African consuming hair african consumed by hair 2014 by Francis Nyamnjoh and Divine Fuh. In what sense do people perform when they style their hair?describe and analyse an example from the test pages
Styling hair is not just a practical or aesthetic act; it is also a form of performance that can convey messages about cultural identity, social status, and personal expression. In "African consuming hair, African consumed by hair," Francis Nyamnjoh and Divine Fuh explore the complex ways in which hair plays a role in African societies.
One example from the text that exemplifies the performative nature of hair styling is the discussion of the popularity of dreadlocks among young people in urban Cameroon. The authors explain that wearing dreadlocks is not just a fashion statement, but a conscious choice to reject Western beauty standards and assert a sense of African identity.
When young Cameroonians choose to style their hair in dreadlocks, they are performing an act of resistance against colonial legacies that have historically devalued African features and culture. By embracing their natural hair texture and adopting a hairstyle that has cultural significance, they are making a statement about their pride in their heritage.
Through this example, Nyamnjoh and Fuh illustrate how hair styling can be a powerful form of self-expression and a way to challenge dominant narratives about beauty and identity. By analyzing the performative aspects of hair styling, they highlight the ways in which personal appearance can be used to convey deeper social and cultural meanings.