Every time we write about natural hair versus permed hair we get a huge response from all our clients and readers. We know this topic is near and dear to you. Treasured Locks is here to support Black women and provide information and products to help you be the best you can be whether you decide to rock it straight or natural. I love “I Am Not My Hair” by by India.Arie. My girls and I love to sing at the top of our lungs in the car. The second verse goes like this:

Good hair means curls and waves
Bad hair means you look like a slave
At the turn of the century
Its time for us to redefine who we be
You can shave it off
Like a South African beauty
Or get in on lock
Like Bob Marley
You can rock it straight
Like Oprah Winfrey
If its not what’s on your head
Its what’s underneath and say HEY….

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We recently received an email from someone concerned about a huge faux pas made by someone representing Glamour Magazine. The email calls for a boycott against Glamour Magazine in reaction to some remarks made by a representative at a luncheon. If you get such an email, we encourage you to do your own investigation. We clicked on a link in the email to get “the rest of the story”. And while the incident does provide us for a great opportunity for discussion, even here at Treasured Locks, we differing opinions of what the proper reaction should be. What do you think?

Here is an excerpt from the email we received:

I am deeply offended by this editor’s statement as should all women of color (natural or relaxed). I didn’t realize that the way my hair grows out of my head naturally had political implications! I’ve been an avid reader of Glamour over the years, but I propose a permanent STRIKE ON PURCHASING GLAMOUR MAGAZINE. This attack on black women is no different than Imus’ recent “nappy headed hoes” statement and we have to show our financial power by hitting companies like Conde Nast where it hurts the most: their pockets.

If you agree with this strike on GLAMOUR MAGAZINE, please pass this email along to your network of family and friends. Also, if you know of any television show producers, I think it’s time for this issue to go from the web to television.

The offending remarks were made at a presentation to a group of women lawyers. The topic was the dos and don’ts of corporate fashion. Unfortunately, the person making the presentation didn’t understand the dos and don’ts of racial sensitivity.

First slide up: an African-American woman sporting an Afro. A real no-no, announced the Glamour editor to the 40 or so lawyers in the room. As for dreadlocks: How truly dreadful! The style maven said it was “shocking” that some people still think it “appropriate” to wear those hairstyles at the office. “No offense,” she sniffed, but those “political” hairstyles really have to go.

The thing that is shocking is how clueless this presenter was. But, we’ll get around to that later. You can read a more complete accounting of the tale here: Clearly Gottlieb Has A Bad Day
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