Hair Raising Moment

Can someone tell me why, as a mixed heritage woman with "Black Hair," I get to be categorized in people's eyes as ethnic or progressive? This comes to me as a result of some recent blogs I've read, coupled with my experience this morning. So today my child decided to try out his skills as a hair dresser, barber, whatever you'd like to call it. He takes the pony tail holder out and makes a face. He looks like he's just eaten an entire lemon. I asked him what was wrong. His response astounded me beyond words. "Mommy, I didnt know you were from Africa." Confused, I tilted my head Forrest Gump style, and asked why he thought I was from Africa. He came up with my hair being "bad" because it didnt obey him when he told it to hang down. I asked him how that meant I was from Africa. He proceeded to tell me that his grandmother who shouts that she is African American from rooftops if possible, told him "good hair" is what she has, because it obeys. She also told him that "bad" hair is that stuff on the heads of Africans and showed him a National Geographic picture. I was HORRIFIED! Here is a Black woman still downgrading for natural hair. I had to let my child know that good hair just means that works well for that particular person. I love my hair. I can go straight, curly or somewhere in between just depending on what I do to it. My hair is strong and thick. It is only hard to manipulate for the inexperienced.

I'm so annoyed at the many observations and conclusions that people make about me or anyone else based on HAIR. Its a simple expression or extension of our bodies. It has very little to do with my religious/social/political standings. When I'm having a curly day, it has nothing to do with being a liberal; straight days have nothing to do with my business savvy. Heck, pony tails pulled tight dont normally lead anyone to thinking I like bondage, so why should any other hairstyle? Relaxing my hair has nothing to do with denying my roots, it just means I want to get a comb through my head without breaking the teeth!

Standing down from my soapbox now. But I'd like to hear from everyone out there. Have you ever looked at someone, observed their hairstyle, then assigned them to some type of role solely based on their hair? If so WHY?!?!?! Someone cure the insanity. Thanks!