What would your response be to a white person who says you should get a perm

[brg240]

Black people (men and women) say the same thing to me all the time. I don't go off on them, so I wouldn't go off on her.

My usual response is: "I love my hair the way it is. If you don't like it then that's a personal problem that has nothing to do with me. And if you don't want to look at it please don't let me stop you from leaving".

Either they leave or they don't. If they're a good friend, they learn to love all of me. If they're not, then they step.

Exactly, I don't curse out or hit black people for saying the same thing, why would I get violent at a white chick who's even more uneducated than them.

because the people with perm have hair that look better than your natural hair? A friend made this comment to me yesterday, and it's been bugging me. I want to discuss it, but I don't know exactly what I'm going to say. This friend also said that she thought black women were supposed to wear weave, so totally clueless.

I'm not sure how I'd respond, I can't think of any friends that would tell me that but if for some reason a white friend told me I should get my hair relaxed. I'd be like orly?... only if i can relax yours

and i'm not suprised I had a friend that thought my hair was a weave and I've met more than a few people that thought that black girls hair couldn't grow :/

 

[moonglowdiva]

I would say with a smile on my face, "Mind your own dadgone business. This is my hair if you don't like it you ain't got to look at it. Now gowon now ya hear." I would be real nice about it and continue to wear my natural hair. I wouldn't let things like that dictate what I do.

 

[Hot Chocolate-LB]

I thought you were speaking of a random white person.
1st she is not your friend!!! Period!! If she was a friend and cared or valued your opinion or feelings she would ask questions about something she did not know about or understand that you are a participant in.

Just like your trying to figure out how to school her without hurting her feeling when she did not have the same courtesy when it came to yours.

Let it go. My theory is ignore the Ignorant!!!

If you really feel strong and want to start a conversation on haircare then say "I thought all white people had hair lice" and see how she responds to that statement. If she acts like you must be out of your mind then let her know that's the same way I felt when you said all black girls wear weaves and let her know it is arrogant to make stereotypes about any any culture or group of people.

 

[Millahdoowop]

Ummm... what do white folks know about relaxers? I don't think I'd take to kindly about someone giving me unsolicited advice about what I should do with MY hair.

 

[MissJ]

Thanks everyone for the support, advice, and comments. I spoke with her yesterday. She was pretty much denying that she said that. She said that she just didn't like my hair in twists and preferred when I wore a ponytail (afro puff). Then I told her exactly what she said and how she said it. Then she was like well, that kinda does sound racist. I don't know if the conversation helped or not, but at least I said something. I also told her to never say that to anyone else again unless she's looking for a fight.

 

[tbaby_8]

That is good. At least you made her aware of what she said was not correct. But, I don't think this will be the last comment she will make, unfortunately.

 

[msdeevee]

I haven't read the whole thread , but I for one would have looked at her and laughed so hard and walked away shaking my head without saying a word .

I woulda kept it moving and kept her wondering. No response is necessary to ignorance.

Besides some black folks have said to me more than a few times "you should get a relaxer"!!