Through a historical research in combination with an autobiographical testimony, Emma Dabiri addresses slavery, decolonization, culture, capitalism, sorority, cultural appropriation, self-confidence….
Indeed, Afro hair, beyond a genetic inheritance, a physical attribute or a style, has always had a social, political, cultural, chosen or imposed meaning.
Nigerian and Irish, Emma Dabiri shares anecdotes from childhood to adulthood. She takes us from laughter to anger, sometimes awakening our own memories. From racism to self-acceptance, from Nigeria to the United States to Ireland, Emma narrates an initiatory journey with her own hair and provides advice and experiences.
The author sheds light on the importance of representation in the close sphere as well as in the medias. She also celebrates sisterhood and resilience.
Through the history of hair and its treatment, it is society that is being questioned. Structural racism, consumerism, capitalism, patriarchy, the depreciation of Afro hair is only the reflection of a model that has been biased for centuries.
Through a rich, accurate and well-argued narrative, Don’t Touch My Hair pays tribute to African cultures and heritage, and celebrates black beauty in its uniqueness and plurality.
A radical and liberating statement in a context where black beauty is still too depreciated, from stigma to fetishism.
A must read!
Don’t Touch My Hair
Emma Dabiri
2019
An Allen Lane Book – Penguin