However, bonnets are mostly restricted to the home, and it’s often viewed as a major taboo in the Black community to wear it out, especially to work. However, I like a challenge, so I decided to take my beloved bonnet with me wherever I went for A FULL DAY. Pray for me, fam. Plus, the way Black women wear their hair has long been a highly politicized topic. From natural hair in the military to braids in retail, Black women have had an uphill battle to get their tresses to be treated and viewed equally, especially in the workplace. But once I stepped out my door, I felt fearless. I walked to the train and my fellow New Yorkers frankly didn’t give a damn. I guess they’ve seen crazier things on these unconventional streets. Plus, the added warmth on my head was pretty nice! But the reality is that no one treated me differently. No one gawked or whispered, and I was still acknowledged in meetings. Of course, I work in a more creative space as a fashion journalist, but still. It was only when another set of diners ate near us that I could feel a set of eyes basically BURNING A HOLE IN MY BONNET. I felt incredibly self-conscious and it was hard for me to enjoy my mac and cheese bowl because the lady wouldn’t stop staring. I thought, “Maybe she’s jealous of my bonnet? Maybe she wants to know where I bought it so she can pick one up too?” Of course the worst possible thought kept intruding, too: “Maybe she doesn’t like being seated near a Black person, ESPECIALLY one in a bonnet?” At the same time, I recognize that I work in an environment where more trendy hairstyles and manners of dress are accepted, so it would be a very different experience for another Black woman in another office. Most of all, I hope my exercise has shown how the practice of reducing Black women to what’s on their heads needs to stop. Regardless of how we wear our hair, the world will keep spinning, and we will keep slaying.
title: “I Wore My Bonnet For A Full Day To Slay A Racist Stereotype” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-17” author: “Paul Wilbanks”
However, bonnets are mostly restricted to the home, and it’s often viewed as a major taboo in the Black community to wear it out, especially to work. However, I like a challenge, so I decided to take my beloved bonnet with me wherever I went for A FULL DAY. Pray for me, fam. Plus, the way Black women wear their hair has long been a highly politicized topic. From natural hair in the military to braids in retail, Black women have had an uphill battle to get their tresses to be treated and viewed equally, especially in the workplace. But once I stepped out my door, I felt fearless. I walked to the train and my fellow New Yorkers frankly didn’t give a damn. I guess they’ve seen crazier things on these unconventional streets. Plus, the added warmth on my head was pretty nice! But the reality is that no one treated me differently. No one gawked or whispered, and I was still acknowledged in meetings. Of course, I work in a more creative space as a fashion journalist, but still. It was only when another set of diners ate near us that I could feel a set of eyes basically BURNING A HOLE IN MY BONNET. I felt incredibly self-conscious and it was hard for me to enjoy my mac and cheese bowl because the lady wouldn’t stop staring. I thought, “Maybe she’s jealous of my bonnet? Maybe she wants to know where I bought it so she can pick one up too?” Of course the worst possible thought kept intruding, too: “Maybe she doesn’t like being seated near a Black person, ESPECIALLY one in a bonnet?” At the same time, I recognize that I work in an environment where more trendy hairstyles and manners of dress are accepted, so it would be a very different experience for another Black woman in another office. Most of all, I hope my exercise has shown how the practice of reducing Black women to what’s on their heads needs to stop. Regardless of how we wear our hair, the world will keep spinning, and we will keep slaying.
