And when you add mystery plus fear together, it equals various forms of oppression, such as how black women who don’t have their hair relaxed (aka chemically straightened) have been told they are “unprofessional,” or how schools have told young black children they can’t wear their hair natural because it’s a “distraction” for everyone in the classroom, or the daily, unwanted commentary, such as this unsolicited message I received when I had dreads: “You know, you would be so pretty if your hair was straight.” Wow—“hire-ability,” acceptance, and attractiveness are all on the line when someone
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