Movie: Good Hair

[Gracie]

You need one more option
wait for to come out on TV one
that's my vote

that one and watch a bootleg copy

 

[LongHairNWaiting]

Gracie, I'm sorry that you had to deal with such ignorant ppl and comments around you. Why is it that some black ppl think that black women can't have long beautiful hair? EDUCATION IS THE KEY.

I haven't seen his movie, and done plan to unless it's free or I get it from th $1 Rental.

 

[C@ssandr@]

I saw it. I enjoyed it, but I wished I rented the dvd.

 

[C@ssandr@]

And I wish he would've interviewed somebody with REAL, long, relaxed hair. You walk away still thinking we still can't grow it out. Overall i didn't hate it. I didn't go there looking for philosophy or for him to change the world. I got enough laughs out of it.
He's also a man. what do they know about it?

 

[peacelove]

I did not think it sucked, but I really did not care for it. I felt it had no clear point at the end. Given the inspiration for the film (his daughter's comment on good hair) I would have thought that he would have showed a range of black women's hairstyles. He did not really touch on natural salons or the growth it salons and products that focus on natural hair. I did not really know what I was supposed to take away from that movie.

 

[almond eyes]

I saw the film and yes it was funny but it was disturbing. I don't agree with C.R. that there was a positive overall message in the end, the only message I picked up from the film was that black women are superficial and black men stay away from a black women because they are too high maintenance. Other message, black women themselves do not value afro-hair unless it is relaxed or weaved (ie. Maya Angelou and the high school girls who talked about what they feel looks professional and five year old girl who said black little girls are supposed to get relaxers). Other message, black people would rather plunk all their money down the drain to support white and Asian businesses to maintain the hair care industry than channel their money to other endeavours or support themselves or flip the economic script. Dependencies on weaves to look good and have self-esteem (Nia Long, Melessa Ford, Raven Simone getting defending the right to wear weaves). And Jason the white hairdresser, the only reason he did not win was because the judges at the hair show especially with the film crew did not want to reinforce the stereotypes that white people can style our hair better than the black man even the white man has perfected how to do a black woman's hair and many black women and our black hairdressers still do not. Sad!!!!!!

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[Lebiya]

Did the documentary mention anything about black men and their insecurities with their Own hair? A good portion of them keep a ‘low cut’, cornrows and ‘waves’ just to conceal the ‘napps’…was there any coverage of that? I did see a clip from the trailer of him in the barber shop, so I assumed that would been brought up. His daughter struggles are His as well, although a different perspective. Were always the talk of everything…light skin, dark skin etc. Black PEOPLE have struggles. History has placed that burden on us before birth. I Won’t watch. And I’m already aware of the sentiments quite alot of black men share regarding black women so I cannot expect anything different.

 

[MusicandWine]

Well, as I assumed this movie sounds unworthy of my time. As someone who is growing her hair out of a relaxer because of the unhealthy effects it has had on my hair the last thing I want to see is some foolish documentary that was supposed to mean something but means absolutely nothing. It takes courage to accept your hair for however it is and to live with it, this movie doesn't show the positivity of accepting and loving yourself so it's got nothing in it for me.

Wah.

 

[MusicandWine]

Did the documentary mention anything about black men and their insecurities with their Own hair? A good portion of them keep a ‘low cut’, cornrows and ‘waves’ just to conceal the ‘napps’…was there any coverage of that? I did see a clip from the trailer of him in the barber shop, so I assumed that would been brought up. His daughter struggles are His as well, although a different perspective. Were always the talk of everything…light skin, dark skin etc. Black PEOPLE have struggles. History has placed that burden on us before birth. I Won’t watch. And I’m already aware of the sentiments quite alot of black men share regarding black women so I cannot expect anything different.

I was just talking about how black men do these different processes to their hair to hide the texture, the other day. Now I'm sure most black men don't spend half as much on their haircare but I'm also sure there are a few exceptions to that rule out there. And since Chris sort out crazy people like mother who relaxed baby's hair he could have just as easily found an extreme black man. Chris himself looks like he has some chemicals going on up on his head...

 

[Gracie]

I did not think it sucked, but I really did not care for it. I felt it had no clear point at the end. Given the inspiration for the film (his daughter's comment on good hair) I would have thought that he would have showed a range of black women's hairstyles. He did not really touch on natural salons or the growth it salons and products that focus on natural hair. I did not really know what I was supposed to take away from that movie.

I saw an interview and I really don't know which show it was because Chris Rock has been on so many of them, but he said that he was going to tell his daughters what is in their head is more important than what is on it.

 

[Gracie]

Did the documentary mention anything about black men and their insecurities with their Own hair? A good portion of them keep a ‘low cut’, cornrows and ‘waves’ just to conceal the ‘napps’…was there any coverage of that? I did see a clip from the trailer of him in the barber shop, so I assumed that would been brought up. His daughter struggles are His as well, although a different perspective. Were always the talk of everything…light skin, dark skin etc. Black PEOPLE have struggles. History has placed that burden on us before birth. I Won’t watch. And I’m already aware of the sentiments quite alot of black men share regarding black women so I cannot expect anything different.

I don't remember it saying anything about black men and their insecurities with their own hair. I do remember black men giving their opinion of black women's hair esp weaves.

 

[Gracie]

And I wish he would've interviewed somebody with REAL, long, relaxed hair. You walk away still thinking we still can't grow it out. Overall i didn't hate it. I didn't go there looking for philosophy or for him to change the world. I got enough laughs out of it.
He's also a man. what do they know about it?

I do too or really long natural hair. That way it would have helped people not make the assumption that black women with long hair is either relaxed or weaved.

 

[cocoaluv]

I do too or really long natural hair. That way it would have helped people not make the assumption that black women with long hair is either relaxed or weaved.

EXACTLY. I mean I know tons of black women wear weaves but there are also many MANY who do not wear weaves and have a healthy head of hair (natural or relaxed) but no-one like that was interviewed.

 

[almond eyes]

If Chris Rock's wife had appeared on the movie to discuss her views on hair that would have been more interesting. Only interesting uplifting part was Sheila Bridges, the popular interior designer who refuses to wear a wig despite her alopecia.

Best,
Almond EYes

 

[Allandra]

My dh and I took my two nieces to see it yesterday. We got a lot of good laughs, and we enjoyed it.

 

[Ltown]

I seen the movie it was alright, he concentrated on weave, bad relaxer and the hair show to much. There is so much more that we do with our hair, what happen to the ladies that have natural and relax hair that are good.

 

[misspriss]

The movie was entertaining...it wasn't life-changing or anything, and I could have waited on the DVD, but it had it's moments. If you're on LHCF, it's nothing new. I think the most interesting part about it is the dialogue that it sparks - it was fun for me because I went with a few of my girlfriends and we all live in the "weave capital" lol. It moreso explores the time/money/creativity that goes into maintaining weaves, relaxers, and intricate hairstyles, it doesn't really educate people about caring for their hair or go too in-depth with judgments about what's "good" or "bad" in the context of American society. But it's Chris Rock - I wasn't expecting it to be that deep.

 

[Gracie]

If Chris Rock's wife had appeared on the movie to discuss her views on hair that would have been more interesting. Only interesting uplifting part was Sheila Bridges, the popular interior designer who refuses to wear a wig despite her alopecia.

Best,
Almond EYes

I forgot about that part. That was good.

 

[melissa-bee]

Even if i wanted to see it i couldn't because i very much doubt it will come out in the UK.
The only thing i want to see is the relaxer on the soda can, but i'll just wait untill it comes on you tube, oh wait, i could do that at home.

 

[janeemat]

I will have to wait for national release, because I could not find it showing in SC.

 

[mscocoface]

I am not sure what the point was for showing the man getting the full spa treatment, that could have been left on the editor's cutting room floor, including the boots.

I am glad some of the business aspects were mentioned including the fact that there are only 4 black owned business that manufacture as well as distribute their own products on a large scale.

It would be nice if a second move was done (I don't care who makes it) that focused on what is happening via the internet with black haircare.

 

[PinkSkates]

I am not sure what the point was for showing the man getting the full spa treatment, that could have been left on the editor's cutting room floor, including the boots.

I as glad some of the business aspects were mentioned including the fact that there are only 4 black owned business that manufactur as well as distribute their own products on a large scale.

It would be nice if a second move was done (I don't care who makes it) that focused on what is happening via the internet with black haircare.

Yeah that part really grossed me out! But surprisingly, I enjoyed all of the comments from IceT!
His last comment... when he told all women to stop pointing fingers at other races of women at what they do to be considered beautiful! He seemed really sincere.

 

[locfreeme]

I'm glad I went to see the movie so I could judge it for myself. I think some of us already have preconceived notions so we are "selectively watching" the film. Yes, the emphasis was definitely on perms and weaves, but I think that was what he wanted to investigate in the first place. My only real criticism is that he forced the Bronner Bros competition in - it wasn't the best fit with the other content, IMHO.

Overall, it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be, and not as funny, either (Ice-T was hilarious, though!). Here are some things I haven't seen mentioned as much as the other stuff:

1. There were two naturals interviewed, though not necessarily 4z hair type. Talked about wearing a weave in the past and talked about pressures to straighten hair.
2. There was also a group of high school girls and one had a fro. She didn't say much, but Chris and the other girls looked to her several times after saying something about natural hair and she was quiet. I was thinking "Say something girl! Didn't you hear what they just said?! Rebut!" LOL
3. There was the lady with alopecia who talked about why she wouldn't wear a wig.
4. At least two ladies in beauty shops with relaxed hair whose hair was theirs and Chris weave-checked. Another one at the Bronner Bros show. There hair wasn't insanely long by LHCF standards, but long enough by everyday standards, I think. And long enough for Chris to weave-check LOL.
5. Regarding guys, both Al Sharpton and Ice-T talked about their hair (remember, Chris was interested in perms). Ice-T even talked about rollers in the hair.
6. In the barbershop, the guys talked about weaves being high-maintenance and not being able to run their fingers through a sista's hair and Chris Rock eventually asked if it's easier to be with a white girl because of that. One guy passionately agreed, but only one (if I'm remembering correctly). The others quickly back-pedaled, one equally passionately disagreed, and the whole barbershop erupting into chaos. Which I thought was a positive thing. Maybe I read it wrong. *shrug*

If nothing else, Good Hair will generate some awareness and dialogue. My hair is natural and I don't think I'll get many weave checks, especially since I've decided to put my wigs away for a while - yes, due to the movie. I can represent naturals with hair myself since the movie didn't show us as much. I'm going to happily answer any questions I get as long as they are respectful.

 

[Cassandra1975]

Last night, I got a text msg from a guy I used to date. I had natural hair when I met up, mostly wearing wash & go's and puffs. I made it clear at the beginning that I had no plans on relaxing, but he would throw out his "suggestions" after a few months into the relationship. That - along with other dumbness on his part - made me have to chunk the deuces and keep it moving.

Anywho, this dude sends me a text and says, "I just saw the chris rock movie and oh my god. Lol. I apologize for any hair comment I ever made."

So basically, I want to see 'cause I want to know what he saw that caused him to be making an apology to me! I'm sure there couldn't be anything in that movie that I hadn't already told his ***. Oh well. Maybe he has learned to stop focusing on the outside of people so much.

 

[cgolden]

I am talking about his interviews. When he seen that picture of Oprah with her natural hair he called her a "slave." He couldn't believe Oprah's hair was hers and he called her hair JLO hair . When he says these types of things he is adding on to the perception that black women cannot have long/healthy hair.

I know his film will get some people to think about their hair. I am still going to see this film. I just feel like he is putting his foot in his mouth in these interviews.

I really dont think the slave comment had anything to do with her natural hair, especially being that her hair was pressed in the picture. He said what he said because that picture was quite aged, and he was joking about her being old. If you kept listening to him, he also joked about her other pictures being with the little rock 9 and things like that.

I feel that too many people are getting extra defensive, when they have yet to see the movie. It really was NOT offensive, and he is not demeaning anyone in the movie. It trully was funny and a little thought provoking.

I say BRAVO CHRIS ROCK! BRAVO!

 

[almond eyes]

That's the problem, why do black people have to use these terms and always turn it into a joke, you don't see the other ethnicities doing that. I am African and I have an AA friend who is always snapping on me calling me fool and other "jokes" and I always say, why do you do that? He said that's part of the community I grew up in and this is how we talk to each other sometimes. I told him I don't like it and it's not funny, I never heard anyone in my family joke like that.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[jennboo]

Chuckles to those who say the movie wasn't demeaning or offensive. I personally was embarrased and offended. Black women do not even seem to realize that we are being CLOWNED. HARD. We don't even know that we look like fools for doing the stuff we do to our hair just for the sake of not having "nappy" (our own) hair.

It's kind of like when someone makes a cruel joke about another person, and that other person laughs and hollers along with everyone else but doesn't actually realize that they are the butt of the joke.

 

[mscocoface]

If nothing else, Good Hair will generate some awareness and dialogue. My hair is natural and I don't think I'll get many weave checks, especially since I've decided to put my wigs away for a while - yes, due to the movie. I can represent naturals with hair myself since the movie didn't show us as much. I'm going to happily answer any questions I get as long as they are respectful.

Same here Ride or Die Natural. Got a little militant coming up out of there Saturday night.

 

[lnhair]

I am really excited to see this movie. I know many of you didnt like it but from the previews I see I think he did a good job. I am glad he didnt give a solution to the problem because I think those who didnt like the movie would be angrier. I think that if Chris Rock's documentary said that every blackwoman should be natural or everyone woman should be relaxed it would be a disaster. I think thats a debate that has no answer. I believe you ladies of LHCF can agree. Its been debated on this forum many times with and threads ending being closed.

I think the film was going to upset some no matter what. If hair wasn't a deep issue for black women, none of would be on this hair board or very few would. All of here in this section of the board are trying to grow our hair long or trying to maintain the long length we have.

I have seen so many threads where people say that they dont know any black women that has long hair accept the women on the hair boards or they hardly see any out in public.

Also, many of us on the hairboard have or are wearing wigs and weaves and extension though for protective styles, we still are wearing them.

I feel that we should be free to wear our hair however we want, I know I will. I just want people to take on healthier practices regardless how they want to wear it.

 

[mstar]

I am glad he didnt give a solution to the problem because I think those who didnt like the movie would be angrier. I think that if Chris Rock's documentary said that every blackwoman should be natural or everyone woman should be relaxed it would be a disaster.

I don't think anybody's saying that he should have done that. It's not ANYONE'S job to tell another person how to wear their hair.

However, a good documentary would present a hard-hitting look at the problem (as Chris sees it, the problem is that we are spending too much time and money covering up our hair because we're ashamed of it.) Then a good film would show people who are actively working towards the solutions: he could've profiled people like Lisa Akbari or Cathy Howse who have long been educating BW about healthy hair practices, he could've delved into the growing natural hair movement, he could've showed Hairveda or Jane Carter or any of the black-owned haircare vendors, he could've looked at the Fotki phenomenon of BW supporting and helping one another to feel good about their hair...there are any number of turns the film could've taken.

Instead, he filled up his movie with jokes at black women's expense. I know Chris Rock is a comedian, but there was very little substance in the film. The hairdressers he showed were busy snapping their Marcel irons and learning to cut hair upside down and nonsense like that. He's free to make any type of movie he wants, but with such an amazing platform, it's a shame he let this opportunity go to waste by presenting a bunch of foolishness, most of which had very little to do with answering his daughter's question.

And I still can't believe that in answering the question "why do black girls think they have bad hair?" he COMPLETELY let white folks off the hook.