This is not the primary time that Biles has obtained criticism for daring to permit her pure texture to point out in public. And I am unable to determine if it is higher or worse that the newest criticisms are relating to what she appeared like at her marriage ceremony, of all locations, slightly than whereas doing gymnastics or understanding — you realize, when she ought to be anticipated to be sweaty and matted.
No matter her skilled athleticism, it shouldn’t be stunning to see a Black girl’s pure hair texture in any context. There are solely so many chemical remedies, sizzling instruments, and different methods that may be achieved to take the kinks and curls out of Black hair, however these are all momentary as a result of, on the finish of the day, your hair texture is your hair texture. What do you count on her to do?
Sadly, this incident was one other reminder of the anti-Black and texturist requirements Black folks nonetheless need to face day by day, even with issues such because the CROWN Act in place. By Western society’s requirements, straight hair is seen as higher, in any other case lengthy, unfastened curls are seen as extra fascinating than the tightly coiled kinks that many Black of us have. Even the pure hair motion has positioned an aggressive quantity of deal with combatting shrinkage by stretching out hair and defining coils and kinks into one thing that appears “achieved up.” The underlying message continuously being delivered to Black folks is that the kinkier and shorter your hair is, the much less “acceptable” it’s.
I’ve seen loads of of us complain about a lot of these pointless requirements that Black hair has been held to in Western cultures. Positive, attempting to undo the texturism these unrealistic requirements stem from feels almost not possible for on a regular basis people, due to systemic oppression. However on the similar time, how many people have actively used these requirements as a method to criticize our personal hair or that of others?
It is those self same unattainable requirements that at the moment are getting used towards Biles, as soon as once more, on what ought to have been among the best days of her life. She has textured hair — recover from it, and thoughts what you are promoting.
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