Camille |
Camille Stevenson, 20
Oakland, California 27 March 2016 |
Harmony Jackson: What do you think when I say the phrase natural hair?
Camille Stevenson: It means the hair texture that you were born with, and the hair your parents were born with. But you can also style natural hair, to look different.
Camille Stevenson: It means the hair texture that you were born with, and the hair your parents were born with. But you can also style natural hair, to look different.
HJ: Have you experience negative or hurtful commentary regarding your hair?
CS: A friend said my hair, because it’s super curly, looked like pubs. It took me aback because I thought it was so rude, but I’m not the type to be confrontational so I left it. It was still very hurtful.
HJ: How does whitewashing and misrepresentation of people of color in the media affect children of color and their perception of natural features?
CS: Growing up my parents made sure to give me dolls and books with people of color in them so I was always seeing that. But I went to private school. So there was a conflict because it was primarily white people I felt that I had to conform to “them.” I would tell my mom that I wanted my hair to flow.
HJ: Do you think the problems POC face with their hair reflect bigger issue in society?
CS: I think about the workplace. In the workplace an Afro, which is something other races can’t do, is seen as unprofessional.
CS: A friend said my hair, because it’s super curly, looked like pubs. It took me aback because I thought it was so rude, but I’m not the type to be confrontational so I left it. It was still very hurtful.
HJ: How does whitewashing and misrepresentation of people of color in the media affect children of color and their perception of natural features?
CS: Growing up my parents made sure to give me dolls and books with people of color in them so I was always seeing that. But I went to private school. So there was a conflict because it was primarily white people I felt that I had to conform to “them.” I would tell my mom that I wanted my hair to flow.
HJ: Do you think the problems POC face with their hair reflect bigger issue in society?
CS: I think about the workplace. In the workplace an Afro, which is something other races can’t do, is seen as unprofessional.
HJ: What is your response to American Colorblindness?
CS: I find colorblindness in America very annoying. We want to be seen and heard but in order to do that we need to be lighter in color, we have to have straight hair, we have to change our appearance to match what society wants. But when we do we still aren’t taken as seriously.
HJ: How is hair important to you, is it important to you?
CS: Yeah I think so, I remember growing up and friends wanted to make plans, and I would be like, “I can’t, I’m getting my hair done” and they were like “So?” And I was like “you don’t understand, this is a whole day process.” I would eventually hate saying that I had to do my hair, so I’d be like “I can’t, my mother is busy and she can’t drive me” so I would hide the fact that I would have to go through this whole process with my hair, but now that I’m older I accept it.
HJ: How often do you see locs or curly hair in the media?
CS: I see it a lot more now than when I was younger. There are so many wonderful women who are embracing their natural hair now.
CS: I find colorblindness in America very annoying. We want to be seen and heard but in order to do that we need to be lighter in color, we have to have straight hair, we have to change our appearance to match what society wants. But when we do we still aren’t taken as seriously.
HJ: How is hair important to you, is it important to you?
CS: Yeah I think so, I remember growing up and friends wanted to make plans, and I would be like, “I can’t, I’m getting my hair done” and they were like “So?” And I was like “you don’t understand, this is a whole day process.” I would eventually hate saying that I had to do my hair, so I’d be like “I can’t, my mother is busy and she can’t drive me” so I would hide the fact that I would have to go through this whole process with my hair, but now that I’m older I accept it.
HJ: How often do you see locs or curly hair in the media?
CS: I see it a lot more now than when I was younger. There are so many wonderful women who are embracing their natural hair now.
HJ: If you could give advice to a person of color struggling with their natural beauty what would it be?
CS: Find an aspect of your hair that you like. For example, I love the pretty curl at the end of my braids. But it’s about finding a part that you’re okay with so you’re okay with who you are.
CS: Find an aspect of your hair that you like. For example, I love the pretty curl at the end of my braids. But it’s about finding a part that you’re okay with so you’re okay with who you are.
Photographer: Harmony Jackson
Interviewer: Harmony Jackson
Interviewer: Harmony Jackson