One of the things that we get the most feedback about here in #nerdland is the fact that our host wears a natural-hair style. (No "creamy crack" as it were.) Paraphrasing Melissa's introduction of the topic last week in her Teachable Moment above, there really are few things as political as the hair that grows out of a black person's head -- particularly the heads of black women. We brought this issue to the forefront in a memorable conversation on Sunday's show that got quite a bit of attention out there amongst our audience, and in other corners of the Internets.
With her all-natural hair panel -- Broadway actress Nicole Ari Parker, Penn professor Anthea Butler, feminist author Joan Morgan, and CurlyNikki.com founder and natural-hair advocate Nikki Walton -- Melissa tackled the (seemingly) inevitable political implications of black hair, addressed the big business that is involved in trends, and noted "great moments in black hair." That considered, I'd be remiss if I didn't point you to the compelling op-ed documentary published recently on the New York Times' website, as well as a rebuke to "natural-hair elitists" from beauty expert Kimberly Walker on Ebony (to which I am a contributor). Whether or not you agree with either piece, or our panelists, this is hardly a superficial discussion -- so please, keep it going.
We look forward to you joining us at 10am ET today! Our preview will be up soon. Melissa's Teachable Moment is right below, and the full discussion on black hair can be found in its entirety after the jump.
Teachable Moment: Melissa Harris-Perry offers a lesson on the politics behind black hair and what different hairstyles mean.
Actress Nicole Ari Parker of Broadway's Streetcar Named Desire, University of Pennsylvania professor Anthea Butler, cultural critic Joan Morgan, and CurlyNikki.com founder Nikki Walton, sit down with Melissa Harris-Perry to talk about the political messages behind hairstyles.
Actress Nicole Ari Parker of Broadway's Streetcar Named Desire, University of Pennsylvania professor Anthea Butler, cultural critic Joan Morgan, and CurlyNikki.com founder Nikki Walton join Melissa Harris-Perry as they continue their conversation on the politics of hair and the industry of hair products for black women.
Melissa Harris-Perry and her panelists - including Actress Nicole Ari Parker of Broadway's Streetcar Named Desire, University of Pennsylvania professor Anthea Butler, cultural critic Joan Morgan, and CurlyNikki.com founder Nikki Walton - talk about the legends and icons in black hair.
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Loved the "hair segment," the beginning of a new Hair musical. My daughter's hair is thick, black, and curly and mine is thick, "white," and straight and the segment gave us lots to talk (and think) about. Thanks.
As an old white guy, I greatly appreciated your discussion of black hair. It was a fascinating glimpse into a culture about which I know very little and about something I would never have the nerve to ask.
Wow, what timing! My good friend just wrote a play - "The Hair Chronicles" - that deals with many of these issues: "The story of three women of color searching for a paper topic for a graduate class. During their constant and hilarious procrastination, they discover common hair issues that tie them together with deeper roots than the hair on their head".
The play with premiere next Saturday, June 30th at the DC Black Theatre Festival and again July 14-22 at the DC Capital Fringe Theatre Festival! You can purchase tickets to the show through their website (www.3girlsandadog.com ) or "LIKE" them on Facebook @The Hair Chronicles.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this wonderful segment. It was great to finally see natural black hair talked about on mainstream media and to see these positive, beautiful, and strong black women discuss this. I can't tell you how much I loved this. MHP, keep up the great discussions and work that you do on your show.