Ghetto-itis

We've all heard this word before: "Ghetto" and unfortunately it is a word that holds negative connotation usually associated with blacks or black stereotypes/behavior/style/speech/culture etc.

It's funny to think about the word's origin since it really had nothing to do with African Americans:

Ghetto:

2.

(formerly, in most European countries) a section of a city in which all Jews were required to live.

3.

a section predominantly inhabited by Jews.

dictionary.reference.com

The word is more often thought of in terms of its slang definition now.

Ghetto:

5.

pertaining to or characteristic of life in a ghetto or the people who live there: ghetto culture.

6.

Slang: Often Disparaging and Offensive. noting something that is considered to be unrefined, low-class,cheap, or inferior: Her furniture is so ghetto!

dictionary.reference.com

Now you may be wondering why the heck I'm giving you an etymology lesson on a hair blog but I swear it's relevant! lol

When we hear the term "ghetto" in regards to hair, it is usually describing (again usually in negative connotations) more flamboyant, often colorful, and in my opinion very creative and innovative forms of hair expression. 

What I'd like to explore is WHY these hair expressions are considered "ghetto", or are looked at as less sophisticated, or even repulsive and embarrassing. Why has the African American community allowed our hair creativity to be marginalized as something humorous, less important, and unprofessional? I feel like as a society we claim to embrace difference and individuality but in reality "other" is mocked and ostracized and in many cases deemed inferior. 

I actually happen to love the above photo and think it's a dope style but of course it's under "ghetto hairstyles" on google. When you google "normal hair" however, these images appear:

There seems to be a disconnect here. And even (or maybe especially) in the most "enlightened" groups that cling to black empowerment ideals the below styles are considered ignorant and ratchet.

I would like to formally take the opposite stance though and claim these forms as valid, beautiful, and quite honestly COOL expressions of innovative thinking in hair artistry. Now that is not to say that everyone (or even myself) should rock these styles…it is just to say they should be embraced as valid options rather than denounced under the negative guise of "ghetto".

What are your thoughts on the idea of creative license without negative judgements?

Would you ever wear any of these styles?

- "Mo hair"

 

Rahkua Ishakarah

rahkua.com

iHEARTrahkua@gmail.com