This is not the primary time that Biles has obtained criticism for daring to permit her pure texture to point out in public. And I can not determine if it is higher or worse that the most recent criticisms are relating to what she appeared like at her marriage ceremony, of all locations, somewhat than whereas doing gymnastics or understanding — you already know, when she must be anticipated to be sweaty and matted.
No matter her skilled athleticism, it shouldn’t be surprising to see a Black girl’s pure hair texture in any context. There are solely so many chemical therapies, scorching instruments, and different tips that may be completed to take the kinks and curls out of Black hair, however these are all short-term as a result of, on the finish of the day, your hair texture is your hair texture. What do you anticipate her to do?
Sadly, this incident was one other reminder of the anti-Black and texturist requirements Black folks nonetheless need to face each day, even with issues such because the CROWN Act in place. By Western society’s requirements, straight hair is seen as higher, in any other case lengthy, free curls are seen as extra fascinating than the tightly coiled kinks that many Black people have. Even the pure hair motion has positioned an aggressive quantity of deal with combatting shrinkage by stretching out hair and defining coils and kinks into one thing that appears “completed up.” The underlying message continuously being delivered to Black folks is that the kinkier and shorter your hair is, the much less “acceptable” it’s.
I’ve seen loads of people complain about a majority of these pointless requirements that Black hair has been held to in Western cultures. Positive, attempting to undo the texturism these unrealistic requirements stem from feels practically not possible for on a regular basis people, due to systemic oppression. However on the identical time, how many people have actively used these requirements as a way to criticize our personal hair or that of others?
It is those self same unattainable requirements that at the moment are getting used in opposition to Biles, as soon as once more, on what ought to have been among the finest days of her life. She has textured hair — recover from it, and thoughts what you are promoting.
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