Episode 2 | White Women and Black Hair: Bridging the Gap

The conversation explores the significance of hair in relation to coercive control, dehumanization, and racism. The hosts discuss the experience of having their hair touched without consent and the emotional journey of embracing natural hair. They highlight the lack of consent and respect in interactions between white women and black women regarding hair. The conversation also touches on the impact of compliments and the importance of language when discussing these issues. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the deep-rooted biases and discrimination surrounding hair and the need for awareness and understanding. The conversation explores the impact of appearance control and surveillance on individuals, particularly focusing on hair and body size. It highlights how these standards are influenced by white supremacy and how they contribute to the dehumanization and objectification of marginalized groups. The discussion also touches on the intersectionality of appearance standards in different contexts, such as the military and corporate America. The hosts emphasize the importance of reclaiming personal style and rejecting societal expectations to truly know oneself.

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Takeaways

Hair is a critical aspect of coercive control and dehumanization. Interactions between white women and black women regarding hair often lack consent and respect. Compliments about hair can be problematic and should be examined for underlying biases. Language plays a crucial role in discussing hair-related issues. There is a need for awareness and understanding of the deep-rooted biases and discrimination surrounding hair. Constant surveillance and appearance control have detrimental effects on individuals, including dehumanization and objectification. Standards of beauty and professionalism are often influenced by white supremacy and perpetuate discrimination and inequality. Reclaiming personal style and rejecting societal expectations is essential for self-discovery and empowerment. Intersectionality plays a significant role in how appearance standards are enforced and experienced in different contexts. Recognizing privilege and challenging stereotypes are crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Sound Bites

"White women's pearls: Clutching pearls to calm ourselves down" "Hair is critical in coercive control and dehumanization" "Being called in is not an attack" "There's a reason that constant surveillance is a form of torture and of breaking people." "I battle with some of those things, obviously, still. The internalized anti-blackness that I felt towards myself for so long just for having the hair I have." "Your time in the military gets harder. And when certain men don't understand this, I can just lean into them and say, aren't you short? And immediately they get it."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Concept of Clutching Pearls 08:38 Hair as a Form of Coercive Control 15:08 Challenging Microaggressions and Defending Personal Boundaries 28:12 The Emotional Journey of Embracing Natural Hair 33:34 The Significance of Hair in Relation to White Supremacy 39:36 Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment for Discussions about Hair and Race 41:13 The Impact of Hair on Identity 43:23 Internalized Anti-Blackness and Beauty Standards 48:56 Hair Discrimination in the Military 52:43 Professionalism and Conformity 01:03:28 Challenging Beauty Standards 01:17:03 HWW Intro 16x9.mp4