Hofstede defined culture as the unwritten rules of the social game.I find this definition apt as it clearly captures the essence of this really complex issue.
There are different ways in which one can charachterize culture.
One way is;culture can be normative or Judgemental.This means that culture depends on what society values.
This values are especially informed by religion and spirituality in a certain society.
The other way is; Cognitive dimension.This means that culture is dependent on the context in which it is being played out.
This is the connotations and conceptions that influence culture.
Today,I am interested in discussing a topic in the cognitive dimension of culture,by referencing a case study of different black women in the acting industry,and their hair experiences.
We live in a society where there is so much more diversity in a cast than ever before.Black people and other non-Caucasian people in Hollywood have fought hard for this development.
We feel pride when we see women with skin like ours looking gorgeous and giving breath taking performances.
When Lupita Nyong'o won that Oscar,we as a collective race celebrated that victory.
That's why it is so sad to discover how much the African Woman is neglected on the ground.
African American hair is different and unique.It's course,kinky texture gives us our rich identity but let's be honest,this hair requires a lot of care.
You have to twist it,clean it, moisturize it,protect it for it to thrive.Most hairdressers do not have experience with African American hair,so many black actors have to show up on set with their hair already done,while their Caucasian and non-black co-stars get to strut on set with bed-head.
Gabrielle,the gorgeous talented girl on the Netflix show,The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina shocked everyone when she revealed that she was the person behind the iconic look she rocks on set.
Jaz Sinclair,an actress on the same show said she tired of waking early to do her hair,and requested that a hairdresser experienced with ethnic hair should be brought on set.
Monique Coleman,who acted as a surporting character in the 2005 High school Musical,revealed that her character had to integrate headbands,because there was nobody on set who could fix her hair,(which had been poorly done in the front).
Vanessa Morgen,a young actress on the show Riverdale,twitted the same sentiments some time back.
This unfortunately reflects across all professions,since even models complain that the hired hairstylists don't know how to work with ethic hair.
This context highlights that there is still a lot that can be done in order for us to achieve complete diversity.It is important to see black women on screen,but it is also important to provide the same treatment of people despite their race,while on set.
As many more black women continue speaking up about the issue,we hope that changes shall be made,and this blatant discrimination shall be a thing of the past.
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