Why Hollywood Won't Tell The Real Black Hair Story

Hurray for Hollywood! Once again the entertainment machine has managed to make a film that pisses off the very audience it thinks it knows best based on box office receipts, surveys, and spread sheets. That audience being black folk, African-Americans, the direct descendants of chattel slaves in this country. The film being "Good Hair." The subject: Black hair.

And yeah, I went there with the "slaves" mention because how we as black folk respond to things concerning our hair is often a throwback to past hurts and shames of slavery and Jim Crow passed down through generations. But Rock's film won't address that 'cause that's not a subject mainstream--aka white people, and some black folk too --wants to hear.

However, due to Rock's cinematic approach, the old debate of "good hair" vs "nappy hair" is now up for mainstream discussion. And based on the conversations I've had and observed, those outside the culture can't understand why so many black women are upset. It's not so much about our "secrets" being revealed--weaves and wigs are no longer taboo. It's about how Hollywood in its attempt to make people laugh, has placed black women on a platform to be LAUGHED AT and ridiculed. And that shit ain't funny, especially when it comes from black men.

While fighting mad, black women need to understand Hollywood doesn't give a damn about black hair nor its cultural relevance. What it cares about is your green dollar and how you will spend it opening night. And based on those stats and surveys I mentioned Hollywood execs know exactly how to bait you to the theaters. This is how:

1. Make it funny! Black folk love comedies according to the research. "They don't financially support dramas as well as they do comedies, so keep them laughing and we can laugh all the way to the bank," is how Hollywood thinks. Sadly, we prove them right more often than not.

2. Flash images of black celebs on screen we recognize. We are so hungry to see ourselves portrayed on the big screen we get lured to the theaters only to realize we've been hoodwinked, bamboozled. That said, if you haven't seen Spike Lee's "Bamboozled" or Reggie Bythewood's "Dancing In September", do so. They address black sitcoms but the issues apply to film too.

3. Omit history. Who cares about history? "We're not here to TEACH them just REACH them...them pockets that is." Says Hollywood. Black people don't want to be reminded of the past and white people don't want to feel guilty about it, so historical relevance is often left out or minimized as much as possible. But just in case I'm wrong, check the stats. How many historical black films have made it to number 1 opening weekend? Has a black documentary ever done it? No? Imagine that!

My point is Hollywood isn't going to risk a multi-million dollar budget to make a film it knows statistically will not make a profit. The documentaries exploring the history, politics, business, AND culture of black hair are INDEPENDENTLY produced. And yes, "My Nappy ROOTS" is one of those films. But sadly, we don't support independent films as we should cause we'd rather see celebrities and antics.

We are so distracted by celebrity we too often miss the relevance of the story or the obvious tripod legs, light poles and extension cords--things professionals work hard to hide--hanging in the award winning comedian's shot. Can you say, "after thought?"

WAKE UP and smell the hair relaxer, people! Understand Hollywood is in the BUSINESS of show. If you're looking for a more in depth approach to any subject matter, seek the works of independent filmmakers, authors, etc. Don't rely solely on Hollywood, gossip blogs, the news, etc. to tell you what you NEED to know about your own culture. Most exist to tell you what THEY want you to know. So don't even get mad, get enlightened. Then act accordingly.

Photo Source: Me:-)