I really hate the phrase "hair porn"

[BEAUTYU2U]

This is now going to be my official "I was here before the -gate" image.

 

[mzteaze]

I really don't think it's a big deal. It's just how people use the words "product junkie" or "product pusher", they're just figures of speech within our little hair community. It doesn't mean that we're out in dark alleys selling dime bags of sulfur or selling our family's tv for a gallon of deep conditioner...at least i hope not lol

Yeah i can see how these phrases could offend ppl, but at the end of the day it's all in good fun between hair sisters

ROFL...this had me screaming out loud.

Nothing else to add but this to the entire thread:

 

[SerenavanderWoodsen]

I don't really mind it but I wouldn't use it either.

 

[Esthi777]

@SophieDulce

You just killed me with this gif

I'm trying to decide what's funnier. The way he's eating that rib or the non-existent hair swang

 

[DrC]

The hair swing, the stepping on the stairs like he has heals on the eating of the rib, all of it is hilarious

 

[ms-gg]

Homey was the only reason I watched that season of College Hill.

 

[LaughingOctopus]

I went to school with Kyle, he was too much!

 

[Afrobuttafly]

I understand where you're coming from OP, but people are so liberal with words nowadays..they use terms like love and family loosely so of course something less sacred like hair is open to have a sexual reference attached to it. But at the same time it's clearly not mean to degrade or even be taken sexually. It's like when people say shoegasm, they mean a pair of shoes incited in them a feeling of extreme excitement and pleasure, like that of a Big O. But not everyone is that liberal and that's ok. I respect your view while understanding the viewpoint of those with an opinion contrary to yours on this subject. Just ignore it..shake your head and move on. =]

 

[ladyviper]

HairRaiser

I really don't think it's a big deal. It's just how people use the words "product junkie" or "product pusher", they're just figures of speech within our little hair community. It doesn't mean that we're out in dark alleys selling dime bags of sulfur or selling our family's tv for a gallon of deep conditioner...at least i hope not lol

Yeah i can see how these phrases could offend ppl, but at the end of the day it's all in good fun between hair sisters

 

[augiemoment]

it's not a big deal, i mean i get it if someone doesn't understand what hair has got to do with porn but this is a free forum and to each her own.

 

[Saga]

I think that the point OP is trying to make is that we're using words that are derogatory and not "uplifting" to describe something as beautiful and as treasured as our hair. She mentioned scriptures to give a parallel to what God calls a "Crown and Glory" to what many ladies on this board call "Porn." She gave a definition of the word Porn to show that it's not something to be proud of or an adjective that is used positively. Not everyone views words the same. I'm not a big fan of cursing, but some people could care less and curse like a sailor. I also don't like it when people call me ***** or Sl*t, it all goes back to personal preference.

Once again, this WAS just a rant. It wasn't like she got up on her soap-box with her bible to tell people to stop using the term, calling them blasphemers and what not. She was just expressing her confusion towards seeing something lovely used with a word that describes something many people (including myself) see as immoral or wrong. ie: Porn.

I'm pretty sure she knows that "Hair Porn" does not equal naked women doing sexual things with hair, but the way we use words is a reflection of the way we feel about ourselves and the people around us, whether that be a negative or a positive feeling.

To all those saying "It's not that serious," serious eye roll, because when someone starts degrading your hair and calling it all kinds of insulting names, then it's a problem. It's like when people call their friends n*gga all the time, then a random Joe comes by and calls you n*gga, now you're offended? You gave yourself that title in the first place!


At the end of the day, we all know what hair porn really is. It's beautiful, often long, sometimes flowing heads of gorgeous hair that we both admire and desire. Our intention was never to put each other down, and as far as hair boards go it is considered a compliment. Personally i don't like the term and probably wouldn't prefer it being used to describe MY hair, but what words other females use to describe other ladies heads of hair is really none of my business and I don't really care. Now can we please stop the bullying and go back to being one big happy hair family?

 

[lilyofthenile]

The term is used to describe desirable hair, or hair that looks very nice... I don't think it is meant in a way to offend...

But we can use the term hair candy instead XD

 

[pookaloo83]

I went to school with Kyle, he was too much!

You did! I know he was a riot!

 

[diadall]

When I see the term it doesn't bother me, but I want to commend the OP for actually expressing her viewpoint and backing it up. I was on the debate team in high school and college and I miss people making their points with some relevancy.

 

[Raspberry]

My boss actually thought i was looking at some kind of porn when she looked over my shoulder once....she wanted to know why so many women on here were taking pics of their hair without upper clothes on.

Still, the term does not offend me an i know exactly what is meant by it.

It really doesn't make any sense now that I think about it. I dunno how I would explain myself if someone saw me looking at those pics where folks are nekkid showing off dripping wet hair .

And then there's that one woman who had an animated gif of herself twirling around in the shower with barely concealed breast-sis.. if I knew her screenname off hand I would totally call her out lol

 

[darlingdiva]

I dislike the term "hair porn" for two reasons, and neither of have anything to do with religion.

1. The socio-political aspects of the term: Because the members of this board are predominantly women of African descent, the term resonates with me as a form of objectification (hair is being used to sexualize women--I am not saying this is anyone's intent; this is just how it resonates with me.). It makes me think of how women of African descent have long been objectified because of their skin and bodies. It seems like that objectification is being passed along to hair. Furthermore, we all know about the political aspects regarding our hair (its roots as a source of shame dating back to slavery and colonization, as well as how it serves as a marker of our African blood). The objectification was a way for our oppressors to simultaneously dehumanize and derive pleasure from us. (Again, I don't feel that anyone on the board is trying to dehumanize anyone else. I just notice a stark comparison between "hair porn" and objectification. It's as if we HAVE to be objectified to be deemed "acceptable").


2. The Neurological Relationship between Language and the Brain: On the surface, "hair porn" may seem like an innocent-enough term. We know that, on the board, it is used to denote desirable hair. However, language is embedded in our brains, so it may be possible that our "hair porn" is stored in our brains with an additional meaning of a sexual or objective nature.
Source: "Foundations of Language: Brain, Meaning, Grammar, Evolution" by Ray Jackendorff.

 

[reeko43]

This has been a very interesting thread to read. I think those who agree w/ OP have really given some compelling arguments against the usage of "hair porn". I think those who took the time to intelligently and reasonably voice their opposition to OP while still respecting her point of view and beliefs have done an excellent job of doing so. Although I am not for the usage of the word, I was definitely educated about the reason for its usage.

Now for those who chose to lash out and disrespect, that is a little disappointing. But, I also have to remember that people can become very uncomfortable when their ideas are challenged. I guess it may be easier to shoot down the messenger than to actually consider the merits of an alternate train of thought.

 

[andromeda]

@andromeda: i disagree w/ the bolded but i love everything else about this post.

re: LHDC, i don't think she said she hated the term, i think she said she didn't understand the usage of it on the boards. but she doesn't frequent hair boards (particularly not bhm i'm guessing where porn is completely embraced) so it just be a matter of lack of familiarity.

great post tho. really good articulation of your POV and also gives me su'm to think about. i generally think words are more than just random combinations of letters and that they do hold weight. although i also choose not to get up in arms about things when i know the intent is harmless or when it becomes so pervasive it becomes virtually harmless. never the less, your post is definitely one of those things that make you go hmmmm.... thx

thanks! that makes sense about lhdc

Oh and I don't really care for the use of the word "whore" either as in "attention whore," "shoe whore," and so on. But to each her own, of course.

Sent from my HTC Evo

good point. The other day I heard a woman refer to herself as a "social whore" because she has a habit of accepting every single friend request she receives on social networks. Things that make you go hmmmm.

I really don't think it's a big deal. It's just how people use the words "product junkie" or "product pusher", they're just figures of speech within our little hair community. It doesn't mean that we're out in dark alleys selling dime bags of sulfur or selling our family's tv for a gallon of deep conditioner...at least i hope not lol

Yeah i can see how these phrases could offend ppl, but at the end of the day it's all in good fun between hair sisters

"product junkie" does speak to a type of addictive, irrational consumerism. They might not be selling the family tv but I'm sure there are a number of pj's whose yearly hair porduct expenses equal or exceed their yearly savings/investment contributions.

 

[bailadiva]

I applaud the OP for sharing her opinion on the word porn in regards to hair.
I also applaud those who find the word a humorous way to create the excitement we feel when we see healthy, thriving long hair.

I personally do not find the word offensive and think that it is a clever way to describe gorgeous hair. I will admit I have a healthy, liberal view towards sex and nudity. (off topic) I find that we put too much of a negative spin on something so natural and that if some people ever went to France they would be shocked senseless as "porn" comes on regular TV after 10pm. (on topic)

Carry on. I will continue to look at posts featuring gorgeous hair, hair porn in title or not.

 

[yodie]

Hi OP.

You know, I never liked the term hair porn either. I thought the same thing every time I came across the title. So girl, I'll take the ridicule with you. (Smile)

Just thought about this thread while I was in the kitchen. It almost has that 'mean girl' thing attached to it. I mean, to start another thread or bump up one.... like I said, it's that whole mean girl syndrome and that includes everyone sitting back eating popcorn and egging it on. Silly!
Can we just use some mature wisdom and let it die already?

 

[Leeda.the.Paladin]

I guess I never thought about the term "hair porn" because it's used a lot on other forums. For example, on the triathlon board I visit, people are always posting pictures of "Bike porn" for their new fancy road bike.

Sometimes a word or phrase is what we make of it. I choose not to make it into such a negative thing or in the same line as sexual porn.

 

[Christa438]

Hello. I dont have a problem with the phrase. I absolutely love love love those kind of threads and have usually subscribed. But I do understand why you may not care for the phrase. Personally, I dont like the term nappy but I just dont use it or allow it in my house. I have my own logic/reasons and personal experiences that I draw from. I guess it's all about preference. What's deep to someone may not be that serious to another person. And that's okay. That's life. We all have little things that bother us or even get on our nerves. Everyone is not going to agree on everything. I love this forum because I feel like in addition to all the knowledge and beautiful pictures floating around, there's something here for everyone. When one thread doesnt appeal to me, I usually find that at least twenty other threads suit me just fine... We should just kim and keep sharing with each other, learning from each other, and having fun.

 

[Cherokee-n-Black]

I think the term is really more descriptive of the people watching it. Like sexual porn it is an up-close look at the hair featuring just the hair and we sit gazing at it, transfixed and we look at pic after pic, vid after vid. I don't know about anyone else, but I do feel a little "busted" when someone "catches" me gazing at hair I also blushed a bit the first time I saw someone post a pic of her hip length hair with her bare hips! But many rolls of backfat later...I'm over it.

 

[Charla]

I think that the point OP is trying to make is that we're using words that are derogatory and not "uplifting" to describe something as beautiful and as treasured as our hair. She mentioned scriptures to give a parallel to what God calls a "Crown and Glory" to what many ladies on this board call "Porn." She gave a definition of the word Porn to show that it's not something to be proud of or an adjective that is used positively. Not everyone views words the same. I'm not a big fan of cursing, but some people could care less and curse like a sailor. I also don't like it when people call me ***** or Sl*t, it all goes back to personal preference.

Once again, this WAS just a rant. It wasn't like she got up on her soap-box with her bible to tell people to stop using the term, calling them blasphemers and what not. She was just expressing her confusion towards seeing something lovely used with a word that describes something many people (including myself) see as immoral or wrong. ie: Porn.

I'm pretty sure she knows that "Hair Porn" does not equal naked women doing sexual things with hair, but the way we use words is a reflection of the way we feel about ourselves and the people around us, whether that be a negative or a positive feeling.

To all those saying "It's not that serious," serious eye roll, because when someone starts degrading your hair and calling it all kinds of insulting names, then it's a problem. It's like when people call their friends n*gga all the time, then a random Joe comes by and calls you n*gga, now you're offended? You gave yourself that title in the first place!


At the end of the day, we all know what hair porn really is. It's beautiful, often long, sometimes flowing heads of gorgeous hair that we both admire and desire. Our intention was never to put each other down, and as far as hair boards go it is considered a compliment. Personally i don't like the term and probably wouldn't prefer it being used to describe MY hair, but what words other females use to describe other ladies heads of hair is really none of my business and I don't really care. Now can we please stop the bullying and go back to being one big happy hair family?

DanceOnTheSkylines

Well said! Thanks!

 

[LushLox]

I think terms like 'going bald' are worse, particularly when the 'bald' area in question happens to be a tiny amount of breakage. Try experiencing it for real!

 

[Dominican09]

I guess me and my out of wedlock hair is going to hell!! love me some porn!

 

[preciouslove0x]

This has been a very interesting thread to read. I think those who agree w/ OP have really given some compelling arguments against the usage of "hair porn". I think those who took the time to intelligently and reasonably voice their opposition to OP while still respecting her point of view and beliefs have done an excellent job of doing so. Although I am not for the usage of the word, I was definitely educated about the reason for its usage.

Now for those who chose to lash out and disrespect, that is a little disappointing. But, I also have to remember that people can become very uncomfortable when their ideas are challenged. I guess it may be easier to shoot down the messenger than to actually consider the merits of an alternate train of thought.

Yes and this sums up a lot of the women who spoke up in this thread. I mean you don't have to speak (read: type) as eloquently as others but you can at least just state your point of view, no matter how plainly it may seem, without trying to get a few laughs in by others to "beef up" your argument so-to-speak. This is an online forum for goodness sake. You only need $6.50 to participate, not a degree in literature. Sometimes it's okay to make your argument in a non-joking/condescending way.

And I personally feel that the usage of .gifs are sometimes appropriate and sometimes they are not. In this situation, I felt that they weren't. But that's just my opinion.

 

[AimWard]

This is a personal vent (that I'm making public LOL!), not meant to be offensive.

How did the phrase "hair porn" start being used to describe God's Glory? The basis for describing a woman's hair as her "crown and glory" is 3 scriptures:

1 Cor 11:14,15 - Does not nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him; but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? Because her hair is given her instead of a headdress.

Song of Solomon 7:5-6 - Your head upon you is like Car′mel, and the tresses of your head are like wool dyed reddish purple. The king is held bound by the flowings. How beautiful you are, and how pleasant you are, O beloved girl, among exquisite delights!

Jeremiah 13:8 - “Say to the king and to the lady, ‘Seat yourselves in a lower place, for down from you heads you crown of beauty will certainly come.’

On the other hand...​

What is porn? We all know what it is, but I'll let the dictionary define it. Cambridge Dictionary of American English describes it as "pictures, movies, or writing that show or describe sexual acts or naked people for the purpose of exciting people sexually, and usually for no other purpose" Besides the definition of porn, the connotation stirs up thoughts of degradation, exploitation and abuse.​

Is that what our BEAUTIFUL hair is? Pictures for the purpose of exciting people sexually, and usually for no other purpose -- something to be degraded, exploited and abused? Of course not! Why degrade ourselves like that?

We tell ourselves and other ladies on this forum that our hair is delicate, treat it like a fine cashmere sweater, view it as delicate as silk, baby your hair, protect your hair. We carefully go thru trial and error to find the right products and techniques to maintain our hair. We get offended if someone disrespects our hair, question our hair, call it out of it's name like "nappy" or "buckshots."

Yet, we (I use that term loosely because I don't and many ladies don't) turn around and call it PORN? What sense does that make? Why are we degrading what we and other women have worked so hard to grow and maintain?

Our hair is one of God's most beautiful and fantastic creations! He views it in high regard. I just believe we should describe it with more dignity.

​

Using the term "porn" is a play on words; the hair boards took a "derogatory" term and made it their own.

 

[MA2010]

I don't like the phrase at all but it doesn't stop me from going into the thread and straight drooling at beautiful hair.

 

[prospurr4]

I really hate the phrase too. Sometimes, I won't even go into the thread because I am so "put off" by the title. Of course, that's just ME.