In this slim book, Emma Dabiri takes us deep into the world of hair. Yes, hair. Hair and its many iterations, most especially the hair of those from Africa and those who are a part of the African diaspora. We learn how hair is not only controversial, it is straight up game-changing when you have the wrong kind of hair, especially as a woman. Dabiri's personal stories about how the texture of her hair has impacted her life flesh out this really interesting look at how tightly woven both hair and hairstyles are within cultures and traditions - as well as hair as a factor in blatant and overt racism.
I found this a fast and informative read. I learned so much and have a much greater appreciation for how hair can and has been used as a weapon to push people into a certain box. I loved learning about African hair traditions and how they have stood the actual test of time and community-wide trauma.
I feel like Twisted has a place on any Black Lives Matter reading list, I learned that much.
2 comments:
Oh, how interesting! This book is exactly what I'm looking for to do research for something I'm writing. Thank you!
Kim - I'm so glad!!!
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