Black whatever...

The issue of whether black women are "allowed" to wear weaves or not is often irritating and unnecessary. Ntsiki Mazwai has argued this subject for decades now and because she often serves cringe vibes, I have never been interested in her arguement in this regard. However, when i discoved that Milisuthando (missmillib) was working on documentary that celebrates and unearths the beauty and origins of black hair, I took a bit of interest. This is by no means an attack on Miss Mazwai, but I feel Milli's story and angle can potentially be less of an attack on industries because she is a fashion person.

For decades Naomi Campbell and Alek Wek have both had successful careers in fashion yet they are so different yet both very black. I have never taken interest in the topics of "black consciousness" because they are often so double sided and lead to nowhere really. Im very pro black pride but I still know that this does not have to have any bearing whatsoever on another individual who isnt. Its almost the same arguement as religion and sexuality really. Different strokes for different folks. Having worked in fashion for the past 5 or so years, I know that weaves and anything that looks European will forever be considered better than anything that is "originally" African. And because our industry feeds off a lot from Europe, it's a tad impossible to rebel too much against their market. It is for this reason that Rimmel Of London will always sell better than Black Chic and Black Like Me. It's just how it is. Im not saying that is how it should be but unfortunately, thats just how it is.

I went through a lot of research on black hair and what is considered to be "beautiful" as far as African beauty is concerned and it's all just a mess. Europe took on Alek and put her up as one of the most beautiful women in the world. In their eyes, she WAS black beauty. Some of our own Africans think she is the furthest thing from it. Then what does that mean? Are we encouraging each other to don our natural "beauty" when we ourselves fail to appreciate and acknowledge it? Double standards much?

Honestly though, I couldnt be bothered. I think everyone can pretty much do whatever it is that they want. The world has bigger problems really. Im a 20 something year old homosexual man who makes clothes for a living, I wear oversized shirts, platform sneakers and drop crotch pants and most of my flesh is covered in ink. This makes absolute no sense to a taxi driving Bab'Mkhize.Should his opinions of me be my reality? 
I think every woman and man look good in whatever they choose to wear or whoever they choose to be. Just as long as it's the true essense of who they are. And we are all at liberty to choose who we are. Or at least we should be.

PS: @missmillib, i look forward to the doccie. It promises to be of great interest and insight.

Love,
Gvru.