One prime example would be this past weekend at the one of the biggest events in entertainment : the Oscars. Though I do not personally frequent award shows these days, I do like to see what fashion creations that today's stars are rocking for the event. One person that had caught my eye almost immediately was Disney star Zendaya Coleman. Many don't know this about me, but I'm actually a big fan of her work, from her seamless acting to her flawless dancing. Not to mention, I think she's beautiful. But what caught my attention about her this time was the fact that she had chosen to don faux dreadlocs to the Oscars. To me it takes a certain kind of person to wear something as "taboo" as dreadlocs to any sort of major event, and I believe that she did it well. However, as I was scrolling through my social media feed early this morning, I couldn't help but feel a little ping of hurt after reading that someone who is in Hollywod's fashion in crowd had the audacity to speak that Zendaya's locs had looked like they" smelled of weed".
After I read that, I was stunned. Stunned that this person who was DOUBLE the age of this young starlet had the nerve to criticize part of her culture, my culture, our families' culture and so many more out there. Riddle me this: how does one LOOK like they "smell of weed"?? Last time I checked, the odor of weed could only be detected by one sensory organ: the NOSE. And I'm pretty sure that the EYES are used for SEEING, not SMELLING. Sounds like somebody may need to go back to school to learn some basic anatomy and some respect.
However, what really stunned was Zendaya's response to this person's moment of ignorance (via her personal Twitter):
I respect her response so much. Not because she and I are culturally connected, but because she recognized a wrong and immediately addressed it , yet maintained a level of professionalism. That's a skill that is simple to the human eye but very difficult to master. Too often, people allow their emotions to get the better of them overshadowing the point were desperately trying to make(me included). Yet, Zendaya didn't let that happen. She probably was not only angry, but saddened and hurt to hear something so negative about something she saw as beautiful. But instead of falling apart, she stood up tall against it and spoke out. No, she was not the first to push the societal buttons, but I certainly hope she won't be the last.
I leave you all with this: A person's hair is merely an accessory. It doesn't define how well they treat people, their character, their talents, their dreams and the list could go on and on. India Arie definitely said it best: I am not my hair. I am not this skin. I am not your expectations. So before you start passing judgment on another person based on a physical component, really look at yourself. What would people say about YOUR look?? Think about that . And if you never heard "I Am Not My Hair" by Miss Arie, go listen here. and I mean REALLY listen
Peace & Love,
A Black Woman
