October 21, 2009
So, I found these videos today, and I thought you would find them interesting.
A similar test to the original one conducted in the 40s, was coordinated by Modesto Junior College students. There were no black students used in this study. You definitely want to see this. They are so adorable.
Here’s another video of a test that was conducted with only African-American children. It’s heartwrenching to see these beautiful children exhibit such self-hatred.
What do you think about all this?
October 19, 2009
In 1947, Psychologists Kenneth B. Clark and Mamie Phipps Clark conducted a test, in which they studied how young, black children perceived themselves.
The children identified the white baby doll with attributes such as “pretty,” and “nice,” but they attributed “ugly,” and “bad” with the black doll.
This reflected feelings of inferiority and being “less than” in society.
But those of you, who lie to yourself that racism and the perpetuation of self-hatred amongst those of African descent is a thing of the past and should be forgotten, might say:
This happened in the 40s. There was so much racism back then. It’s not hard to believe why black kids would hate themselves.
Consider this disturbing fact:
In 2006, a similar test was reconducted and the results were almost the exact same.
Society in itself teaches self-hatred. Just take some minutes and observe the television commercials and shows you watch everyday.
What roles are the blacks playing? Are they typically portrayed as respectable, beautiful people?
What about commercials? “No more frizz in your hair.”
Then we see a disappointed white woman, with afro-like hair, which is similar to the natural quality of black women’s hair, shake the “frizz” off.
That hair is “ugly.” It isn’t desirable. But, then we see the same woman apply some shampoo and poof! The frizz is gone!
She then appears with “beautiful,” long straight hair.
It’s no wonder some black women feel they must relax their hair or wear hair extensions to be beautiful.
Now, I’ve worn my hair straight before, and I also wear it curly. I have no issue with straight hair. Black women can wear their hair straight or curly if they like. I don’t care about the mere act or styling the hair.
I am concerned with the conviction and motives behind it. Are black women doing this, because they view their natural hair as ugly, or are they doing it because they simply desire to?
Just a thought.
What do you see everyday in the news? “The suspect is mostly a black, tall male.” As if white people never commit crimes. But, news media covers more black criminal stories than white stories. In fact, we are inundated with them.
Now let’s examine society at it’s very core: the dictionary.
Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines black as:
It defines white as:
With all these societal tools working to diminish black beauty, it’s no surprise young black girls are harboring self-hatred.
Here’s the way I see it:
If you are going to take the time out to have babies, you have the sole right and responsibility to morally and racially educate them, especially as a black parent.
Teach them that they are beautiful, that their color is bright and that it distinguishes them.
Teach them that they are outstanding and intelligent human beings and that they are more than capable of accomplishing anything they put their minds to.
Start from the time they are babies to instill self-confidence in your children, because as we have learned, children start at a young age to absorb subliminal messages about who they are.
As a responsible parent, you must and should counteract those messages.
Picture from Collect Dolls
October 14, 2009
Teesha Borum is a contestant for Miss. Nappturality
Going-Natural.com has kicked off it’s natural hair competition, Miss. Nappturality.
African and African-American women from various segments of the country will compete to win the title and to be crowned Miss. Nappturality.
The women, who range in age and diversity, will have to prove why they are worthy of the award.
They will be judged not just on their beauty, but also on their philosophy pertaining to natural hair and contributions, which they make to the natural hair culture.
Amina Momolu, an African Junior at the University of Maryland said that she is excited about the competition and can’t wait for it to start.
“Of course I am elated about this,” said Amina. “I mean it’s not everyday you see a competition for black women that encourages natural beauty. It’s very necessary, and I hope it get’s picked up for television.”
Picture by: Going-Natural.com
October 9, 2009
If you wear your hair naturally and curly, there are a few things you might need to know. Natural hair isn’t like relaxed or treated hair. It is actually more fragile and requires greater love and care.
Here at Sophisticated African we want you to look your best from your head to your toe, and we want you to represent the unique fashionista you are, so check out these tips:
Here are some resourceful websites for going natural:
Here are some online natural hair stores that I purchase my products from. They are fantastic!
Photo by Hello Beautiful
October 9, 2009
Speaking of Afrocentric elements in webisodes, I thought I would also mention that Comedian and Actor Chris Rock is coming out with a new movie titled: “Good Hair.” Believe it or not, his daughter inspired the movie after she asked him why she doesn’t have good hair.
It’s amazing to see a comedian humorously address the issue of race and heritage in the black community and at the same time, provide some insight to those who might not understand the black woman’s relationship with her hair.
Eversince the enslavement of Africans from their homeland and the instillment of self-hatred in African-Americans, some of the racial and strategic classifications, which were used to divide and subjugate blacks and Africans have lingered.
During slavery, there were lighter-skinned slaves, who comprised Africans from specific tribes in Africa, as well as those who were a product of rape by their masters.
These fair-complexioned slaves, who typically possessed finer and longer hair, were often trusted more than darker-skinned slaves, and they were often put in charge by their masters.
This naturally set up the “fair skin and fine hair is better than dark skin and thick hair” construct, because darker slaves were often abhorred because of their complexion and features.
The dark slave would work outside in the heat for long hours each day as the “field negro,” while the fair slave, who resembled the master worked closer to him as the “house negro.”
Time passed and the black woman was consistently reminded that her natural, God-given, full, thick and curly hair was not beautiful. She was constantly reminded by society, media and the blonde, long-haired, blue-eyed standard of beauty.
Society formulated all types of outlandish, disrespectful and denigrative terms to diminish her hair. Her thick, curled mane became “nappy,” “kinky,” and lots of other names with negative connotations.
Her own beauty became somehow insufficient. She was lacking, and it was the worst type of insufficiency – the type that erodes self-love and confidence.
The level of self-hatred and insecurity this tactic of division imparted unto black women has haunted them for many years.
In a struggle to attain society’s standard of beauty, black women relax, perm, press their hair and put it through a variety of chemically altering processes. And as they stroll down the street, their beauty is validated when another sista walks by and says:
“Girl, she is so pretty! Do you see her good hair? I wish I had hair like that.”
Photo by Jamrock Magazine
October 2, 2009
If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to take some authoritative leverage here and name today a holiday. I mean, who says only predetermined, special people get to name holidays?
So, here we go:
Drumroll please!
Today is Inspirational African Model Day!
Aren’t you excited? Today we get to honor five African models who inspire greatness. The models who are not afraid of who they are. They aren’t ashamed of their unconventional beauty, and they certainly are not afraid to show it. But most of all, these fashionistas are doing more with their beauty than lavishing in it and using it to make them millions.
They are using their prominece to reach and change the lives of people across the world. They’re building partnerships and making a difference in Africa. These beauties are speaking out against injustices that would ordinarily be silenced, and in doing so, they are changing the world as we know it one day at a time.
Their efforts have won them an honor on Inspirational African Model Day. Spread the word. These women are great!
Alek Wek, a Sudanese supermodel, who has modeled for Victorias Secret and Clinique, is a member of the U.S. Committee for Refugees’ Advisory Council. She works to bring attention to the crisis of Sudanese refugees and refugees worldwide.
(Photo by Hello Magazine)
Ethiopian Supermodel Liya Kebede, who has had various photo spreads in Vogue and has modeled for Gap, Revlon and Victorias Secret, is a major force in the modeling industry. But, when she’s not modeling, she’s serving as an activist. Liya is the World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. She is also founder of the Liya Kebede Foundation, which advocates support for maternal, newborn and child health programs.
(Photo by Don Ashby and Oliver Claisse)
Supermodel Iman Abdulmajid is from Somali. She is often credited as one of the first African models, who paved the way for others. Iman is dynamic and very versatile, as she is fluent in five languages, including French and Italian.
In addition to her diverse background in modeling and acting, Iman currently hosts Project Runway Canada. She is founder of Iman Cosmetics, a make-up line for women of color. Iman is also a representative for Keep a Child Alive, which provides therapeutic assistance and support for children and families with HIV.
(Photo by The Insider)
Katoucha Niane was a French supermodel from Guinea. She modeled for a number of top designers including Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix. Katoucha later stopped modeling and dedicated her life to the battle against female circumsion, which is a common practice in some remote African countries and villages.
She experienced the same form of genital mutilation when she was 9-years-old. Her bravery to speak up about her experience and speak out against female circumsion, has earned her an indelible position on the Inspirational African Model Hall of Fame.
(Photo by AP)
Okay, you know I had to save the best for last. All of these women have done outstanding things. What makes Supermodel Oluchi Onweagba the best however, is simply the fact that she is from my country, Nigeria. So, you know I have to represent!
Oluchi is not only an extremely successful supermodel, who has modeled in Sports Illustrated, but she’s using her accomplishment to help others. She tries to be a role model for aspiring young prospects in Nigeria. She has also founded OModel Africa modeling agency to assist aspiring African models to reach their goals.
(Picture by New York Magazine)
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