It is essential to display black hairstyles since traditionally, black hair has been stigmatised and considered "unprofessional" or "unkempt" by the general public. People with natural black hairstyles have been penalised or shunned as a result, which has led to prejudice in corporate settings and schools. Yet, a growing trend to promote and accept natural black hair and its many distinct styles has emerged in recent years. An example of this is the CROWN Act which stands for ‘Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair’.
It is a legislation intended to outlaw prejudice against Black hair, natural hair, and hairdos. A number of US states, including New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado, Washington, Maryland, and numerous more, have approved the CROWN Act since it was initially presented in California in 2019. The law forbids companies, institutions of higher learning, and other organisations from implementing beauty standards that unfairly harm people of colour. According to the CROWN Act, people are prohibited from being treated unfairly because of the texture or style of their natural hair, including afros, twists, braids, locks, or other variations. By guaranteeing that everyone is welcome to express their ethnic background and unique style without worrying about retaliation or unfair treatment, the legislation is meant to encourage inclusiveness and diversity.
By portraying and normalising black hairstyles in the media, we may combat these unfavourable preconceptions and encourage better respect and acceptance of black hair.
Black hairstyles have always been a key part of African culture, serving as a form of self-expression as well as a vehicle for the expression of both individual and group identities. These hairstyles are now frequently associated with political and social movements as a form of protest against the historical systemic injustices that Black people have faced. Black hairstyles currently play a key role in the fight for equality and representation as well as giving Black people a way to express their uniqueness. Any minority that is marginalised requires representation in order to feel visible and recognised by society.
Since Black hairstyles have historically been used as a tool for cultural erasure and subordination, portraying them accurately is particularly crucial. The Eurocentric aesthetic standards that have dominated Western civilisation for decades have led to the persistent myth that Black hair is “unprofessional” or “unkempt”, which has led to the myth’s persistence. Since they have been pressured to conform to these norms in order to be accepted in mainstream culture, many black people have used chemical relaxers or other hair manipulating methods to make their hair suit these standards.
The way Black hairstyles are portrayed is important for society, not just for Black people. When Black hairstyles are appreciated and liked, it implies that multiculturalism and inclusivity are respected. It challenges the entrenched Eurocentric notions of beauty in Western culture and provides a forum for individuals from other racial and ethnic backgrounds to express their own unique identities.
Nonetheless, there is still a shortage of Black representation in the media because Black people are still the target of racial discrimination based on their natural hair, a problem that needs to be addressed and eliminated. Black hairstyles are a powerful symbol of resistance to the systemic oppression that Black people have faced for centuries in addition to contributing to the way they express themselves. By respecting and supporting Black hairstyles, one can question the Eurocentric standards of beauty that have long dominated Western society and create a more hospitable and tolerant environment for people of various backgrounds and ethnicities. It is imperative that we continue to fight for representation in all facets of society, including the workplace, educational institutions and the mainstream media, in order to ensure that Black people are acknowledged and respected for who they are.