Monday, November 17, 2014

Solange's Bridal Afro break off Beauty Standards

Solange Knowles wedded her long time love Alan Ferguson over the weekend. Of course , this particular cool chick didn't give us traditional blushing bride. The 28-year-old singer chose a modern and chic white gown with a cape. Her wedding portraits were also non-traditional -- no cheesy, staged, tight group photo. It's very American Horror Tale: The Knowles. While many appreciated Solange's hip wedding day style, her bridal hairdo was either largely criticized or disturbingly defended.

Major fashion websites, such as Harper's Bazaar for instance, posted images of the newlywed on Facebook with the caption "Gorgeous. " I clicked the comment section and found a full-on discussion over why Solange decided to rock an afro for her big day. See my display screen caps below.

Solange's Bridal Afro


Earlier I said that her hairdo was also "disturbingly taken care of. " I call the defense disturbing because it is unsettling that we have to continuously go to great lengths to explain, support and justify the hair that naturally develops out of our head. I'm am over people calling natural hair "edgy" and "different. " I'm abstract because I don't grow straight tresses? I know natural hair is beautiful but I hate how much we have to tension how beautiful it is just to convince the world that we are secure with ourself.

The commenter that suggested Solange to "brush her hair" is a result of questioned beauty standards. We've been forced to achieve European beauty goals for so long that it must be basically a threat to achieve anything other. Another commenter, a white lady whose profile picture was her own bridal photo in which she dons the sleek updo, commented "Really?? Gorgeous??.. " What she really meant to state is: How dare a black woman find strength, power and elegance without my culture's influence?

Those offended by black hair felt feeling of purpose after posting their hateful comments, no doubt. "Ugly" was a favorite term of choice among the haters, but nothing was uglier than the comments about 2-year-old, Blue Ivy.

 "Ugly" was a favorite word of choice among the haters
You already know how this argument goes. There's a layered disturbance with this particular issue -- child bashing, prejudice, racism, self-hate and many other unfortunate elements. Through adults suggesting that the child cut her hair (as if she grooms herself) to shaming Beyonce for wearing "beautiful weaves" while having her kid look "mangled, " it is a clear sign of what America's vision associated with beauty is. How dare anyone tell a person of color with thicker coily hair to cut it down. You are suggesting that she cut down the girl self-esteem, her confidence, her blackness, her spirit. I have never seen or even heard of anyone telling little Suri Cruise that her silky long tresses needs trimming. While I don't know Beyonce's parenting style firsthand, I give it on her for never succumbing to this disgusting world of media. I admire her with regard to defying the limited American beauty standard and raising her child to adore her naturalness. I love how the more people judge baby Blue Ivy's tresses, the bigger her afro gets!

To all the people against puffy, coily, curly, untamed, glorious afros: I'm sorry black hair makes you feel so uncomfortable. I'm sorry our own hair defies gravity and stands tall. I'm sorry if you feel threatened and I apologize if you feel ashamed. Whether your distaste is a result of ignorance or self-hate, I feel remorseful for you.

Circling back to the topic at hand, Solange was a gorgeous bride with her beautiful lipstick, her gorgeous dress, her gorgeous smile and her gorgeous afro. Whether or not Vogue, Marie Claire or Brides Magazine decide to list this type of elegance on their style list, doesn't matter. Get used to it America, women of color tend to be finally embracing our own beauty. The fro won't go.

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