Loose_Consequence_26 t1_jbqhlam wrote
Reply to comment by Bender3455 in Colin Kaepernick says adoptive white parents perpetuated 'racism' at times while raising him by DrChefAstronaut
The problem is 20 years ago white folks could wear the same hairstyles and not be viewed as unprofessional just coming back from vacation. There were also many other black hairstyles that were seen unprofessional. You pretty much had low and tight if you were a guy, or straightened as a woman.
His parents may have been trying to teach a lesson, but they taught the wrong one.
Souce: half black half white guy who heard similar things from their white mother. Little older then Colin.
Bender3455 t1_jbqjgyb wrote
I appreciate your input, but I disagree on one thing you mentioned: "His parents may have been trying to teach a lesson, but they taught the wrong one." I'm speculating slightly (based on what was written) that his parents were trying to teach him to not "look like a thug" (quoting them), and while the definition behind that has changed, it's still something that I believe is correct to teach, regardless of race. Cindi Lauper in the 80's (white girl) would buzz one side of her hair, and that was considered taboo at the time. But let's go back to your statement that I quoted; what lesson do you believe the parents should have been teaching instead?
Loose_Consequence_26 t1_jbqkx9h wrote
Thug hasn’t changed. Any thing outside what I stated had negative connotations to it. Large Afros are often seen as aggressive and militant. Afro puffs childish. You can pick any historical black hairstyle and there have been negative associations with it.
As for what they should have been teaching him. One educate themselves first. Realize their bias. As for teaching, be yourself. End of day he was a child and it was his hair. Hair is one of the few things children actually have some control of in their lives and they should be allowed to express themselves. My self perception got immeasurably better when the barber kicked my mom out of my haircuts.
And to be fair bias is not a white or black thing. I got it from both sides. One of my teachers great educator helped drive and foster my love of technology. Also once said it’s to bad I didn’t get that good hair from your momma. She didn’t mean anything negative by it. At that time straighter hair was still seen as an overall positive in the black community.
His parents isolating from his culture casually would have had impact. Intentional or not.
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