In “Africans Consuming Hair, Africans Consumed by Hair” (2014), Francis Nyamnjoh and Divine Fuh argue that hair is a powerful symbol of identity for many – especially women of African descent whose complex relationships with hair challenge stereotypes and dichotomies inherited from the colonial past.
Draw from Nyamnjoh and Fuh’s article, lectures, and tutorials to explain this argument. Your explanation should address the following questions:
What stereotypes are associated with the hair of people of African descent and where do these stereotypes originate? (2)
The stereotypes associated with the hair of people of African descent often revolve around notions of beauty, professionalism, and cultural authenticity. These stereotypes originate from a history of colonialism and slavery, where Eurocentric standards of beauty were imposed on African societies.
For example, natural African hair, which is often kinky or tightly coiled, has been historically viewed as unkempt or unprofessional in comparison to straight hair. This stereotype has been perpetuated through media and societal norms, leading many African women to feel pressure to conform to Western standards of beauty through straightening their hair.
Additionally, there are stereotypes surrounding braided hairstyles, such as cornrows or dreadlocks, which have been associated with being "ethnic" or non-conforming. These hairstyles have often been viewed as radical or rebellious in Western societies, reinforcing negative stereotypes about African identity.
Overall, these stereotypes reflect a larger issue of cultural imperialism and the erasure of African identity within a globalized world. Nyamnjoh and Fuh argue that the complex relationships that African women have with their hair challenge and disrupt these stereotypes, showcasing the multifaceted nature of African identity beyond simplistic dichotomies.