This paper explores the role of hair in African American society and its relevance to the development of the Afro from a political symbol to a fashion statement. From the revolutionary spirit of the civil rights movement emerged a determination of the African American community not only to achieve social and economic equality, but also to liberate itself from the white ideal of beauty that reinforced the structures of white domination. Symbolic of this struggle, the Afro initially acted as a medium to express allegiance with the Black power movement and create a sense of unity among African Americans. Having spent centuries straightening and processing their hair in order to fit into expectations of white society, Black Americans began resorting to the natural look in the 1960s in celebration of their African heritage and in order to provoke and shock white supremacists. While the Afro did serve its purpose as an expression of intimidation and defiance at first, its popularity caused the hairstyle to become widely commercialized and thereby lose its original political significance.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Hair in African American History
- Afros & Adverts
- 'Beautiful People'
- 'Sisters are Different from Brothers'
- Conclusion
- Works Cited
- Appendix
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis explores the transformation of the Afro hairstyle from a potent political symbol of Black pride and resistance to a commercialized fashion statement. It examines the interplay between the Afro's socio-political origins within the Civil Rights and Black Power movements and its subsequent adoption and exploitation by the advertising and beauty industries.
- The historical significance of hair in African American culture and identity.
- The Afro's emergence as a symbol of Black Power and resistance.
- The commercialization of the Afro and its impact on its political meaning.
- Advertising strategies used to market Afro-hair products to Black consumers.
- The portrayal of the Afro in advertisements targeted at women.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introduction lays the groundwork for the thesis by outlining the central argument: the Afro's evolution from a symbol of Black resistance during the Civil Rights Movement to a commercialized fashion trend. It highlights the importance of hair in African American identity and the role of the Afro in challenging white beauty standards. The introduction also establishes the methodology, focusing on analyzing advertisements to understand the commercialization process and its effect on the Afro's political significance. It introduces key source materials that will inform the analysis, such as Susannah Walker's work on the commodification of the Afro and Ayana Byrd and Lori Tharpes' exploration of Black hair history.
Hair in African American History: This chapter delves into the rich history and symbolism of hair within African cultures, emphasizing its role in expressing identity, status, and spirituality. It contrasts this with the forced suppression of African hair traditions during slavery and the subsequent struggles of African Americans to reclaim their hair as a source of pride and self-expression. The chapter highlights the historical context of hair as a site of cultural and political conflict, setting the stage for the understanding of the Afro's later significance. The impact of the transatlantic slave trade on the cultural symbolism of African hairstyles is detailed, showing how the suppression of elaborate styles contributed to the complex relationship African Americans have with their hair.
Keywords
Afro hairstyle, Black Power movement, Civil Rights Movement, advertising, commercialization, African American identity, beauty standards, race, identity politics, commodification, Black culture, hair history.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this text?
This text explores the transformation of the Afro hairstyle from a potent political symbol of Black pride and resistance to a commercialized fashion statement. It examines how the Afro's socio-political origins within the Civil Rights and Black Power movements intersected with its later adoption and exploitation by the advertising and beauty industries.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include the historical significance of hair in African American culture and identity; the Afro's emergence as a symbol of Black Power and resistance; the commercialization of the Afro and its impact on its political meaning; advertising strategies used to market Afro-hair products to Black consumers; and the portrayal of the Afro in advertisements targeted at women.
What historical context is provided?
The text delves into the rich history and symbolism of hair within African cultures, contrasting it with the forced suppression of African hair traditions during slavery. It highlights the historical context of hair as a site of cultural and political conflict, emphasizing the impact of the transatlantic slave trade on the cultural symbolism of African hairstyles.
What is the methodology used in the text?
The text utilizes an analysis of advertisements to understand the commercialization process and its effect on the Afro's political significance. It draws upon key source materials such as Susannah Walker's work on the commodification of the Afro and Ayana Byrd and Lori Tharpes' exploration of Black hair history.
What are the key chapters and their summaries?
The text includes an introduction outlining the central argument; a chapter on the history of hair in African American culture; a chapter focusing on Afros in advertising (including subsections on 'Beautiful People' and 'Sisters are Different from Brothers'); a conclusion; a works cited section; and an appendix. Chapter summaries provide detailed overviews of the content and arguments within each chapter.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: Afro hairstyle, Black Power movement, Civil Rights Movement, advertising, commercialization, African American identity, beauty standards, race, identity politics, commodification, Black culture, and hair history.
What is the overall objective of this text?
The main objective is to analyze the evolution of the Afro hairstyle, tracing its transformation from a symbol of Black resistance to a commercialized fashion trend, and to understand the interplay between its socio-political origins and its subsequent commercial exploitation.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes an introduction, a chapter on hair in African American history, a chapter on Afros and advertisements, a conclusion, works cited, and an appendix.
- Quote paper
- Mona Zaqqa (Author), 2020, The Transgression of the Afro from a Political Symbol to a Fashion Statement. Advertising the Afro, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1147658
