BW is brill in her line of work but she probably doesn’t know that some people hate having their hair, uh, fondled. I wouldn’t say it comes from racism on her part but more a lack of respecting people’s personal space (which has little to do with color), and a bit too much curiosity. She might not know that black folks don’t want to be treated as “different” or whatever b/c of hair. My Jamaican friends who identify themselves as Rastafarians HATE it if somebody walks up to them and touches their locks. My good friend has been wearing her hair in a short “natural” style for about a year and it annoys her when people touch her hair without asking first or make silly comments.

I don’t believe BW means to offend anyone and I’m sure her interest in black women’s hair is innocent…but she needs to be told by somebody that it is not OK to fondle or comment on people’s hair. I’m sure there’s other stuff she can discuss with black women besides hair. It was out of line and unprofessional but some people don’t know better. If a person asks me respectfully what I do with my hair or gives me a compliment, there’s nothing wrong with that (but keep your hands to yourself!)

On the other hand, if you’re looking at me all wide-eyed and asking if my hair is real or trying to feel my hair or making stupid comments, I will shut you down…whether you’re black, white, or whatever.

you can find more of author and conceptual artist damali ayo’s work at damaliayo.com . i think you might like what you see!

The view will soon be “A WRAP”