I can't find the quote, but previously someone stated something about how white people are not the only one's being addressed with this display. I beg to differ. They are posted up in the middle of Union Square, not on the corner of Marcy and Gates. Let's be real about this now.
Yes, this is what I am talking about. I am talking about us catering to this general sense of entitlement by doing things like this. Why would these women feel the need to do this if it weren't for these types of interactions? I went to a majority white high school and have had many interactions with white and other non-black people. Yet, ime it has only been white people who take such an interest in wanting to touch my hair. Granted, I don't mind an honest dialogue with a curious person. I have explained how I do my hair or the way it behaves on numerous occasions during discussions with a colleague, friend, or associate. Some of these interactions may have even led to them asking to touch my hair and even me obliging. What I do have a problem with is a display to satisfy the entitlement factor.
Yes, to me the word "other" carries negative connotations. We are not "others." We are different, but we are not "others" as in aliens or non-humans. I don't consider people who are non straight, New Yorkers who love anime "others." I simply consider them different than me or the next person just like everybody else, but they are not "others." That word implicates an exclusionary sentiment imo. Yes, differences should be recognized, acknowledged and accepted, but they should not be objectified or made to seem weird.
I have a problem with the way in which this is being carried out due to the spectacle-like nature of it. Various parts of black women's bodies have always been made into a spectacle and while these women have made a clear and conscious choice, I don't feel it helps at all. It promotes the idea that we are something to look at, touch, dissect, poke, prod and that's it.
With that said, I respect your opinion on this, but I'm gonna bow out of this before we go back and forth and around in circles. Thanks for the discussion.