Hair

In pieces like Hairpeace and The Ritual, we're given a look into the African American world of hair. That actually sounded weird when I just wrote it but you know what I mean. It's really the age old story of living up to whatever standard of beauty is dominant at the time. But then I think it's pretty interesting how the two extremes pan out- it's like you're either struggling to live up to those norms, or you're actively rebelling to show that you refuse to do so. I guess it's hard to just step back from an issue as important as beauty and all that, and simply be satisfied with things as they are. I think that's the best way to look at it though. Do your work, and then step back. Getting caught up in rebellion is practically the same measure as pursuing an ideal, just in the opposite direction. Sure, rebellion is supposed to effect change, but I think the most important thing in this case is the self. Once the focus shifts to how people really feel about themselves, and not others' ideas about them, things may improve.