Loc'd
Everyone has their perceptions and beliefs of what is right from wrong. Living in a world where everybody claims to know the "truths" about what should govern our behaviours has proven to be inefficient and ineffective. Some people force their beliefs on us while others just fail to accept that we all have different backgrounds and stories. It is indeed a "dreadful" turn of events which is loc'd into our minds. How can we unlock it? By living in the now and learning all about the dreadful stories of those who have been loc'd in.
I had the privilege of interviewing 12 participants on the topic "Dreadlocks." All parties have worn dreads at some point in their lives. I will be presenting their stories collectively to should how they had very similar viewpoints but still unique perspectives.
Out of the 12 participants, 10 were females and 2 were males.
There were 11 topics that came out of the questions that the respondents were asked. The images below are of each individual who willingly participated in the interview. Their names were left out intentionally for privacy purposes.
1. Symbolic Meaning
To many of the respondents, dreads had a very symbolic meaning to them. Some of which included; expression of self, freedom, roots and confidence, natural, powerful, risk-taker, identity and easy to wear.
All of the words and phrases listed above made the individuals feel connected to themselves in a way they had never envisioned. In contrast, many envisioned growing dreads but were afraid to start the locking process.
1. a
This is a subsection of symbolic meaning because when they heard the words dreads/locks/locs/dreadlocks/ras what came to their minds were things I had never thought they would have said.
Some included Bob Marley, strength and power, redemption, stir up feelings of oppression/marginalisation, admiration, naturally unique, rasta, natural, powerful, beautiful, long matted hair that takes time and patience to maintain, a style in your hair that keeps all the dead hair together, humility, love and a pet worn on your head.
The majority had positive thoughts when the aforementioned words came to mind. A minority stated that oppression and marginalisation came to mind when they heard those words. Oftentimes there has been a lot of negative implications when it comes to someone who wears or has worn dreads. In almost every sector of society someone who wore ras has or is still being treated differently when compared to someone without the hairstyle. This is the sad reality but it has and still exist today. The funny thing is though, dreads in its natural state comes out of the heads of those who choose to wear it. Stereotyping someone for wearing it only displays the prejudice and discrimination that needs to be fixed in order for us to move forward as a society.
Imagine living in a society where your hairstyle declares if you can or cannot get a job. It has nothing to do with your qualifications and how you did in the interview because the only memorable thing is the hair on your head. Isn't it just sad to think about? However, it still happens today. Do not talk about if you do not or cannot upkeep your ras. It will be the death of you!
2. Reason For Growing Ras And Peoples' Reactions
No one should ever be criticised if they do not have a solid reason for growing their ras. One person was inspired by their mother's crown. This comment was not expected at all because it is not what we often hear. Many times parents or relatives even friends may try to talk us out of doing something even if that something can improve our overall wellbeing.
Many considered it for a long time while others just got fed-up of combing and styling their loose curls over and over again. Two of the respondents were heavily involved with sports so growing the ras to them was one thing they did not have to stress over. It was easy to style and not time-consuming, especially for the person who disliked combing their hair.
One female, who is of East Indian and Spanish descent stated that a lot of people close to her had negative views towards it. She received a lot of negative views from people who told her she did not have African roots. The comments were somewhat hash. It went so far that they told her she was ruining her hair and the hairstyle was not for her. It was amazing to hear someone of East Indian and Spanish descent tried ras. Even though it should not come as a surprise because ras has a deep spiritual and religious meaning with the god Shiva. Notwithstanding, strangers on the streets (rastas), gave her positive feedback and compliments. When she cut her ras many told her she did not know what she wanted with her hair. Her response, "I was just brave enough to try new things."
Another just wanted to create a new identity. To many, this might seem as though they want to become someone completely different from who they are. However, wanting to change up your style and incorporate a new look for yourself is a confidence and self-esteem booster. Many of us have to constantly remind ourselves of our worth. Each and every day we are faced with confronting the person in the mirror. Why do we do this? Because many of us find assurance in the way others describe us and not so much in the way we perceive our own self.
Others got mixed reactions from people. Some loved it and then some hate it. Funny thing is, whenever the word RAS is mentioned in my household or family it automatically insinuates a negative view. It is as though the word ras has the same or equal effects as the coronavirus. They paint it out in a way that if you use the word, you will get infected and possibly die. It is an extreme statement but it just goes to show how terrible it is even today. Many make it seem as though growing ras is taking away one's virginity. When in fact, it is actually just hair that grows and can be styled and cut whenever the individual is ready. I wish this was not the reality but sadly, it is.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with changing up your style a bit. Once it is something that makes you happy and is not at all detrimental to your physical, mental, social or psychological wellbeing.
3. Number of Years Being Loc'd
In no particular order, the number of years each person interviewed had their ras were; 2, 1, 13, 1 1/2, 6, 1, 4, 9, 13, 3, 2, 7.
By the numbers listed above, it is clear to suggest that everyone had reached a particular journey in their ras growth that was ultimately different to another. By listing the years each person had or still has their ras, there is a bigger clearer picture of each person's growth and overall journey. This also made it easier to comprehend what they went through at each step of their loc'd journey. All of their views were greatly appreciated.
4. Maintenance
Each individual had their own unique ways of taking care of their locs. The responses given by those who willingly took part in the interview were very satisfying. Many used water and oils and avoided gel because to them it caused a lot of buildup. Others took time to wash and treat their locks. There were also salon goers, persons who interlocked, retwist and styled on their own. Some had no choice but to learn because they were far from their support system and friends who knew the ins and outs of locking. One person stated that they interlock every two months and used beeswax. Another interlocked and twisted monthly to upkeep the locks at the front for neatness. One person washed their hair every two weeks and then palm rolled and used styles that were not tight but what would last for two weeks. One female stated that she incorporated a hot oil treatment in her ras regimen. The oils she used were Jamaican black castor oil, coconut oil, vitamin E and olive oil. She used it 2-3 times a week because the ras gets really dry. To her, needling too often can cause breakage to ras and damage. Therefore, she palm rolls often and needles occasionally.
5. Challenges
We all know that there is always a flip side to anything. In this case, the respondents listed the most challenging thing to them while wearing ras. One person said dealing with buildup in the early stages of their ras growth and journey. Another said keeping the roots moisturised while preventing the locks from thinning out. Another person claimed to dislike washing their dreads because of the weight and the length of time it took to dry. One said that the most challenging thing for them was styling because they were afraid that their hairline would recede.
One individual assumed that there was not a big difference in the treatment persons received during screening time at the airport. Also, they assumed the police were vigilant with everyone in the course of their duty. The subtlety in the way one is treated with and without ras is some times expressly stated or implied. Many associate a negative label with ras wearers just because they decide to wear ras. It appears to have less to do with your ethnic background and more with the decision to wear ras. As one person mentioned, "I think people are wired to associate a lovely hairstyle that for me, really shows love for your naturally black beauty, with all these negative ideas." This could not have been said any better. Once something goes against society's views of what is acceptable versus what is not, the labels begin to find their way on all the rebellious outliers.
Being unapologetically you and loving the way you see yourself is important. Especially while trying to survive in this cruel world. If you do not stand for something you will fall for anything. Never let someone belittle you because you were brave enough to try something new. Many people paint risk-takers as rebellious indecisive people. Well, the naysayers are the ones who are afraid to be authentic and artistic. Continue taking risks until you find what you were destined to get and what you were destined to be. But, never forget to take the essence of who you are with you.
6. Transformation-Growing/Cutting
I had the privilege of interviewing 12 participants on the topic "Dreadlocks." All parties have worn dreads at some point in their lives. I will be presenting their stories collectively to should how they had very similar viewpoints but still unique perspectives.
Out of the 12 participants, 10 were females and 2 were males.
There were 11 topics that came out of the questions that the respondents were asked. The images below are of each individual who willingly participated in the interview. Their names were left out intentionally for privacy purposes.
1. Symbolic Meaning
To many of the respondents, dreads had a very symbolic meaning to them. Some of which included; expression of self, freedom, roots and confidence, natural, powerful, risk-taker, identity and easy to wear.
All of the words and phrases listed above made the individuals feel connected to themselves in a way they had never envisioned. In contrast, many envisioned growing dreads but were afraid to start the locking process.
1. a
This is a subsection of symbolic meaning because when they heard the words dreads/locks/locs/dreadlocks/ras what came to their minds were things I had never thought they would have said.
Some included Bob Marley, strength and power, redemption, stir up feelings of oppression/marginalisation, admiration, naturally unique, rasta, natural, powerful, beautiful, long matted hair that takes time and patience to maintain, a style in your hair that keeps all the dead hair together, humility, love and a pet worn on your head.
The majority had positive thoughts when the aforementioned words came to mind. A minority stated that oppression and marginalisation came to mind when they heard those words. Oftentimes there has been a lot of negative implications when it comes to someone who wears or has worn dreads. In almost every sector of society someone who wore ras has or is still being treated differently when compared to someone without the hairstyle. This is the sad reality but it has and still exist today. The funny thing is though, dreads in its natural state comes out of the heads of those who choose to wear it. Stereotyping someone for wearing it only displays the prejudice and discrimination that needs to be fixed in order for us to move forward as a society.
Imagine living in a society where your hairstyle declares if you can or cannot get a job. It has nothing to do with your qualifications and how you did in the interview because the only memorable thing is the hair on your head. Isn't it just sad to think about? However, it still happens today. Do not talk about if you do not or cannot upkeep your ras. It will be the death of you!
2. Reason For Growing Ras And Peoples' Reactions
No one should ever be criticised if they do not have a solid reason for growing their ras. One person was inspired by their mother's crown. This comment was not expected at all because it is not what we often hear. Many times parents or relatives even friends may try to talk us out of doing something even if that something can improve our overall wellbeing.
Many considered it for a long time while others just got fed-up of combing and styling their loose curls over and over again. Two of the respondents were heavily involved with sports so growing the ras to them was one thing they did not have to stress over. It was easy to style and not time-consuming, especially for the person who disliked combing their hair.
One female, who is of East Indian and Spanish descent stated that a lot of people close to her had negative views towards it. She received a lot of negative views from people who told her she did not have African roots. The comments were somewhat hash. It went so far that they told her she was ruining her hair and the hairstyle was not for her. It was amazing to hear someone of East Indian and Spanish descent tried ras. Even though it should not come as a surprise because ras has a deep spiritual and religious meaning with the god Shiva. Notwithstanding, strangers on the streets (rastas), gave her positive feedback and compliments. When she cut her ras many told her she did not know what she wanted with her hair. Her response, "I was just brave enough to try new things."
Another just wanted to create a new identity. To many, this might seem as though they want to become someone completely different from who they are. However, wanting to change up your style and incorporate a new look for yourself is a confidence and self-esteem booster. Many of us have to constantly remind ourselves of our worth. Each and every day we are faced with confronting the person in the mirror. Why do we do this? Because many of us find assurance in the way others describe us and not so much in the way we perceive our own self.
Others got mixed reactions from people. Some loved it and then some hate it. Funny thing is, whenever the word RAS is mentioned in my household or family it automatically insinuates a negative view. It is as though the word ras has the same or equal effects as the coronavirus. They paint it out in a way that if you use the word, you will get infected and possibly die. It is an extreme statement but it just goes to show how terrible it is even today. Many make it seem as though growing ras is taking away one's virginity. When in fact, it is actually just hair that grows and can be styled and cut whenever the individual is ready. I wish this was not the reality but sadly, it is.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with changing up your style a bit. Once it is something that makes you happy and is not at all detrimental to your physical, mental, social or psychological wellbeing.
3. Number of Years Being Loc'd
In no particular order, the number of years each person interviewed had their ras were; 2, 1, 13, 1 1/2, 6, 1, 4, 9, 13, 3, 2, 7.
By the numbers listed above, it is clear to suggest that everyone had reached a particular journey in their ras growth that was ultimately different to another. By listing the years each person had or still has their ras, there is a bigger clearer picture of each person's growth and overall journey. This also made it easier to comprehend what they went through at each step of their loc'd journey. All of their views were greatly appreciated.
4. Maintenance
Each individual had their own unique ways of taking care of their locs. The responses given by those who willingly took part in the interview were very satisfying. Many used water and oils and avoided gel because to them it caused a lot of buildup. Others took time to wash and treat their locks. There were also salon goers, persons who interlocked, retwist and styled on their own. Some had no choice but to learn because they were far from their support system and friends who knew the ins and outs of locking. One person stated that they interlock every two months and used beeswax. Another interlocked and twisted monthly to upkeep the locks at the front for neatness. One person washed their hair every two weeks and then palm rolled and used styles that were not tight but what would last for two weeks. One female stated that she incorporated a hot oil treatment in her ras regimen. The oils she used were Jamaican black castor oil, coconut oil, vitamin E and olive oil. She used it 2-3 times a week because the ras gets really dry. To her, needling too often can cause breakage to ras and damage. Therefore, she palm rolls often and needles occasionally.
5. Challenges
We all know that there is always a flip side to anything. In this case, the respondents listed the most challenging thing to them while wearing ras. One person said dealing with buildup in the early stages of their ras growth and journey. Another said keeping the roots moisturised while preventing the locks from thinning out. Another person claimed to dislike washing their dreads because of the weight and the length of time it took to dry. One said that the most challenging thing for them was styling because they were afraid that their hairline would recede.
One individual assumed that there was not a big difference in the treatment persons received during screening time at the airport. Also, they assumed the police were vigilant with everyone in the course of their duty. The subtlety in the way one is treated with and without ras is some times expressly stated or implied. Many associate a negative label with ras wearers just because they decide to wear ras. It appears to have less to do with your ethnic background and more with the decision to wear ras. As one person mentioned, "I think people are wired to associate a lovely hairstyle that for me, really shows love for your naturally black beauty, with all these negative ideas." This could not have been said any better. Once something goes against society's views of what is acceptable versus what is not, the labels begin to find their way on all the rebellious outliers.
Being unapologetically you and loving the way you see yourself is important. Especially while trying to survive in this cruel world. If you do not stand for something you will fall for anything. Never let someone belittle you because you were brave enough to try something new. Many people paint risk-takers as rebellious indecisive people. Well, the naysayers are the ones who are afraid to be authentic and artistic. Continue taking risks until you find what you were destined to get and what you were destined to be. But, never forget to take the essence of who you are with you.
6. Transformation-Growing/Cutting
While some had to build the confidence others enjoyed each chapter of their hair's journey. One respondent mentioned that many were shocked that he cut his dreads but the majority accepted and loved the unloc'd hair. With some even saying that they loved the low cut more. The connection that someone has with their hair is really deep. The way we wear our hair changes our appearance and confidence among other factors. Thus, when one person said that they still have their locks in a bag hoping for one day to put them back in hurts a lot. They are hopeful that after the thinning of the front of their hair is resolved they will be approved to add locks again.
We sometimes let ourselves get the best of us. We live in our head too much. It is healthier to come out and try to deal with things that are affecting us. One person imagined bad experiences when they decide to cut their ras but the entire experience for them was fun. They enjoyed trying a new style and always look forward to a fresh haircut and mark which meant a new design.
One mentioned that they lost their hairline when they had ras. Another did not like their hair short and missed having ras. They found it difficult to style the unloc'd hair but as it grew longer they are now able to put it in a woogie.
It was a total change for other persons but they felt good about it. One person out of all who were interviewed combed out their locs after 13 years. It took that person three days with the help of her mom and cousin to comb out the locks. She claims to love her curls and have not regretted it since.
We sometimes let ourselves get the best of us. We live in our head too much. It is healthier to come out and try to deal with things that are affecting us. One person imagined bad experiences when they decide to cut their ras but the entire experience for them was fun. They enjoyed trying a new style and always look forward to a fresh haircut and mark which meant a new design.
One mentioned that they lost their hairline when they had ras. Another did not like their hair short and missed having ras. They found it difficult to style the unloc'd hair but as it grew longer they are now able to put it in a woogie.
It was a total change for other persons but they felt good about it. One person out of all who were interviewed combed out their locs after 13 years. It took that person three days with the help of her mom and cousin to comb out the locks. She claims to love her curls and have not regretted it since.
For those on the flip side, they had a deeper connection with their ras. Maybe because they had it in longer. Also, it became a part of their identity so cutting it meant a part of who they are would have been lost. One person said that their ras was who they are as a person but then they realised that they are not their hair. But, the person said, "I sometimes feel as though I succumbed by cutting my hair, to the pressures of our anachronistic social structures."
One person wanted it for so long that they did not want to part from it just because people had negative views about it. The person did however cut it but for other reasons.
8. Offsprings and Ras
I was surprised by the responses to this topic. Almost everyone agreed that they will allow their child/children to wear dreads. One person said that because they were allowed to grow their own they will, in return, allow their child/children to grow ras as well. On person went a little deeper by stating that, "Ras, in particular, in a way, is an expression that tells of one's love for his or her natural self and beauty. For you to grow and wear a ras in a world that provides so many other unnatural alternatives certainly suggests that."
Two individuals said that they will allow their offspring to wear ras but only if they are capable of maintaining it. One said if they, "Realised the strain is too much on their hair, or if the hair is constantly thinning or breaking, then I would suggest that their discontinue. This happened to me and resulted in hair damage which is why I had to cut my hair."
The person who said no claimed that it was too much work to maintain; interlocking and styling.
However, the responses were honest but one can only tell and make such decisions when they actually have an offspring. Certain circumstances can alter a person's thinking very quickly.
9. Rastafarianism
The majority said that they did not identify with the faith but they simply loved the hairstyle. As one person said, "you can be a fan of dreadlocks but not a Rastafarian." Many do not know that dreadlocks did not originate from the Rastafarians in Jamaican but it is considered the most popular of the other origins. That is why it is important to understand where something came from. That way, the decisions we make and the manner in which we make it can affect several aspects of our lives. Making wiser decisions begins with knowing the history first.
It is definitely a different journey if someone is locking their hair just for the style of it. Another person said that they were not plugged into the deeper meaning of Rastafarianism back then but they now identify with bits of the messages of the Rastafarian philosophy. Note that this person no longer has ras but they still can identify with some aspects of the faith.
Natural hair is hair that grows out of your own roots. Dreadlocks is natural hair. It is just natural in a different form. It is loc'd. As long as the hair is rooted in your scalp then it is natural hair.
A female stated that, "the definition of natural is not made or caused by mankind. We just don't untangle our hair. Before combs and brushes were invented to untangle the hair, what did we use? Our hands and water." This statement brought back memories from part 1 of this series. Maybe in ancient times, people did not have tools and many techniques to style their hair so they just allowed for it to grow in a matted form.
Another said that ras is real although some people use weave to begin their journey into locking. When their hair reaches a certain length they remove the weave. This is an alternative that I have heard of before. It might not be a popular choice but it is a choice that some have considered and done.
One individual made a valid point as to why the notion that ras is unnatural needs to be debunked. Dreadlocks, as they stated, is natural. There are different techniques to keep them looking well-groomed. "If I were to leave my hair to grow without touching it, it would eventually become tangled and the dreading process will begin on its own, naturally." Very valid statement. No manipulation, heat or touching of our hair for a few weeks can start tangling, resulting in locking and the dreadful ras will begin.
11. Ras vs. Relaxed Hair- Which is Harder to Maintain?
This section was really interesting. It was a tie between ras and relaxed hair. For those who said ras they declared that it was the "usual suspects." Another said that in the professional world locs has a negative label. To them, it is labelled to be a hairstyle that is not maintained and smells. Also, just untidy. Many people also believe that it does not get washed. Another had a similar response to the aforementioned one. Their reasoning however depended on who you asked. "Institutionally ras still has a negative label. And so people with ras in the corporate, professional, societal context continue to suffer from the racist, discriminatory markings from the colonial, imperial era of our history."
Another view that suggested that ras got a negative reputation also claimed that people tend to assume that having locs is dirty and unsanitary and its often associated with criminal behaviour. It is disheartening that someone will be targeted just because they choose to wear their hair differently from the rest.
Contrarily, those who said that relaxed hair got a bad reputation said so because of their own personal experiences with relaxed hair. All of the comments described the pressures of constantly having to put relaxer in. Some people have appointments at salons every 2-3 weeks. Wow... That's a lot of times per year to relax. The people who stated relaxed hair also suggest that it was harder to maintain as opposed to ras. Interesting and honest perspectives made this series even more relatable and needed. We need to hear other peoples' stories so that we can try to resist the prejudicial, discriminatory so-called logics we have planted in our minds. Learning about other peoples' points of view can reshape our idea of what is acceptable and what is not. We can then reimagine the world differently and try to be more inclusive. Yes, this seems like an ideal world which does not exist but the only ones keeping us back from its existence is us.
This section was really interesting. It was a tie between ras and relaxed hair. For those who said ras they declared that it was the "usual suspects." Another said that in the professional world locs has a negative label. To them, it is labelled to be a hairstyle that is not maintained and smells. Also, just untidy. Many people also believe that it does not get washed. Another had a similar response to the aforementioned one. Their reasoning however depended on who you asked. "Institutionally ras still has a negative label. And so people with ras in the corporate, professional, societal context continue to suffer from the racist, discriminatory markings from the colonial, imperial era of our history."
Another view that suggested that ras got a negative reputation also claimed that people tend to assume that having locs is dirty and unsanitary and its often associated with criminal behaviour. It is disheartening that someone will be targeted just because they choose to wear their hair differently from the rest.
Contrarily, those who said that relaxed hair got a bad reputation said so because of their own personal experiences with relaxed hair. All of the comments described the pressures of constantly having to put relaxer in. Some people have appointments at salons every 2-3 weeks. Wow... That's a lot of times per year to relax. The people who stated relaxed hair also suggest that it was harder to maintain as opposed to ras. Interesting and honest perspectives made this series even more relatable and needed. We need to hear other peoples' stories so that we can try to resist the prejudicial, discriminatory so-called logics we have planted in our minds. Learning about other peoples' points of view can reshape our idea of what is acceptable and what is not. We can then reimagine the world differently and try to be more inclusive. Yes, this seems like an ideal world which does not exist but the only ones keeping us back from its existence is us.
Stay loc'd in for Part 3 of this series.
Love this
ReplyDeleteI've learned al
ReplyDeleteot from this
Thank you so much Arlene. Really appreciate your comment!
ReplyDeleteKeep it up sasha. Ur blessed and talented girl and don't let anyone take that shine from u. U have my support.
ReplyDeletei have never had ras but i would allow my offspring to wear this style as i dont see anything wrong with it. However, i believe it is a decision or a mature person. I say this because i see my/a CHILD wanting to wear this style but 2 months later getting bored with it or maybe underestimating the amount of maintenance it requires. Other than that if you feel like u(my child) want to try it, have learnt about it and willing to maintain it then be my guest.I would help in educating and learning to maintain the hairstyle.
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