length definitely plays a role in how you’re received. As your hair grows heavier the curls tend to loosen. which plays right into txtrism. Mayowa didn’t make that up, us naturals have watched this happen irl.
How does it play into it? Some long natural hair slightly loosens but not to the point where it looks like a different texture. Since you believe it “plays right into txtism” then no one should grown their hair? Even if it’s not their reason to grow their hair just cut it short so no one thinks you play into txturism? Imagine trying to not be what random people may perceive you to be based off their bias and prejudgments.
Idk now. As woman who switches her hair up, I do get treated based on how my hair looks😂 It was so many people upset that I combed out my Locs and went back to the fro. All I kept hearing was “but they were sooo long” & “if I have had that hair, I wouldn’t cut it”.They would give me fro funky looks while saying it, asking when am I gonna get them back. I don’t get as many random compliments, less random men flirt with me and I’m actually okay with that. Now I refuse to get them back. 😂😂 even when I have a big fake fro, un comb in a messy bun, there go the compliments again 😂 that length thing is real even if you don’t agree with all of her points. Women are living this
@@jeweledthrone2850 I had a friend that had the same treatment experience. She was trying out her natural vs sewin which was her normal go to. She didn’t really like her natural hair so I believe others saw that and reacted vs the confidence she exuded with a sewin. She said to me I get treated so differently between the two. Her natural hair was so pretty and thick but she didn’t see it that way. It’s true, people have hair envy. Some of those people don’t like their own hair to start with or appreciate what they have so they put that envy on others like yourself with those type of comments. Some don’t put the time or energy or have the patience or can’t breakaway from social pressure to go after what they want. Not fro funky looks!😫 I would do the same as you tho, I would refuse to get them back
Length is apart of privilege. It’s the exact same sentiment as “pretty for a dark skin girl”. Your hair texture may be tight, but it’s long so that makes it acceptable. If you had back length natural hair your engagements would be significantly higher because long hair in the natural community has become the end goal.
@@757Princess Growing your hair long and the underhanded compliment of “pretty for a dark skinned girl” are not the same. Someone growing their hair is a personal choice. An external opinion from another person and their prospective is out of your control and without your input. Well I am growing my hair(to my shoulders) so I guess I’ll see how my engagement goes👀
@@757Princess Do women with bbl bodies have privilege? Their engagements are significantly higher too, sure the men that approach them only see them at walking sex objects but they're still being engaged more. In order for something to be a privilege the opposite must be a disadvantage and I don't think having short hair is one.
I'm saying this myself as a dark-skinned black woman, if you are obsessed with what you are not, whether it be long hair or skin complexion that's an internal issue. It is brought on by the experiences in your life. However, at some point you have to learn to embrace the people that embrace you and to embrace yourself. At some point you have to wonder if you are in agreement with the negativity and stereotypes. At some point,because you can't change the world you have to embrace yourself. I am growing my hair long because I want to. There is no privilege other than the privilege of enjoying the natural person that I am to my own satisfaction. This is already long so @JermaineAuNature, I totally agree with your point of view in this video, you are spot on.
@@NanaNaima1I totally agree with you, I think that some people just feel like any attention is good attention. So if they can't get it it's a problem. And they envy the people who get it no matter what that attention is or what negativity it brings. And I think that's very sad.
While I was recognized by a lot of (older) people in my own culture with long straight hair, I would say the most positive attention happened when I big chopped. That positive attention came from all cultures of men and women because I was no longer sinking into the background. As it’s gotten longer, I haven’t received any additional positive attention beyond it simply being natural. For me, hair being in its natural state is the “pretty privilege”. It’s never looked “long” because I don’t do those styles, however, it’s always been huge and round. The “privileges” that I experienced after transitioning is that I receive way more compliments across the board (especially with the headwraps) and that I was being approached more by men looking to settle down. And still am until they notice I’m married. I also swim more and my styles aren’t bothered by the weather because I only wear it shrunken. Haven’t noticed any extra privileges beyond that.
hi jermaine 🤗 outstanding topic breakdown. i don't follow community news, but if it's something worth knowing, you are a trusted source for calm, rational commentary. thank you.
@@HealyMeans Healy!! Thank you!! I hear this topic often but only pop in to discuss it every other blue moon😂 I think it’s healthy to have different prospectives and range because we all have different lived experiences so this is my contribution to the discussion🙂
Nice discussion! I agree on the ‘long hair privilege’ thing is not a thing! It is 23:21 part of what some describe as good hair. I know that was one of the things I wished for as a child/young adult/and even adulthood before going natural. It’s a Eurocentric look and wanting to be accepted societally according to that standard. So damaging to yourself image though.
@@kimsmall5321 Thank you!! I don’t think it’s the thing it’s made out to be. I do think people may have different experiences but I also think in some instances the person with the long hair gives off different energy and carry themselves differently invoking various responses from people. I’m glad that the era we are in now, more parents are aware of the dangers of relaxers and letting the kids hair grow naturally. Not all but a lot more other the standard continues to change.
A think a lot of people, including the woman in this video, are massively projecting their own insecurities onto other people. Yes, Eurocentric beauty standards exist, but the idea that length = privilege is predicated on the implication that afro-textured (aka "type 4") hair can never grow as long (or at least is much less likely to be as long) as looser textures, and therefore long hair is a privilege. But this is wrong because in order for something to be a privilege, it has to be something that is accessible to some but not all. Other than people with certain medical conditions, anyone can grow long hair. It takes more work for some than others, but it can absolutely be achieved. And just because someone gets more compliments with longer hair doesn't make it a "privilege". That's like saying women are privileged over men because they generally receive more compliments on their looks than men. Someone would have to be incredibly shallow to think that compliments or being objectified for having a desirable trait is a "privilege" rather than a symptom of white supremacy.
It's weird for her to act as if long hair is some kind of privilege. I agree, textured hair like ours doesn't get any easier to manage when length starts to come in. Sure there's an obsession with length and growing long hair but I don't believe anyone's doing it for the "privilege" it comes with.
@@757Princess what privilege? Pretty privilege? I think people like long hair more than short hair but I don't think having long hair without any of the other markers of “conventional beauty” will get you anything besides compliments.
@@jaebyrd4608 you can be black and still have access to more opportunities based on looks. Being unambiguously black doesn’t mean you’re shut out of all opportunities and privileges. With long, natural hair you can increase your channel views and gain sponsorship which is money. It’s more than ‘compliments’. Just like every conventionally attractive person isn’t successful or wealthy.
@@NanaNaima1 Right! I’m like long isn’t an automatic thing. It’s not a given. I know people who’s hair was long and with damaging and mishandling, it is all gone, had to be cut. Now a couple of the have short natural cuts. You have to up keep your hair no matter the length and if you care for it the best you can you get the length. There is an obsession but I thinks mainly based off achieving something the person hasn’t been able to do. My shoulders are my goal no longer lol
I appreciate this so much. The discussion about black women and their hair is frustratingly fragmented, chaotic, and triggering. I’m simply a woman who wants long hair. Has nothing to do with privilege. Or wanting a privilege. I want to style my hair in more ways because longhair does give you more styling options. I also never had long hair before and want to experience that. It’s more about self discovery and exploration (like you said). It’s wild what it’s coming down to with the growing list of -isms! The prison some of these women live in is sad. Anyway, i appreciate your perspective and you articulated many of my sentiments in a diplomatic way.
@@CoilyCode Thank you!! Like can people live!! Can we have goals for ourselves and it not be deemed or seen in a negative sentiment? To your point, hair is one way many express themselves and with long hair you have so many creative options. And in tribes has so much symbolism. Let Us Live!!!!!😂🤣💚
@@JermaineAuNatural shorter hair is masculinized and has recently been called “carpet hair” and pubes by black figures. long hair give you looser texture which is praised more. ppl with longer natural hair can “get away” with chill styles or minimum styling bc the length but if a shorter haired girly tried the same style they’d be clowned. I’ve lived this first hand over the past 7 years 🤷🏾♀️
@@cctv318 when I had starter locs and was experiencing the worst shrinkage I’ve ever had I didn’t feel masculine and actually received a lot of compliments by both men and women. I however have heard many times by darkskin women that short 4c hair makes them feel more masculine.
@@cctv318 The pubes one is just raci$t/self-hate and they say it regardless of length or texture-I’ve been told that as well by ww with shorter hair than me because her bf complimented me when I walked by. Only certain curl patterns and naturals who use heat regularly experience a ‘loosening’ when the hair gets longer. Big chop to tailbone length, the size of my curls/coils and the percentage of my shrinkage has never once changed in the 7 years I’ve been natural. Regardless of length, I’ve never gotten flack for my minimum-styled fro. Lots of jealousy from a lone individual. But not clowned in a mutual agreement type situation. That lone individual is usually the one that ends us looking like a clown because they’re on an island by themselves with their opinion.
@@denyshadials5702 My curls started loosening well before i started using my revair but everyone is different. they were specifically calling doja cats short 4c hair pubes, lots of real life examples
This was a GREAT video! Points were MADE. 👏👏 I don't think you're benefiting from having long hair if you (me) always wear it in a bun/updo or cover it anyway, so that's a silly point she was making.
Which is very common! Lots of naturals tuck that hair away!!! Ain’t nobody got time for possible knots and tangled or it getting caught in something to flex length😹🤣 Thank you!
Unfortunately the length does make a difference. We can just look at the views & engagement of content creators with long versus short hair. She has some points that do remain true. Having longer hair is a privilege & DOES bring more benefits. Not everyone can have long hair & certain textures as well.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. So the privilege/ benefit is a social media one? That I can see based on engagement and possible sponsorships etc… but more often than not those creators have stories of not knowing their hair and having their own personal goals normally stemming before they started social media. Some of those same creators were getting benefits from brands when their hair was still short. So labeling them of wanting to benefit or having “privilege” isn’t fair I don’t think.
What makes it privilege within social media as a whole vs pedestalization by bw with shorter hair and/or tighter textures in social media? There’s a distinction to be made.
@@JermaineAuNatural I believe it is a benefit regarding social media. It brings more engagement and followers. Not every single person aims for having long hair but we can’t act like creators aren’t aspiring for the benefits of long hair. It’s okay to admit that there are those who do. I’m not saying every single person though.
@@denyshadials5702 the natural hair community is apart of social media, they are the ones viewing said videos. Even in natural hair commercials long hair is more promoted than short. And who is apart of the natural hair community ..? BW. If you were online you remember the outrage a lot of people expressed during the shea moisture commercial controversy & noting who these natural hair brands endorse / don’t endorse.
@@Jaetheeintrovert I remember the main controversy of that commercial was the fact that SM, in the attempt of inclusivity, gave naturals with very loose textures and even ww with little to no texture the spotlight to voice their negative experiences when it comes to sentiment of “not knowing what to do with my hair.” And, obviously, those women’s negative experiences paled in comparison to the experience of women with multiple and tightly textured hair due to a significant lack of resources in terms of knowledge and product availability. Especially slighting since women of tighter textures were their main consumer base. Not the length of the hair of the ladies featured in the commercial. Some things were said about texture, but not length. Prior to that specific commercial, there were TH-cam product ambassadors who had tightly coiled hair creating content with SM products and were backed by their sponsorship. This group included women with TWAs and hair shorter than shoulder length, as big chopping had the spotlight in the community prior to that controversy.
I can’t really take this nuance conversation seriously from a man whom it’s acceptable no EXPECTED that you’d have short hair. It’s literally the reverse and a disadvantage for black men. Feminine= long hair in our society so yes longer hair aka hanging hair is a type of assimilation that allows more privilege. It seems obvious to me but maybe it’s because I’ve had short hair and seen the difference in treatment which is a difference to access to opportunities in school and work opportunities. I’ve done the transition from relaxers to long natural hair then cut it to mid length and then to waist length. I’ve literally been told and had others around me told MY hair was acceptable or professional BC of its length. Same style but mine was a long Afro vs a short halo. I’ve had to go to bat for those around me over this. Long hair, like lighter skin or loose hair or lighter eyes all fall under the pretty privilege umbrella.
Why limit yourself from another prospective just because I am a man? Others comments said I would have higher engagement if my hair was longer giving me said “benefits and privilege” so clearly this conversation could apply to me in a social media space. For the past several years black men, women and others have consciously been going against the grain of society to make changes so that we can exist as we are or want to be. It’s not fair to deem anyone who wants to have long hair as “assimilation that allow more privilege” but if that’s the case then that’s what you did when you grew your hair to waist length right? You wanted the privilege, yes? Same for Mayowa person growing their hair, yes? Your examples lead me to question as I asked in the video, who is behind them because that makes a difference. When you had short hair were you denied opportunities or schooling because of your or is that assume thought? And when it was long was it blown out or stretched hair? Your descriptors don’t sound like natural texture. Those instances of professional being questioned make me wonder who was behind these comments? That makes a difference. Sorry you had to endure that type of discrimination and others you had to fight for. To me, I think the long natural hair benefit conversation varies on situation. Pretty privilege is more universal but is still based on the person giving the privilege and not the person just existing. Thank you for sharing
WTF! Women will have their beauty standards and that’s all to it. The conversation is weird AF! Not all black women have tight coarse hair that shrinks up. Black women are entitled to their natural beauty however they were born or style their hair.
I enjoyed your commentaryism; HA I'm joking. I've had long relaxed hair, I've had long loose natural hair and I now have fairly long loc'd hair. I can honestly say I don't remember any privilege but I wasn't looking for any either. The attention I get now is due to my energy vs my hair. Also you have women with low cuts to bald who can get just as much attention and "privilege". I feel it's exactly what you said about some needing outside validation in order to feel good about self. Anyway good video and we'll set up the barriers for the "how dare you" comments.
@@vindicated_soul Commentaryism is a thing now! I know several women that have super low to shiny bald heads that have people kissing the ground they walk on. Their energy is every it of feminine, confidence and secure and they do well in their lives. Energy makes a big difference, everything else(hair, clothes etc..) is just extra dressings. Thank you 💚💚💚💚💚
I think the original creator is trying to tap dance around saying that long hair plays into “pretty privilege” however I don't think that having long hair is itself a privilege in the grand scheme of things because it doesn't get you anything maybe some compliments. Its not like you have to have long hair to be conventionally attractive. In the 90s a lot of the most hyped-up women rocked pixie cuts. The argument can be made that beauty is a privilege however having long hair doesn't guarantee that because Whoopie Goldberg has long natural hair and people are constantly criticizing her looks ( I think she is pretty) so long hair wasn't a privilege for her.
I've been saying this for a while and even said it on her video. Long hair expectations isnt a uniquely black issue: it's a woman issue. Women in general are seen(or lead to feel) as less feminine with short hair, especially by men...most of the noneblack girls I know are EXTREMELY uncomfortable with the idea of cutting their hair to a pixie or sometimes even a bob. I think women like to keep long hair to frame their face or diatract from facial features they are insecure about that would otherwise be more obvious with short hair too. Now you can argue because black women are already seen as less feminine that it affects them even more, i guess, but that doesnt negate the real issue at hand.
Let’s not do this. Long hair is a privilege because it is something not everyone has. Everyone can have short hair. And so the way people perceive and treat you differs on a societal scale. While wanting long hair isn’t unique to black women, they are the most ostracised when they don’t because of the belief that they are inherently masculine because of their skin colour. If a dark skin woman has longer hair, she’s then perceived to be more feminine and that’s besides her facial features. If having long hair wasn’t a privilege, women across the globe wouldn’t be obsessing over it, videos on how to grow hair wouldn’t be hitting thousands of views and the hair growth oil business wouldn’t be booming.
@@rinkiek3917 But everyone can have long hair. If your health is generally well and medication isn’t a factor, hair grows. It never stops. Slows yes but it never stops. Processing, over manipulating, negligence, and damaging your hair will limit growth. That’s hair 101. No one cuts or big chops and the hair stays there it grows back. You’re saying the privilege is other peoples perception and how people treat you? Or to not be seen as masculine? That is privilege? This pov seems like it’s from how a man perceives you and that definitely is NOT a privilege. Ostracized is an interesting word and it’s often not tied to hair length but skin colour but we aren’t talking skin. People often obsess over things they want that doesn’t make it a privilege and hair growth videos, products and businesses are 50% marketing and 50% preying on insecurities. That does not equate privilege just profit and deception
@@JermaineAuNatural Theoretically yes. And I didn’t say hair doesn’t grow, that’s not my argument. My point is long hair is viewed as feminine. This is why boys across most cultures are encouraged to keep it really short and girls are encouraged to grow their hair longer. Long hair is always sort after, so let us not minimise reality when so many industries prey on this fact. I, as a woman, do not expect you to understand how a woman navigates the world with different hair lengths. The hair theory on its own is video evidence of women explaining their encounters with how they’re received and most of them don’t just speak about the reactions from men. But black women have always known about this because of the drastic changes we make with our hair regularly. And yes, it’s a privilege because it falls under Pretty privilege. The more feminine you present, the more opportunities are opened to you. Trans people always speak about this. And they point out the heavy obsession with cis people to perform their gender. Femininity is very important to an average woman, solely based on how they can use it to gain an advantage. If this wasn’t the case, again, the beauty industry wouldn’t be making so much money as more women would be showing up in their natural and easier to manage shorter hair. Convenience would be then prioritised. “Beauty is pain” wouldn’t be a thing. Are we going to minimise the effects of texturism? Vin diesel shaved his head so he can appear more white because his hair texture would give away the fact that there’s black genes in his lineage. The crown act? Laws being placed to stop people from being discriminated against. And we know the discrimination increases the curlier your hair is. No surprise there because it’s the hair that appears shorter. The beauty industry profiting is a clear indicator that there’s a huge market of willing participants. I never insinuated that being preyed upon by them is a privilege, but let’s not act like people don’t stand to gain something from fitting the stand of beauty, even if it is artificially. If there was nothing to gain from it, no one would be participating. The fact that having short hair is considered an insecurity should let you know how real the obsession with long hair is.
@@rinkiek3917 I wish I can like this reply twice lol. I never saw any of OP's videos until this one today, but I thought it was disingenuous and that he chose to misconstrue all of mayowa's points. Like I agree, that maybe she wasn't the most articulate in her video, but his response just felt like bad faith especially when he said in so many words that she's dumb. (I think she apologized at the beginning of her actual video and said that she was thinking about this topic for a while, but basically hadn't found a way to properly articulate it yet, if i remember correctly?). Your comment perfectly encapsulated the stuff I was thinking throughout his video and even the response he wrote above. Even though he said he wanted to give a "nuanced" take quite a few times (and joked about it early in the video which I laughed along with), it surprisingly wasn't all that nuanced because he would've pointed out the very real societal pressures that all women, BUT especially black women face when it comes to our hair length. I read through all the comments and all replies and It really does feel like he's not addressing the content of what everyone who disagrees with him is saying and is just sort of harping on the words and phrase they're choosing to use and its just pedantic. Just because it's pretty privilege, doesn't mean it's NOT a privilege ESPECIALLY in the society we live in where absolutely EVERYTHING is looks-based and shallow.
length definitely plays a role in how you’re received. As your hair grows heavier the curls tend to loosen. which plays right into txtrism. Mayowa didn’t make that up, us naturals have watched this happen irl.
ABSOLUTELY!
That only happens to hair that already loosely textured and/or damaged. Every texture does NOT automatically get looser the longer it grows.
How does it play into it?
Some long natural hair slightly loosens but not to the point where it looks like a different texture. Since you believe it “plays right into txtism” then no one should grown their hair? Even if it’s not their reason to grow their hair just cut it short so no one thinks you play into txturism? Imagine trying to not be what random people may perceive you to be based off their bias and prejudgments.
@ what r u talking about lol? nobody said don’t grow ur hair, just don’t ignore that length plays into texturism
@@denyshadials5702 that’s not how gravity works babes
Idk now. As woman who switches her hair up, I do get treated based on how my hair looks😂 It was so many people upset that I combed out my Locs and went back to the fro. All I kept hearing was “but they were sooo long” & “if I have had that hair, I wouldn’t cut it”.They would give me fro funky looks while saying it, asking when am I gonna get them back. I don’t get as many random compliments, less random men flirt with me and I’m actually okay with that. Now I refuse to get them back. 😂😂 even when I have a big fake fro, un comb in a messy bun, there go the compliments again 😂 that length thing is real even if you don’t agree with all of her points. Women are living this
You are absolutely correct. We do get treated differently based upon our hair styles.
@@jeweledthrone2850 I had a friend that had the same treatment experience. She was trying out her natural vs sewin which was her normal go to. She didn’t really like her natural hair so I believe others saw that and reacted vs the confidence she exuded with a sewin. She said to me I get treated so differently between the two. Her natural hair was so pretty and thick but she didn’t see it that way.
It’s true, people have hair envy. Some of those people don’t like their own hair to start with or appreciate what they have so they put that envy on others like yourself with those type of comments. Some don’t put the time or energy or have the patience or can’t breakaway from social pressure to go after what they want.
Not fro funky looks!😫 I would do the same as you tho, I would refuse to get them back
Length is apart of privilege. It’s the exact same sentiment as “pretty for a dark skin girl”. Your hair texture may be tight, but it’s long so that makes it acceptable. If you had back length natural hair your engagements would be significantly higher because long hair in the natural community has become the end goal.
YUP!
@@757Princess Growing your hair long and the underhanded compliment of “pretty for a dark skinned girl” are not the same.
Someone growing their hair is a personal choice. An external opinion from another person and their prospective is out of your control and without your input.
Well I am growing my hair(to my shoulders) so I guess I’ll see how my engagement goes👀
@@757Princess Do women with bbl bodies have privilege? Their engagements are significantly higher too, sure the men that approach them only see them at walking sex objects but they're still being engaged more. In order for something to be a privilege the opposite must be a disadvantage and I don't think having short hair is one.
I'm saying this myself as a dark-skinned black woman, if you are obsessed with what you are not, whether it be long hair or skin complexion that's an internal issue. It is brought on by the experiences in your life. However, at some point you have to learn to embrace the people that embrace you and to embrace yourself. At some point you have to wonder if you are in agreement with the negativity and stereotypes. At some point,because you can't change the world you have to embrace yourself. I am growing my hair long because I want to. There is no privilege other than the privilege of enjoying the natural person that I am to my own satisfaction. This is already long so @JermaineAuNature, I totally agree with your point of view in this video, you are spot on.
@@NanaNaima1I totally agree with you, I think that some people just feel like any attention is good attention. So if they can't get it it's a problem. And they envy the people who get it no matter what that attention is or what negativity it brings. And I think that's very sad.
While I was recognized by a lot of (older) people in my own culture with long straight hair, I would say the most positive attention happened when I big chopped. That positive attention came from all cultures of men and women because I was no longer sinking into the background. As it’s gotten longer, I haven’t received any additional positive attention beyond it simply being natural. For me, hair being in its natural state is the “pretty privilege”. It’s never looked “long” because I don’t do those styles, however, it’s always been huge and round.
The “privileges” that I experienced after transitioning is that I receive way more compliments across the board (especially with the headwraps) and that I was being approached more by men looking to settle down. And still am until they notice I’m married. I also swim more and my styles aren’t bothered by the weather because I only wear it shrunken.
Haven’t noticed any extra privileges beyond that.
Let BW wear their hair the way they want to!
“There’s nothing worse than being loud and wrong!” FACTS‼️💯 Awesome video and I couldn’t agree with you more Jermaine!
@@shelly.v.247 thank you Shelly!
hi jermaine 🤗
outstanding topic breakdown.
i don't follow community news, but if it's something worth knowing, you are a trusted source for calm, rational commentary. thank you.
@@HealyMeans Healy!! Thank you!! I hear this topic often but only pop in to discuss it every other blue moon😂 I think it’s healthy to have different prospectives and range because we all have different lived experiences so this is my contribution to the discussion🙂
Nice discussion!
I agree on the ‘long hair privilege’ thing is not a thing! It is 23:21 part of what some describe as good hair. I know that was one of the things I wished for as a child/young adult/and even adulthood before going natural. It’s a Eurocentric look and wanting to be accepted societally according to that standard. So damaging to yourself image though.
@@kimsmall5321 Thank you!!
I don’t think it’s the thing it’s made out to be. I do think people may have different experiences but I also think in some instances the person with the long hair gives off different energy and carry themselves differently invoking various responses from people.
I’m glad that the era we are in now, more parents are aware of the dangers of relaxers and letting the kids hair grow naturally. Not all but a lot more other the standard continues to change.
@ I agree!
You did a great job with this video! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
@@speakingofmeesh Thank you!
@ you’re welcome!! Thank you for all the videos that you post.
Curtain braids! Or Rapunzel braids as I like to call them! Long hair envy is really messing folks up.
A think a lot of people, including the woman in this video, are massively projecting their own insecurities onto other people. Yes, Eurocentric beauty standards exist, but the idea that length = privilege is predicated on the implication that afro-textured (aka "type 4") hair can never grow as long (or at least is much less likely to be as long) as looser textures, and therefore long hair is a privilege.
But this is wrong because in order for something to be a privilege, it has to be something that is accessible to some but not all. Other than people with certain medical conditions, anyone can grow long hair. It takes more work for some than others, but it can absolutely be achieved. And just because someone gets more compliments with longer hair doesn't make it a "privilege".
That's like saying women are privileged over men because they generally receive more compliments on their looks than men. Someone would have to be incredibly shallow to think that compliments or being objectified for having a desirable trait is a "privilege" rather than a symptom of white supremacy.
@@karmahoudini9241 THESE are the words!
It's weird for her to act as if long hair is some kind of privilege. I agree, textured hair like ours doesn't get any easier to manage when length starts to come in. Sure there's an obsession with length and growing long hair but I don't believe anyone's doing it for the "privilege" it comes with.
I do. Look how people are complementing her free form locs now that they are hanging long 😅 long hair is apart of privilege
@@757Princess what privilege? Pretty privilege? I think people like long hair more than short hair but I don't think having long hair without any of the other markers of “conventional beauty” will get you anything besides compliments.
@@jaebyrd4608 you can be black and still have access to more opportunities based on looks. Being unambiguously black doesn’t mean you’re shut out of all opportunities and privileges. With long, natural hair you can increase your channel views and gain sponsorship which is money. It’s more than ‘compliments’. Just like every conventionally attractive person isn’t successful or wealthy.
@@NanaNaima1 Right! I’m like long isn’t an automatic thing. It’s not a given. I know people who’s hair was long and with damaging and mishandling, it is all gone, had to be cut. Now a couple of the have short natural cuts. You have to up keep your hair no matter the length and if you care for it the best you can you get the length. There is an obsession but I thinks mainly based off achieving something the person hasn’t been able to do.
My shoulders are my goal no longer lol
They’re doing it for the male gaze and for females to hate on them period
I appreciate this so much. The discussion about black women and their hair is frustratingly fragmented, chaotic, and triggering. I’m simply a woman who wants long hair. Has nothing to do with privilege. Or wanting a privilege. I want to style my hair in more ways because longhair does give you more styling options. I also never had long hair before and want to experience that. It’s more about self discovery and exploration (like you said). It’s wild what it’s coming down to with the growing list of -isms! The prison some of these women live in is sad. Anyway, i appreciate your perspective and you articulated many of my sentiments in a diplomatic way.
@@CoilyCode Thank you!! Like can people live!! Can we have goals for ourselves and it not be deemed or seen in a negative sentiment? To your point, hair is one way many express themselves and with long hair you have so many creative options. And in tribes has so much symbolism. Let Us Live!!!!!😂🤣💚
Long hair definitely gives you privileges. I’ve seen it
@@myturn2runit what are they?
@@JermaineAuNatural shorter hair is masculinized and has recently been called “carpet hair” and pubes by black figures. long hair give you looser texture which is praised more. ppl with longer natural hair can “get away” with chill styles or minimum styling bc the length but if a shorter haired girly tried the same style they’d be clowned. I’ve lived this first hand over the past 7 years 🤷🏾♀️
@@cctv318 when I had starter locs and was experiencing the worst shrinkage I’ve ever had I didn’t feel masculine and actually received a lot of compliments by both men and women. I however have heard many times by darkskin women that short 4c hair makes them feel more masculine.
@@cctv318
The pubes one is just raci$t/self-hate and they say it regardless of length or texture-I’ve been told that as well by ww with shorter hair than me because her bf complimented me when I walked by.
Only certain curl patterns and naturals who use heat regularly experience a ‘loosening’ when the hair gets longer. Big chop to tailbone length, the size of my curls/coils and the percentage of my shrinkage has never once changed in the 7 years I’ve been natural.
Regardless of length, I’ve never gotten flack for my minimum-styled fro. Lots of jealousy from a lone individual. But not clowned in a mutual agreement type situation. That lone individual is usually the one that ends us looking like a clown because they’re on an island by themselves with their opinion.
@@denyshadials5702 My curls started loosening well before i started using my revair but everyone is different. they were specifically calling doja cats short 4c hair pubes, lots of real life examples
This was a GREAT video! Points were MADE. 👏👏 I don't think you're benefiting from having long hair if you (me) always wear it in a bun/updo or cover it anyway, so that's a silly point she was making.
Which is very common! Lots of naturals tuck that hair away!!! Ain’t nobody got time for possible knots and tangled or it getting caught in something to flex length😹🤣
Thank you!
Unfortunately the length does make a difference. We can just look at the views & engagement of content creators with long versus short hair. She has some points that do remain true. Having longer hair is a privilege & DOES bring more benefits. Not everyone can have long hair & certain textures as well.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
So the privilege/ benefit is a social media one? That I can see based on engagement and possible sponsorships etc… but more often than not those creators have stories of not knowing their hair and having their own personal goals normally stemming before they started social media. Some of those same creators were getting benefits from brands when their hair was still short. So labeling them of wanting to benefit or having “privilege” isn’t fair I don’t think.
What makes it privilege within social media as a whole vs pedestalization by bw with shorter hair and/or tighter textures in social media?
There’s a distinction to be made.
@@JermaineAuNatural I believe it is a benefit regarding social media. It brings more engagement and followers. Not every single person aims for having long hair but we can’t act like creators aren’t aspiring for the benefits of long hair. It’s okay to admit that there are those who do. I’m not saying every single person though.
@@denyshadials5702 the natural hair community is apart of social media, they are the ones viewing said videos. Even in natural hair commercials long hair is more promoted than short. And who is apart of the natural hair community ..? BW. If you were online you remember the outrage a lot of people expressed during the shea moisture commercial controversy & noting who these natural hair brands endorse / don’t endorse.
@@Jaetheeintrovert
I remember the main controversy of that commercial was the fact that SM, in the attempt of inclusivity, gave naturals with very loose textures and even ww with little to no texture the spotlight to voice their negative experiences when it comes to sentiment of “not knowing what to do with my hair.” And, obviously, those women’s negative experiences paled in comparison to the experience of women with multiple and tightly textured hair due to a significant lack of resources in terms of knowledge and product availability. Especially slighting since women of tighter textures were their main consumer base.
Not the length of the hair of the ladies featured in the commercial. Some things were said about texture, but not length.
Prior to that specific commercial, there were TH-cam product ambassadors who had tightly coiled hair creating content with SM products and were backed by their sponsorship. This group included women with TWAs and hair shorter than shoulder length, as big chopping had the spotlight in the community prior to that controversy.
I can’t really take this nuance conversation seriously from a man whom it’s acceptable no EXPECTED that you’d have short hair. It’s literally the reverse and a disadvantage for black men. Feminine= long hair in our society so yes longer hair aka hanging hair is a type of assimilation that allows more privilege. It seems obvious to me but maybe it’s because I’ve had short hair and seen the difference in treatment which is a difference to access to opportunities in school and work opportunities. I’ve done the transition from relaxers to long natural hair then cut it to mid length and then to waist length. I’ve literally been told and had others around me told MY hair was acceptable or professional BC of its length. Same style but mine was a long Afro vs a short halo. I’ve had to go to bat for those around me over this. Long hair, like lighter skin or loose hair or lighter eyes all fall under the pretty privilege umbrella.
Why limit yourself from another prospective just because I am a man? Others comments said I would have higher engagement if my hair was longer giving me said “benefits and privilege” so clearly this conversation could apply to me in a social media space.
For the past several years black men, women and others have consciously been going against the grain of society to make changes so that we can exist as we are or want to be. It’s not fair to deem anyone who wants to have long hair as “assimilation that allow more privilege” but if that’s the case then that’s what you did when you grew your hair to waist length right? You wanted the privilege, yes? Same for Mayowa person growing their hair, yes?
Your examples lead me to question as I asked in the video, who is behind them because that makes a difference.
When you had short hair were you denied opportunities or schooling because of your or is that assume thought? And when it was long was it blown out or stretched hair? Your descriptors don’t sound like natural texture. Those instances of professional being questioned make me wonder who was behind these comments? That makes a difference. Sorry you had to endure that type of discrimination and others you had to fight for.
To me, I think the long natural hair benefit conversation varies on situation. Pretty privilege is more universal but is still based on the person giving the privilege and not the person just existing.
Thank you for sharing
WTF! Women will have their beauty standards and that’s all to it. The conversation is weird AF! Not all black women have tight coarse hair that shrinks up. Black women are entitled to their natural beauty however they were born or style their hair.
Agreed....how is this even a topic. It's very weird.
PERIOD!💚
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PERIOD!!!!!
I enjoyed your commentaryism; HA I'm joking. I've had long relaxed hair, I've had long loose natural hair and I now have fairly long loc'd hair. I can honestly say I don't remember any privilege but I wasn't looking for any either. The attention I get now is due to my energy vs my hair. Also you have women with low cuts to bald who can get just as much attention and "privilege". I feel it's exactly what you said about some needing outside validation in order to feel good about self. Anyway good video and we'll set up the barriers for the "how dare you" comments.
@@vindicated_soul Commentaryism is a thing now!
I know several women that have super low to shiny bald heads that have people kissing the ground they walk on. Their energy is every it of feminine, confidence and secure and they do well in their lives. Energy makes a big difference, everything else(hair, clothes etc..) is just extra dressings.
Thank you 💚💚💚💚💚
I think the original creator is trying to tap dance around saying that long hair plays into “pretty privilege” however I don't think that having long hair is itself a privilege in the grand scheme of things because it doesn't get you anything maybe some compliments. Its not like you have to have long hair to be conventionally attractive. In the 90s a lot of the most hyped-up women rocked pixie cuts. The argument can be made that beauty is a privilege however having long hair doesn't guarantee that because Whoopie Goldberg has long natural hair and people are constantly criticizing her looks ( I think she is pretty) so long hair wasn't a privilege for her.
Those pixie cuts were relaxed or looser curls though. There were no Afros.
EXACTLY THIS!!!
@@carrington2949 Then that would support the argument that the issue is really about texture and gendered beauty standards, not length.
I've been saying this for a while and even said it on her video. Long hair expectations isnt a uniquely black issue: it's a woman issue. Women in general are seen(or lead to feel) as less feminine with short hair, especially by men...most of the noneblack girls I know are EXTREMELY uncomfortable with the idea of cutting their hair to a pixie or sometimes even a bob. I think women like to keep long hair to frame their face or diatract from facial features they are insecure about that would otherwise be more obvious with short hair too.
Now you can argue because black women are already seen as less feminine that it affects them even more, i guess, but that doesnt negate the real issue at hand.
Let’s not do this. Long hair is a privilege because it is something not everyone has. Everyone can have short hair. And so the way people perceive and treat you differs on a societal scale. While wanting long hair isn’t unique to black women, they are the most ostracised when they don’t because of the belief that they are inherently masculine because of their skin colour. If a dark skin woman has longer hair, she’s then perceived to be more feminine and that’s besides her facial features. If having long hair wasn’t a privilege, women across the globe wouldn’t be obsessing over it, videos on how to grow hair wouldn’t be hitting thousands of views and the hair growth oil business wouldn’t be booming.
@@rinkiek3917 But everyone can have long hair. If your health is generally well and medication isn’t a factor, hair grows. It never stops. Slows yes but it never stops. Processing, over manipulating, negligence, and damaging your hair will limit growth. That’s hair 101. No one cuts or big chops and the hair stays there it grows back.
You’re saying the privilege is other peoples perception and how people treat you? Or to not be seen as masculine? That is privilege? This pov seems like it’s from how a man perceives you and that definitely is NOT a privilege.
Ostracized is an interesting word and it’s often not tied to hair length but skin colour but we aren’t talking skin.
People often obsess over things they want that doesn’t make it a privilege and hair growth videos, products and businesses are 50% marketing and 50% preying on insecurities. That does not equate privilege just profit and deception
@@JermaineAuNatural Theoretically yes. And I didn’t say hair doesn’t grow, that’s not my argument. My point is long hair is viewed as feminine. This is why boys across most cultures are encouraged to keep it really short and girls are encouraged to grow their hair longer. Long hair is always sort after, so let us not minimise reality when so many industries prey on this fact.
I, as a woman, do not expect you to understand how a woman navigates the world with different hair lengths. The hair theory on its own is video evidence of women explaining their encounters with how they’re received and most of them don’t just speak about the reactions from men. But black women have always known about this because of the drastic changes we make with our hair regularly. And yes, it’s a privilege because it falls under Pretty privilege. The more feminine you present, the more opportunities are opened to you. Trans people always speak about this. And they point out the heavy obsession with cis people to perform their gender. Femininity is very important to an average woman, solely based on how they can use it to gain an advantage. If this wasn’t the case, again, the beauty industry wouldn’t be making so much money as more women would be showing up in their natural and easier to manage shorter hair. Convenience would be then prioritised. “Beauty is pain” wouldn’t be a thing.
Are we going to minimise the effects of texturism? Vin diesel shaved his head so he can appear more white because his hair texture would give away the fact that there’s black genes in his lineage. The crown act? Laws being placed to stop people from being discriminated against. And we know the discrimination increases the curlier your hair is. No surprise there because it’s the hair that appears shorter.
The beauty industry profiting is a clear indicator that there’s a huge market of willing participants. I never insinuated that being preyed upon by them is a privilege, but let’s not act like people don’t stand to gain something from fitting the stand of beauty, even if it is artificially. If there was nothing to gain from it, no one would be participating. The fact that having short hair is considered an insecurity should let you know how real the obsession with long hair is.
@@rinkiek3917 I wish I can like this reply twice lol. I never saw any of OP's videos until this one today, but I thought it was disingenuous and that he chose to misconstrue all of mayowa's points. Like I agree, that maybe she wasn't the most articulate in her video, but his response just felt like bad faith especially when he said in so many words that she's dumb. (I think she apologized at the beginning of her actual video and said that she was thinking about this topic for a while, but basically hadn't found a way to properly articulate it yet, if i remember correctly?).
Your comment perfectly encapsulated the stuff I was thinking throughout his video and even the response he wrote above. Even though he said he wanted to give a "nuanced" take quite a few times (and joked about it early in the video which I laughed along with), it surprisingly wasn't all that nuanced because he would've pointed out the very real societal pressures that all women, BUT especially black women face when it comes to our hair length.
I read through all the comments and all replies and It really does feel like he's not addressing the content of what everyone who disagrees with him is saying and is just sort of harping on the words and phrase they're choosing to use and its just pedantic. Just because it's pretty privilege, doesn't mean it's NOT a privilege ESPECIALLY in the society we live in where absolutely EVERYTHING is looks-based and shallow.
There’s a link of this video in the dictionary next to the definition of “bad faith”
@@bigduckenergyb.d.e.2710 I don’t understand
@ Not surprised