In Many Cultures, Ethnic Groups, And Nations Around The World, Hair Is Considered A Source Of Power And

In many cultures, ethnic groups, and nations around the world, hair is considered a source of power and prestige. African people brought these traditions and beliefs to the Americas and passed them down through the generations.

In my mother’s family (Black Americans from rural South Carolina) the women don’t cut their hair off unless absolutely necessary (i.e damage or routine trimming). Long hair is considered a symbol of beauty and power; my mother often told me that our hair holds our strength and power. Though my mother’s family has been American born for several generations, it is fascinating to see the beliefs and traditions of our African ancestors passed down. We are emotionally and spiritually attached to our hair, cutting it only with the knowledge that we are starting completely clean and removing stagnant energy.

Couple this with the forced removal and covering of our hair from the times of slavery and onward, and you can see why so many Black women and men alike take such pride and care in their natural hair and love to adorn our heads with wigs, weaves, braids, twists, accessories, and sharp designs.

Hair is not just hair in African diaspora cultures, and this is why the appropriation and stigma surrounding our hair is so harmful.

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murderer: (via text) im going to kill you

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grillescheesecats

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my honest, best and most fulfilling advice for young girls and women is to not cater to what other men think, need or desire from you. in fact, if you don’t like a man for any reason, be honest with yourself and don’t spend time around him if he makes you uncomfortable in any way. if possible, set as many boundaries as you desire. block and do what you must. you’re not here to coddle a man’s feelings.

from a very early age i was taught to smile and be polished, make myself small (as small as i could) so a man would enjoy my presence. i didn’t listen to my intuition when a man showed red flags and i wish i did.

listen to you. to your voice and other girls’ voices. the male gaze is not at all important or defining of your worth, talents and accomplishments. if a man bothers you or harms you in any way, do not be silent! you are allowed to take up space. you are your own human being and not an extension of his judgment.

(terfs/transphobes/creeps: do not interact)

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grillescheesecats

4 years ago

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if you’re reading this i hope you find the strength to get through whatever it is that’s causing you so much trouble or pain at the moment

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grillescheesecats

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eat a fruit that you like. take a little walk and pay attention to the trees. dance to music alone in ur room. it’s the small things that will heal you

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grillescheesecats

3 years ago

Do you think soulmates are real?

Yes…….. and it’s not the bitch who’s hurting you

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