same things. Its also interesting to read the thoughts of the whole natural movement of the 60’s and early 70’s. I guess I always assumed it was politically motivated.
Click HERE to read the article.
I connected with the american woman as well. I understood her pain, embarassment, and frustration. I understood the other argument it just seemed a bit off base. Finding something new to do,i.e. straightening hair, wearing cosmetics, does not make the old techniques inherantly bad. I was disheartened by the idea that a workplace would banish braids. Im all for a dress code but as long as you are neat, clean and of good hygeine I feel you should be able to wear your hair however you please. Its amazing how it is the same argument today. European standards brainwashing is a mofo.
What a wonderful argument! I found myself fully entertained by this article. Of course(duh) I love the natural gal story better, but it’s only because of the saga that went along with it. Her feelings of fear of rejection and overall disdain for her hair (which most of us don’t really know until we are natural) were very familiar. I too, like the writer, was encouraged by a white co-worker to wear my hair natural. I was already fully natural, just never wore it out.