The politics of the hair, as the head patting season begins :: Mmegi Online

While some people prefer the natural look, others believe make-up, fake and nails, make a huge difference to a woman’s appearance. Some people attach hair identity, politics and self-esteem. Those who have “liberated” their hair, or are “conscious”, are quick to think that the continued black cultural investments in long straight hair, perms, weaves and the ever ubiquitous lace wigs, is evidence of a pathological investment in European standards of beauty that will always, it seems, elude us.

Interestingly, black women have always been the policers of other black women’s bodies, and the choices they make despite the fact that black women tend to be viewed monolithically.

Many people have referred to me as a ‘Koko ya Setswana’ behind my back because I’m a simple person. In fact, for many years my signature look was a brush cut, and was known as the girl who wore All Star sneakers with dresses. To me, comfort matters most because I’m a practical person.

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