Is there one African-American woman on American cable or TV

[malaise]

with natural hair. I am talking about newsrooms and programs not sitcoms.

That too is institutional racism.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2014/05/28/chemical-free-black-hair-not-simply-trend/kLVdugv5MChUejSkDXoO3J/story.html

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

1. How is Melissa Harris-Perry doing her hair these days?

I gotta say, I'm paying attention to what she talks about, not how she does her hair or what she wears, so I'm not sure if she fits your question or not, but she doesn't seem like the kind of person who would 'do' her hair simply to suit network requests. If her hair isn't 'natural', I'd say it's simply a matter of personal preference.

[malaise]

5. She has on artifician braids

and I would really like to know if it is a personal preference or official management policy. I do not believe that not one of these women's persona preference is their own natural hair particularly when more and more African American women are opting for chemical-free hair these days.

[RobinA]

2. Uhmmm

Is there one woman on TV news or programs with natural hair?

[My Good Babushka]

3. I was just going to say this

Styles and trends change. I'm not sure what "natural" hair would be for anyone! My hair doesn't grow in "naturally" the Miss Clairol 9A shade of light ash, but I'm keeping up with the culture. I don't see very many silver strands of hair on TV.

[JustAnotherGen]

6. It's a 'trend' for black women

I know there were 'fros' in the 60's and 70's - but that wasn't where it was at as mainstream as it is now.

I've worn my hair natural since 1996.

I.E. Natural as it relates to black American women -

I don't make white people feel good and comfy by putting a burning poisoning chemical on my hair or risking heat burns from hot irons.

For reference -

http://www.naturalhairrules.com/

Oh - and if you aren't aware we (blacks) have very different hair care needs due to the coarse texture and fragile nature of our hair.

I'm mixed so when I transitioned I was fortunate to find a woman from Sicily who was VERY comfortable with my hair texture as some could say it's somewhat similar to what you find there on some people.

[RobinA]

37. Do What You Want

with your hair, but don't put your reasons for doing it on me. I just don't think all that much about black hairstyles and I don't expect you to think that much about white hairstyles. Own your hairstyle, I'll own mine.

[JustAnotherGen]

49. I stated my reasons

And wether you like it or not - it's the way it is.

I won't back down from my experiences as a black woman.


If they make you resentful - then it is what it is.


I do think about white hair styles - my husband is white, my mother is white and if I have a child with him - I better get the lessons my mom got on my hair! But for a white person!


I don't live in a cookie cutter one race world on a day to day basis. That's for people who are racially isolated.

Love, peace, and hair grease!

[upaloopa]

58. I don't think you made him uncomfortable.

Really some of us don't give a hoot what you do with your hair.

[JustAnotherGen]

61. Then why respond read to or read the thread?

Just get to stepping if it doesn't impact you. Why is that so difficult?

I stayed out of stupid pig skin threads today because i think the subject is stupid. It doesn't impact me, I don't care.

Should I go to one of those football threads and tell people it's a stupid thing to discuss? No one cares about their opinion?

I know I know I know - I'm snotty and uppity.

[upaloopa]

63. Just to see how you would reply

You can't help yourself. You enjoy the fight too much.

[JustAnotherGen]

66. If you met me in real life

You wouldn't say that. I'm very warm and kind.

I just can't relate to you at all.

[upaloopa]

67. Ok I believe you.

[JustAnotherGen]

68. I know you do - you're that kind of woman!

[RobinA]

75. I Responded

because you implied that black women put harsh chemicals on their hair to please white people. I countersuggested, as a representative white person brought into the discussion by your statement, that white people spend less time worrying about what black women do to their hair than some people seem to think. That is my experience as a white woman.

I choose to respond because increasingly I find, here and elsewhere, that there is a lot of discussion by nonwhites about what white people think about nonwhites that implies WAAAYYYY more attention to the details of being nonwhite than I've ever heard a white person actually give. Just as I'm sure black women don't sit around debating white people's hair, white women don't sit around debating black hair. Sorry to disappoint you. I got my own problems keeping myself presentable.

[GummyBearz]

85. Very well said

And probably too much sense was made for a response... have a good friday/weekend

[phylny]

92. Thank you for your response - you echo what I think.

An African-American friend of mine cut her previously permed/straightened hair because she was ready for a change. As her hair grew and she was "relearning" (her words) how to style it without perming it, I cheered her on - she looked so beautiful. She told me that she was getting a lot of unkind comments from her extended family and friends at her church. No white people were telling her to go back to straightening her hair.

I grew up with boys/girls, young men/women who wore Afros. Never once did I think they should look more like me, a white Italian-American.

[marym625]

69. Well said

I wasn't even aware there was a difference until I was in 7th grade. Thought everyone's hair was the same except for how much curl.

Styles are for the rich and the young. Ya hit my age and you're just happy it's not in your eyes

[OLDMADAM]

38. I'm with you.. Where are we going NOW? It's gettin a bit deep..

I've worn mine short and natural (TWA), since childhood, and no one better define me by my choice of hairstyle.. Good Grief..

[stevenleser]

35. Depends how you define "Natural". OP has said that MHP adding braids doesnt count.

If natural =
No color, no straightening, no curling, no blowing out, no styling, then the answer is no, for all women not just African American.

But I am not sure that tells us anything.

[RobinA]

76. It Tells Us

that unnatural looking females in TV shows and news is an equal opportunity situation, not evidence of racism.

[stevenleser]

77. That's my take too. Heck, we can omit gender and it still applies.

As a male, you don't get to go on TV without makeup. And if you are a host or regular, you can't choose a wild hairstyle or look.

[HappyMe]

78. I don't think that

you get to tell the black men and women in this thread what racism is or isn't.

[stevenleser]

79. It's more complicated than that here. What's being implied is what white culture is or isn't doing

vis-a-vis how people of color are allowed to look on TV news shows.

And there are definite questions. Does anyone get to look like how they want to look on TV news shows? What is considered appropriate? Is it a white look? Is white privilege or culture enforcing that look?

its not as simple as "you don't get to decide what is discriminatory for x group."

[HappyMe]

80. Yes, you're right.

It irritates me when I see people saying 'xyz isn't racist'.

I do think that maybe white culture or privilege influences hairstyles. I have heard black women discussing how somebody may or may not have been born with "good" hair (this was years ago). Why would straight hair be considered "good" hair? There was also a time when women that were mixed race were concerned with being able to "pass" as white. I'm sure there are more examples. I think that those things still have influence to this day. Or maybe I'm wrong.

[stevenleser]

82. I started out being sure this wasn't racist. Now I'm not sure.

Here is what I know, the first thing you do when you arrive at a news station to appear (and I have been on several now including one foreign one) is you obviously let the right folks know you are there and on site. The very next thing that happens is that, regardless of gender or anything else, you are ushered into a makeup room, or told how soon you can get into a makeup room if all are occupied. There, they make your face up and offer to do your hair. This is not optional.

So, right off the bat, no one looks 'natural'. I know that a lot of focus group work has been done and is redone on occasion to determine what the most pleasing look is to the average viewer. Beards for men, obviously, is one thing that is out for this reason.

Now what I have already written above is just for a guest, i.e. a non-paid person not affiliated with whatever networks they go on. For someone who is a paid contributor or a host, they get specific guidelines regarding how to look and have to get changes to their hair and appearance approved.

Is the approved look racially biased? I'm starting to lean toward yes after initially being certain the answer was 'no'.

[HappyMe]

86. The make up I can understand.

I walked by ABC when they were broadcasting the news one evening. The lights were so bright I thought they were reading the news on the sun. There are probably colors and patterns as far as clothing go that photograph better.

Having the news people or commentators look good is pretty much a given. But if a woman is forced to straighten her hair because it 'sells' better, then something is wrong. I have a hard time with that whole idea. Why would people freak out over curly hair? Whether or not they are good at their job should be the issue.

[stevenleser]

83. Here is an interesting set of comments from the article Kelliekat posted downthread:

Willie Edward Redd · Top Commenter
It's 2015 and beautiful black women are still faced with this? White women will most likely have naturally straight hair unless she gets a perm to make it curly. Black women will most likely have naturally over curly hair unless she gets a relaxer to permanently straighten her hair. In their natural hair state, both races are beautifully human equally.
Reply · Like · 34 · Follow Post · 16 hours ago

Ingrid Buxton · Top Commenter · Teacher at Retired
Actually, white women dont mostly have straight hair or I wouldnt have spent the 60's ironing mine. But frankly, I am happy to see so many women of color enjoying so many more beautiful choices and styles.
Reply · Like · 15 · 3 hours ago

Craig Schultz · Top Commenter · Middleton, Wisconsin
What you are seeing is actually "White women" who have most likely straightened their hair.
Reply · Like · about an hour ago

Ruth Anne Mak · Top Commenter
Not really, Willie. I have seriously curly, frizzy hair and was teased as a child about there being someone in the "woodpile" who must have contributed to my "afro". I know many other white women with curly/frizzy hair, too.

But I do agree with you that there are many different looks and styles, and unless someone has hair down that will cause a safety issue or contaminate something, as is possible in several fields of work, it is personal choice. If it is clean and neat (for that style), then cool.

[Sunlei]

4. to assume all Black persons are from Africa is also a bit institutional in the USA :P

Even star treks Uhura left the natural look behind!

[JustAnotherGen]

7. I don't know Malaise

Part of the problem with the article is - even right on the thread . . .

Many non black Americans don't even realize the trend until the girl in the next office comes in rocking some beautiful twists. They don't even know what that hairstyle is without googling it.

This might not be the best forum. That's all I'm saying.

For a young girl who maybe wants to go into broadcasting . . . she doesn't have a Jayne Kennedy to look up to anymore - which was as close as you could get during her era. Totally get that - but I'm happy whenever we get away from the typical peroxide blonde who has had lip injections.

[malaise]

8. LOL

Nice post

[BumRushDaShow]

9. Charlayne Hunter-Gault still makes appearances on tv

[brooklynite]

11. And the very notion that your concern is about their hair might be considered sexism...

...note that you weren't concerned about how African-American men did their hair care.

[JustAnotherGen]

22. African American men don't have the

Stigma of 'nappy hair'.

Sorry brooklynite - I just don't think you understand the nuance/cultural dynamic on this one. And there is a lot of support among black men in America for black women to get off of the 'creamy crack'. It's dangerous man.

[HappyMe]

12. Not that I can think of.

All of that straightening or tight braids for a weave have to take a toll on their hair and scalp.

[Bluenorthwest]

13. My guess is the answer to your question is 'no'

Here is a link to Mediate, where they collected every black person on cable news, MLK Day 2014 6am through 11 pm. It's everybody, anchors, the President, wanted criminals, sports people, everybody black on cable news for whatever reason, all in a row. First thing I noticed is it is a lot of men....and many of the men are without hair....

"Below are snapshots of every appearance by a black person on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC for the first weekday of Black History Month, Monday, February 3, between the hours of 6 am and 11 pm. Every appearance in which someone appeared onscreen and was named as part of the news broadcast, excluding teases, are included. Hosts and anchors are only included once per program.

Here are all of the black people on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC for Monday, followed by a breakdown of each network’s performance:

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/here-are-all-of-the-black-people-on-cnn-fox-news-and-msnbc/#50

[malaise]

15. Thanks

[bravenak]

14. Tamron Hall.

Joy Reid.

[malaise]

16. Not true - both process their hair n/t

[bravenak]

17. Really?

Looks like a press.

[JustAnotherGen]

23. You can tell if you get a close look at Tamron's edges

I also think Joy Reid textulaxes.

[gwheezie]

55. When tamron too swimming lessons

Her hair was natural. Very cute.

[kydo]

18. Joy Reid?

[NCTraveler]

19. I believe Gwen Eiffel often wears her hair naturally.

More naturally so than many white women who are in the newsroom. Not sure what "natural" has to do with it.

[KamaAina]

21. Ifill

The woman does not have a tower in Paris.

[NCTraveler]

24. Wow. Nice job on my part.

She is one of my favorites. I love her mind. It is as beautiful as is she.

[KamaAina]

25. My favorite Ifill moment was when she moderated a presidential debate

from a wheelchair, because of a broken ankle.

[bettyellen]

20. Do you remember Melba Tolliver? She was asked to cover her fro for Trisha Nixon's wedding and

made news by refusing. IIRC, she rocked a number of hairstyles over the years, but often it was twists or a short fro.
I just loved her. Feels like we are going back wards eh?

[malaise]

39. I remember that

You understand - that weave depresses me.

[Nye Bevan]

26. How am I supposed to be able to tell? (nt)

[JustAnotherGen]

27. Make friends with black women

See us up close.

Have us into your home.

You'll start to see the difference. If your exposure to us is limited you can't tell - but to a young black girl she can.

And what's important here is how SHE experiences her image in the Media/America - not you.

[HipChick]

28. Great post...

just do not ask to feel a black woman's hair..

[JustAnotherGen]

30. This times 1000000

[Nye Bevan]

29. I have friends of several races,

but I don't tend to ask them about the extent to which their hairstyle is "natural" (let alone ask to feel anyone's hair). And I have to say I don't really care. My guess is that the majority have some kind of hair styling regimen, but I'm not sure to what extent this violates the OP's definition of "natural hair".

The good thing about threads like this is that they are a sign that the bigger and more important problems are being solved. If you had told a black woman in the 1950s or 1960s that one of the top issues being discussed by progressives 50 years later would be the question of out of the many black women who appear on TV, what proportion have "natural hair", I think she would have been..... surprised.

[JustAnotherGen]

31. No she would NOT be

See - those women are in my family- one is close to 90 years of age.

If you had told a black woman in the 1950s or 1960s that one of the top issues being discussed by progressives 50 years later would be the question of out of the many black women on TV, what proportion have "natural hair", I think she would have been..... surprised.

You probably didn't know any back then and don't know any that lived through that time or you wouldn't have written that.

With all due respect - I can't tell 'intent' of your post but it kind of came across (no offense) as kind white privilege-like. Because it's easy for you to 'dismiss' (again perhaps that was NOT your intent) how a young black girl -

Marginalized
Stereotyped
Seeing a white female rapper from Australia making crazy insane money for a overly sexualized stereotype of her . . .


Experiences YOUR country. We just have to live here, pay taxes, and I guess not have these discussions.

Because it's not important (or is to be dismissed with derision by white men) - when in fact it is - to us. Sort of like a cricket game to me - or curling - I've not one f*ck to give 'bout that but I just keep my mouth shut because what's the point in looking down at my nose publicly about a topic I feel has zero value?

Truth - Black girls use hair as peer pressure.

Where - white teenage girls use things like smoking and weight.

Know how I know? In and out of the color lines allllllllllllllll my life.

Your hair in a group of young black teenage girls was a big deal in 1985 - and it was in 1955 - and it still is.

I know things - that you don't. Sorry - but you don't know and can't speak for us so I'm sorry if it comes across as dismissive . . . I'm just letting you know that if asked Aunt Clara or Aunt Deoliver they'd take my side and not yours. And they are those women you seem to know so much about -

Yet neither one ever sat down and braided your hair - they did mine. They know.

Because that's another thing the media downplays - how thick as thieves black women are when outsiders attack.

[malaise]

45. Excellent post

They do know and all my aunts also knew the 'good hair' debates.

[kwassa]

32. You are the race thread minimizer.

This is fascinating to watch. Over and over.

[JustAnotherGen]

33. Read my remarks

I believe I respectfully called him out.

If it's not important -just keep still. I do it ALL the time. Like this patriots football thing . . . saw a few threads and moved on. Doesn't concern me, I don't know anything about it, don't know the rules and have not ONE THING of value to add.

And my dad always used to say I was a prima donna. Who'da thunk it! Who knew that as I aged I would come to realize that I'm not as important in ALL things. Some yes - and I know my shit on those things. But if it's a topic I know nothing about I can either toss it - or learn.

I guess tossing it puts me in the prima donna category still but it's better than shitting on other peoples' concerns you know?

[AndreaCG]

34. Indeed

Women of color have different hair regimens than whites. It's generally more labor intensive initially but lasts weeks. There are so many creative hairstyles, some of which are fetching enough that I've complimented strangers about them. While there used to be a stigma attached to "nappy" hair I don't think it is as prevalent, and Afros are just out of style. They may come back, or not. I do see little girls sometimes wearing "Afro puffs"which are adorable and remind me of my childhood friend April.

[onenote]

50. I obviously can't say this with any certainty

But it doesn't strike me that Michelle Obama (or Sasha or Malia for that matter) are diminished to a significant extent as role models because their hair is not natural.

[JustAnotherGen]

51. I don't think the younger daughter relaxes

I think she has 3c hair. It can be wash and go. Pull it back tight it will straighten.

[onenote]

54. Thanks for the info.

[Go Vols]

36. ... "needs to wear a wig or grow some more hair"

?1355327290


http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/12/11/1169088/-Rhonda-Lee-African-American-TV-Weather-Reporter-Fired-for-Reply-to-Facebook-Complaint-re-Her-Hair

http://newsone.com/2867261/rhonda-lee-weather-woman-fired-natural-hair/

[malaise]

40. Precisely

Good post

[mentalsolstice]

41. Nancy Giles

On CBS Sunday Morning?

[LiberalAndProud]

42. I think it is.

Me. Speaking as an old white lady with biracial grandchildren, I think you're right.

My granddaughter who has blonde hair with AA texture kept saying, "I want blonde hair."
"You have blonde hair, honey."
"No. Blonde hair like hers."

I think all women struggle with the self-image foisted upon us. What would you say to a 9-year-old who has internalized pop culture? Live with it? It's a conundrum I haven't yet resolved for my own family.

[malaise]

43. It is a very complex subject

The self-esteem issues are palpable - many do not understand this issue. This is not about style or fashion.

When people are told that they are not 'presentable' with their own hair, that is institutional racism. When they are told that their hair is not good enough, that is institutional racism.

[LiberalAndProud]

46. The subject always came up while watching commercials for hair products.

I particularly remember an animated ad. To her, blonde meant straight, not hair color. This in spite of the fact that she received frequent complements on her curly hair.

I want her to feel good about herself. If having a straightening perm affords her that, I bow to pop culture.

[Munificence]

87. This:

"I think all women struggle with the self-image foisted upon us."


And you know what, it's done by other females.

Being a father of 2 girls (10 and 15) it starts around the age of 9-10 and runs rampant from there. Long before boys even notice girls the girls are fighting over who "fits in" and who does not and it's mainly based on looks. Boys, ah they are out on the playground playing dodge ball at the same age so they are not to blame.

I could never be a female. I mean giving birth is bad enough (We'd go extinct if the male species suddenly had to do that) but the ridicule most females pass out in real life against other females would be unbearable for me.

Young girls for the most part are brutal to one another and it continues throughout life.

I don't envy you ladies at all.... my god there are a lot of females that are vindictive against their own gender. We males very rarely have to deal with this coming from our own gender throughout our lives.

You ladies are beautiful creatures and a lot more caring than your counter part except when dealing with other women....it's a phenomena I think I understand but wonder why you ladies let it continue among yourselves. You ladies start that long before boys ever care or take notice.

If anyone that reads this thinks for one moment that anything I have said should be taken as me putting down any within the female gender then please, that is not my intention. You ladies should control everything in my book - way more rational than males as a whole.....but yet you don't because most can't get passed their looks and being really hard on one another.

Step up ladies, we need ya for bigger and better things vs. how good your hair looks.

As a father it is crushing to see your daughters come home crying at that age. Sure I lend an ear and a shoulder and try to encourage them by saying "All are not like that", or "It's not really important"....but you know how it all ends? We end up running down to the store buying tons of clothes (based on current trends) and then to the hair stylist and plop down $100+ just so our daughter(s) fit in so they do not have to face the daily abuse FROM OTHER FEMALE peers.

My son is only 9....I have not seen it, but I hope this does not become popular in males at that age, as I know I've never seen it among males in my life (I am 45).

Heck just ask a middle age man like me how many male "friends" I have and as far as "friends" I could probably count for awhile and get to several hundred. Where as our counter part females may not get past counting to 5 - You know why? Because they are so judgmental of one another.

Glad the DU ladies are not like that.

[PeaceNikki]

44. Not always, but often Robin Roberts from GMA

[dissentient]

47. Funny you should bring this up, I just was at the store and stood in line behind a young black woman

who had her hair natural. I don't think she was a tv person though, lol. But it made me wonder if perhaps that natural style is coming back into fashion or something, because it seems very rare to see, just walking around here in the city during daily comings and goings.

[malaise]

48. More women are giving up on the chemicals and weave

That article from last year says more and more sisters are returning to their own hair.

[dissentient]

52. Interesting. I have no idea how it works to get it looking like most black women on tv or in the

movies, where its long and luxurious and looks "European" (quoting what that tv newscaster said in post #36), but I imagine it must be a big hassle.

[malaise]

53. It's a billion dollar industry

and it's more than a big hassle - the long term damage to the hair and scalp is frightening and cannot be worth it.

[dissentient]

56. Heh, like I said, I can only imagine. I know about as much about women's hair and those processes

they use on their hair, as I do about rocket science.

[malaise]

57. hehehehhe

[JustAnotherGen]

59. It's okay

My husband jokes he had to go to "black girl school" when we met. He now understands what ashy means and is quick to point it out to me when I'm looking like it!

[dissentient]

60. heh, funny story

[JustAnotherGen]

62. You "get" it

Some people at DU will just take a topic such as this to take pot shots at people thy don't understand - this leads me to believe that in real life they probably target on a regular basis. Who knew the Op would cause panty bunching.


I did not read that in your posts at all.

[dissentient]

64. Well, thanks. What a nice thing to say.

[tammywammy]

70. I watched the Chris Rock documentary a few years ago

I was really shocked to learn the cost involved with weaves. And the general maintenance too. The most is spent on my hair was once when I got highlights and it was around $150. Generally I spend $75 every 8-10 weeks for a wash and cut.

And the other thing, when I stopped straightening my hair and was trying to figure out what products to use on my 3c (2b second day) hair (I love you Deva Curl) there wasn't any judgments from strangers or anything. No translation, just stopped using a round brush and flat iron.

Frankly with the chemicals involved I hope more women go natural. I can't imagine the difficulty for African Anerican women that must conform to what "corporate America" thinks is an acceptable hair do (white).

[malaise]

71. That's my point

Why must we conform - there is nothing wrong with our hair.
The weave is an obsession among many young women in these parts.

[tammywammy]

72. Oh I know!

Some of the best curly hair advice I've gotten is from reading hair boards with mostly African Americans. I use a silk sleeping cap at night and silk pillow case in case the cap comes off. But that advice all came from AA women, especially the what's good in a cap and where's a good website to get one.

It's a rough road out there. Remember the talk about Gabby Douglas' hair during the Olympics? You'd think people would have more things to worry about than someone else's hair. Especially after her amazing performance.

[malaise]

73. It's an obsession sis

I was really angry over the Gabby comments.

[HipChick]

84. Dominated by Asians..

billion dollar industry dominated by Asians...how does that happen?

[ecstatic]

65. Oprah and Iyanla Vanzant on OWN

I think Oprah went natural a couple years ago. Her hair is pretty long.

[kelliekat44]

74. Update on your question

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/22/rhonda-lee_n_6526670.html

Fired for natural hair.

[pkdu]

81. Jessica Williams on "Operation Black Hair"...( Daily Show) ..great video

http://traceeellisross.com/hair/jessica-williams-operation-black-hair/

[RockaFowler]

88. My friend Rochelle in Baltimore did a story about natural hair

She works at WJZ - her name is Rochelle Ritchie

[Stellar]

89. In Chicago, the first name that comes to mind...

Reporter, Evelyn Holmes...




http://abc7chicago.com/about/newsteam/evelyn-holmes/

[Skidmore]

90. Nancy Giles

But she is only on occasionally as a commentor or panelist.

[phylny]

91. Kelly McCreary on Grey's Anatomy.

Her hair is beautiful, I think.


Jerrika Hinton on Grey's as well.

[Stellar]

93. Tamron Hall, once.

[TeamPooka]

94. No professional on TV is untouched by fancy hair and make-up tricks. TV is an illusion, not reality.

Stop trying to judge the real world through the TV or movie screen.