In The News: Stereotyping and Style Choices

Locked' up: Hair style can indicate social, religious or fashion choice

It appears this article came about from inspiration from an American Idol contestant, Crystal Bowersox (I haven't watched AI since the first season). The article talks about how dreadlocks are highly misunderstood and that people with them are frequently subjected to stereotyping.

From drug users to homeless or a gang-banger, will the stereotyping ever end?

"It's not dreadful. It's clean and beautiful," Michelle Robinson of Naturally Yours Salon in Oakland, CA.

Some history from the article:

Bob Marley and Whoopi Goldberg didn't invent dreadlocks. The hairstyle has been around for thousands of years. Here's a brief run through history:

ALONG THE NILE: The first known examples of dreadlocks date back to ancient Egypt, where images of the hairstyle appeared on various artifacts. It has been said that, when he died, King Tutankhamun was wearing dreadlocks.

RELIGIOUS PERSUASIONS: Several ascetic groups within major religions have embraced the hairstyle through the years, including the Nazarites of Judaism, the Sadhus of Hinduism and the Coptic monks of Christianity. The tresses that provided Sampson with all that strength? Dreadlocks.

THE RASTAFARI: For a Rasta, dreadlocks are an expression of inner spirituality and an effort to live in accordance with the laws of nature. According to a Rastafarian proverb, "A man who cuts his hair is like a tree without leaves."

SLAVERY: Shackled slaves grew dreadlocks during the long trip from Africa to America. According to author Jeffery Bradley ("Don't Worry, Be Nappy"), the slave trader cut them off because they considered them "dreadful." Many blacks today wear the hairstyle as an expression of individuality and racial pride.

Sources include: "Dreads" by Francesco Mastalia and Alfonse Pagano; "Don't Worry, Be Nappy" by Jeffery Bradley; "Dreadlocks or Dreadfully Locked?" by Monica Arac de Nyeko.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/04/26/1903387/locked-up-hair-style-can-indicate.html#ixzz0mKQRZHKi