Good Hair - featuring Chris Rock, Raven-Symone, Nia Long, etc. - In Theaters Now

[Retrocool]

I'm looking forward to seeing this. The questions it raises are important to consider, even if the overall tone of the film is relatively lighthearted.

I also like the look on Raven's face when she adjusts her weave. Priceless.

YouTube - Good Hair ft. Chris Rock- HD Official...

[Retrocool]

Wow, not one thought on this film? It's been getting generally positive reviews....

Good Hair Movie Reviews, Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes

Good Hair reviews at Metacritic.com

Good Hair -- Film Review

Good Hair Review | Scathing Reviews for Bitchy People

[SusieP.]

Retro, did you see it yet? It's on my to-see list, but I just don't get to the movies frequently enough. Hopefully I'll be able to catch this one. I was watching Chris Rock on Oprah talk about the film, and he got a lot of negative responses for divulging this "top secret" information in his movie. The Black women were really upset with him. They admitted that it would be a funny topic if it were just for them as "insiders", but it was a shame to let the White women know about it. And then most of the White women were like, "Wow, I had no idea!"

So what are your thoughts? Is this a good thing for discussion or is it an over-share?

[Retrocool]

Originally Posted by SusieP.

Retro, did you see it yet? It's on my to-see list, but I just don't get to the movies frequently enough. Hopefully I'll be able to catch this one. I was watching Chris Rock on Oprah talk about the film, and he got a lot of negative responses for divulging this "top secret" information in his movie. The Black women were really upset with him. They admitted that it would be a funny topic if it were just for them as "insiders", but it was a shame to let the White women know about it. And then most of the White women were like, "Wow, I had no idea!"

So what are your thoughts? Is this a good thing for discussion or is it an over-share?

I haven't yet; I was hoping to go today but those plans fell through. Soon as I can, though.

Hadn't heard about the Oprah reaction! That's interesting! I think it speaks to some deeply-held issues regarding internalized racism and Black women's overall self-esteem in the face of a culture that in many ways is hostile to them.

I don't know, I think films like this can be a good thing and help to eliminate cultural ignorance, foster increased understanding and respect, and break down barriers.

[SusieP.]

It was super interesting! And I'm not sure if it's truly a cultural ignorance thing if nobody is talking about it and it's purposely kept hidden. Some of these women were mortified that Rock was letting people see inside this secrety secret world, like this topic was not up for discussion, period! I kind of got the feeling that some of them felt like he and Oprah were betraying them somehow, and a couple of ladies even had to come up onstage and feel Oprah's hair to check if she was wearing a weave herself. (She doesn't, but she did point out that having a hairstylist take care of her hair every day was the reason her hair is so smooth and healthy.)

I guess there were 2 Oprah shows-- one where he talks about the film and then the follow up/reaction show, which is the one I saw. I'll see if I can find you a link or something tomorrow. I'm so glad I caught this episode, especially following the TIME magazine report about Michelle Obama's hair earlier this year. It's so fascinating that this hair issue is both a status symbol and a symbol of oppression.

Photos: Michelle Obama's Hair - Photo Essays - TIME

ETA Oprah stuff:

Good Hair Documentary by Chris Rock - Oprah.com

Chris Rock Responds to Good Hair Critics - Oprah.com

[sir clinksalot]

I thought this was like "Barber Shop 5" or something. But the trailer actually looks REALLY funny.

[gurgi]

Was this REALLY that much of a secret? The movie looks interesting, but I think the women who are upset that their secrets are being divulged are a bit naive. Sure, maybe a lot of people don't know, but I think there are quite a few who do, especially these days.

[Stitchy]

maybe I'm naive....but, what does the way your hair looks have to do with racism?

[lazyboy97O]

Was unaware of this film, but it does look interesting.

Originally Posted by Stitchy

maybe I'm naive....but, what does the way your hair looks have to do with racism?

Trying to avoid the boot ot the Debate Lounge, but has to do with societal pressures that encourage one group to act and behave like another so as to be considered acceptable, etc.

[QuestionableKri]

Originally Posted by Stitchy

maybe I'm naive....but, what does the way your hair looks have to do with racism?

well, I remember how Chris Rock was inspired to do this film because his daughter wanted the white barbie in preference to the black one because the white one had prettier hair. And from what I understand, the film is trying to portray the lengths some african american women will go to get that long, straight hair such as the chemical (which is pretty scary, hardcore stuff) and the indian weave hair you see in the trailer. It's supposed to infer that these women are raised to be ashamed of their natural hair and be more in favor of straight 'white' hair and hairstyles.

Again, it's a delicate topic to describe but this is how the FILM itself is portraying it. not neccessarily my own thoughts.

[marqueemark]

I totally want to see this but had a head cold so I wasn't able to go the first week. Still trying to make time to go!

[Retrocool]

Lazyboy970 and QuestionableKri are on the right track in their answers.

There have been some news articles on this topic, in relation to the film.

NYTimes: Skin Deep - Black Hair, Still Tangled in Politics


The straight truth about black women’s hair | Lifebeat | projo.com | The Providence Journal

I think this NY Times article from 1998 probably put it best:

We live in a culture in which most women are fixated on hair, and it is generally held that long, straight hair is the most desirable. If you buy into those criteria, most women of African descent are eliminated from the running. African-Americans learn that early in the value-laden language of hair in our communities. Straight hair has historically been called ''good,'' nappy hair ''bad.''

These attitudes may well have originated in the days of slavery, when relative rewards were given to those slaves who, usually as a result of rape, were of mixed parentage. Too many African-Americans have internalized and passed down these beliefs, as if proximity to whiteness inherently enhances our worth.

I also think this article and its accompanying video are well worth viewing: In her own words: Black women share their hair stories

Also, viewing of the short documentary A Girl Like Me is apropos to this discussion as well.

YouTube - A Girl Like Me