The shirt is cute! I liked the mastercard commercials. They weren’t putting anything down just stating the prices for other items, just as this shirt is doing.
@Yoshi – IA people love to be offended and want to find offense around every corner. If someone sees this shirt and is offended, that is their choice. Make better choices. The wearer was not thinking about you (ie the offended person) when they decided to wear the shirt. Maybe the shirt should have: “You’re so vain, you probably think this shirt is about you” printed on it as well.
I am in the “hair is just hair” camp and as such can freely wear natural hair tees without concern of others’ delicate sensitivities. I wear natural tees because I like cute clothes, not because I’m trying to tell someone something. The person that thinks that needs to get over themselves. Going natural and celebrating that decision is a personal choice and it-is-just-hair! It’s those that think otherwise (relaxed or natural), that would be offended by this and other natural tees.
@Treya But that’s what a fad is. A fashion trend. You can call something green or verde it still means the same color.
I agree when you said certain types are more likely to wear this shirt. But people who think they are not their hair are also more likely to a relax again so it makes sense for them not to wear this shirt.
This shirt does not attack anyone. It just says that they do not care for relaxers. If they had a high self-esteem they would not care.
@ElleNoirBelle I’m afraid that’s simply your projection. Notice I didn’t say anywhere which group I fell under. If you read an evenly balanced assessment of a situation and choose to feel disparaged, there’s nothing I can do to help you.
@Ellenoirbelle I didn’t use the word ‘fad’. I said ‘fashion trend or styling option’. ‘Fad’ is a disparaging term so don’t put words in my mouth.
To restate my case, the ranks of naturals are really divided into 2 camps, those who believe very much that acceptance of the african hair type has deep ramifications for black people everywhere, and is fundamental to black female self worth, especially in the diaspora where black natural hair is so obviously different from the hair of other races that make up the majority, and that this is a social/cultural agenda that will make or break the black community moving into the 21st century!
The other camp likes the choice of wearing their hair natural and wants ‘hair to be just hair’. The former type is more likely to wear a Tee like this one.
I love honesty, at the same time I’m so glad my destiny is based on Gods plan for me and not the opinions of man! Maybe posting the website was a bit out of line so to the owner I apologize!
To all the beautiful women on the blog wearing a t-shirt doesn’t solidify who you are. We all are beautiful, unique, sassy and glamourous! All we have to do is walk in a room and smile! Be blessed!
P.s. I still love the colors!!!
@ Treya? I don’t get it how are women who wouldn’t rock a natural hair tee are the ones who are into natural hair as a fad? I’ve been natural for 9 years… not a fad for me… I just don’t feel the need to wear a banner to tell people that my hair grows out of my scalp in a kinky texture. They can see that with their eyes.
The less we make a big deal out of being natural the less politically charged it will be and the more people will understand that this is how we were made and it’s no big deal.
Andrea if you want to advertise you can contact the owner. Spammin’ ain’t cute at all and neither are those shirts. Sowwie.
To add to the rest of the convo, I don’t think having all those shirts are that serious. If they look good, they look good. If they don’t, they don’t. They are not hurting anyone.
@T i think that would be a hot t-shirt for the relaxed chicks!!!!!! lol!!!
Aside from that i just think natural hair is what it is, natural hair, most of us have just decided that chemicals don’t work for us, and some of us feel that natural hair doesn’t work…and both sides are just fine!!! I think the subject at hand is like walking around in public with a picket sign saying “look at me I’m natural”!!!!!! I feel that women of color, no matter what color, hair type, natural, relaxed, bald should be represented. There’s such a division between women of color, black women especially!! All of us are beautiful and unique, yet we find differences to separate us. kinda sad and that’s where it takes each of us individually to embrace one another with love…of course we are all FLY AS HELL!!!!! LOL!!!
Hello beautiful women!!! i get what all of you are saying, it’s more about the choice of being who you are be it relaxed or natural! I own Brown Sugah Child, it’s a line that celebrates women of color. Not just black women but all minorities!! I’m new to the business world and so far i have only five designs, but will have 5 new designs in the next week. please visit my website at http://www.brownsugahchild.com.
Also feel free to give me suggestions of what you think will beter the line I want to establish something that we can look up to. I want BSC to be our “Juicy Couture”
Besides that the shirt is hot!!! i love the colors!!!
Is the real hidden issue being discussed here whether natural hair is some kind of social/cultural movement rather than just a fashion trend or alternative styling option. Those who feel it is or should be a movement embrace Tees like this that declare an assertive attitude about their hair choices and deliberately challenges non naturals.
Those who disagree want to duck down and minimise any possible conflict that their hair choices might bring.
The ‘Tan – $100, Mole removal – $250 Embracing my beautiful porcelain skin – Priceless.’ comparison is very accurate. In a society where maintaining an unnatural skin colour is expensive and damaging, yet expected of most whites for at least part of the year, in the same way straight hair is often expected of blacks, it would take great confidence and a focused agenda to wear a Tee like that.
Tan – $100, Mole removal – $250 Embracing my beautiful porcelain skin – Priceless
^^ using this example, if this was a tee, would it be tearing down those who do choose to tan? Would it be frowning upon people who choose to remove their moles? Would it be divisive? I don’t think so. I think it’s speaking about individual choices & not collective choices or choices of other people.
@ T “Eniola it would actually be more like ‘Tan – $100, Mole removal – $250 Embracing my beautiful porcelain skin – Priceless. It’s not about what others do, its about letting go of things one feels no longer benefits self. I think people are projecting a bit too much onto the message of the shirt…”
^^ I agree with you & I think that is the message the tee is sending imo. It’s not about what other women do to their hair, it’s about embracing the self. There is nothing wrong with the tee.
OMG, geez, can we have ANYTHING?!? Always with the motions of doing what others want who don’t care for what you want. There is nothing wrong with being and unapologetic natural and having pride in one’s self.
I don’t think it’s something to get offend at. I think people are looking for any way to be offended. I seriously can not stand overly sensitive people.
There is nothing wrong with expressing pride. Italians and the Irish do it all the time. I personally find it edgy. I also like the typography. Two, why do we have to tip-toe around people? We don’t need their approval. That shipped sale since we are all natural. Let’s be bold and express our heritage, no matter who it offends. I’m so tired of sheepish people with their politically correct attitude. It’s always what we can do to please others, never what we need to do to please and lift ourselves no matter who opposes. I say enough. Me wearing a shirt isn’t going to do anything to anybody (except their egos.) CTFD.
@Stephanie
Ha. That funny, I don’t know if that what you going for, but it was funny.
I don’t particularly care for the idea of knocking down one thing to prop another.
Aside from that, I used to get a relaxer at a Dominican salon for just $25.00 and didn’t own a flat iron. I actually spend more money on my natural hair than my relaxed hair.
why can’t we have a shirt just celebrating black women? Now that is a novel thought why do we always have to separate ourselves into groups, that is really annoying and rather insulting. I for one don’t buy natural tees because I find them snarky with undertones that is insulting and rude to women who don’t have natural hair some happening to be my closets friends and family. You can be proud and embrace something without putting something else down, why does it always have to be one or the other, how about shirts representing the awesomeness of black women
I don’t think people are “reading too much into the shirt.” I think your average black person would notice the arrogance inherent in the slogan. There might as well be a finger snap or “:-P” at the end…
I think the analogies to the “kiss me I’m Irish” and other ethnic pride shirts are misplaced because those generally shirts don’t mention or attempt to draw a comparison to another ethnic group or trait of an ethnic group.
I don’t know, I feel like I’m secure enough with my natural hair that I don’t need to parade it… But to each her own. I have worn ethnic tees before, but I think I wore them at a time when I was seeking approval or recognition based on my ethnicity. Not saying that I wouldn’t wear them again, but that might have been the motivation on some level.
@ Eniola: I don’t entirely understand your first comment. You seem to be saying that naturals are fighting other black women when theres no need to do so, but then you point out that there are other equally disdain-worthy practices (inspired by the same mindset). I don’t see the connection between those two points. Anyway, I think the “natural hair movement” is about choice and freedom. Who cares if a woman wants to wear a silky blond wig? As long as she has the option to choose natural hair and makes an informed decision with respect to her hair state. We as naturals need to do less proselytizing and provide more inspiration.
@ Eniola it would actually be more like ‘Tan – $100, Mole removal – $250 Embracing my beautiful porcelain skin – Priceless. It’s not about what others do, its about letting go of things one feels no longer benefits self. I think people are projecting a bit too much onto the message of the shirt…
African braids $150, Loc maintenance $75, Enjoying my hair lyed, fried and laid to the side – priceless.
It’s like some of you are missing the point here. It’s not that the message on the shirt is outrightly negative, it just has a negative undertone to it.
@ Stephanie if we were to use your analogy, it’ll be like saying ‘Needing a tan=100$, loving my black skin= priceless”. You just think about that.
Natural hair tees are great but we must be careful with our delivery.
@ Stephanie
I agree and think many of you are reading WAY too much into it. Do the “Kiss me, I’m Irish” t-shirts also offend you guys?
@TheLadyDayDreamer
Where are you seeing “denegration?
Jesus, everyone knows the latest trend for t-shirts designs are snappy, cute, sassy sayings and quotes. Why not natural hair shirts too?? Besides, the shirt is only expressing the sentiments that most of the readers/contributors to this blog and others have said countless times (e.g. I’m so happy I no longer pay $55 for a flat iron and more than that for a perm).
@ Casarae
You said your flat irons never costed $55 but maybe you live in a rural area or some city with a really low cost of living or something because these price quotes are quite common for many women based on what I’ve read and experienced in 6 large US cities. Of course it’s only $30 if you are paying your cousin or getting your hair done in someone’s house. But that doesn’t take away from the point of the t-shirt.
The point is: When you pay someone else to keep up a hair style that is completely opposite of your natural texture it’s going to be very expensive.
I love shirts that empower and celebrate natural hair. I do have to agree that sometimes I think the message of some shirts can be really overt and can be read as aggressive towards those who aren’t natural. For myself, I rock the shirt/bags with a woman with a banging afro, and that has a message that affirms and praises natural hair. WIth those tees, the message is clear: Natural hair is beautiful and I am proud of my own.
When it comes to shirt that mention relaxed/weave hair, I will have to pass. I don’t need to call out others who don’t have natural hair. In my humble opinion.
The Soapbox Theory shirts in the ad to the right seem to do just what you’re looking for. I’m in no way affiliated with them or any other small business…I just noticed. There are other similar shirts I’ve seen with similar positive images w/o the adverse undertones others have pointed out here.
This is a great discussion. I’m glad someone put into words that thing I just couldn’t put my finger on about this and a few other things I’ve seen. Although, Stephanie above makes a good point too. Personally, I’m a fan of subtlety.
No offense, but I would NEVER wear this kind of “natural hair tee.” I dont like natural tess in general. If you are so happy with yourself, why aggrandize yourself to the point of foolishness. You need nto overdo it. And ironically it is usually those who rocked these t-shirts right after their BC who go back to being relaxed after a year or two!
Now what would be funny is to see a sistah with relaxed hair where this shirt, but all in all I like it and would purchase it if it came in a bigger size.
I think some of you are reading too much into the shirt. I think it’s cute, not overstated. People act like it says “I hate all you relaxed B****’s” but it doesn’t. If people want to wear an “I love being black” shirt, it doesn’t say “Death to whites.” So many people are too serious about this stuff, and I think THAT creates more division than a damned t-shirt.
Such a great topic of discussion! I love wearing logo tees, but am always dissappointed when the only ones that I can find featuring someone of color are of Jimmy Hendrix (no offense) or Bob Marley (again, no offense). I want to get a natural hair tee, but I keep running into ones, like the one that is pictured. When I first read this tee’s message, I thought it was clever and liked it but when I read it again I though it was clever but had negative undertones. So far, most of the natural hair tees that I find are about comparisons to those that don’t wear they’re hair natural and elevating the beauty of those that do. They either elevate the natural’s beauty, “blackness” or love of ones roots ect…, in comparision to those that wear they’re hair differently. This is truly ironic when you consider that most naturals haven’t always worn their hair natural. I think it’s great to point out the beauty in natural hair, but a truly confident person doesn’t need to denegrade someone else’s beauty to draw attention to their own. I’d love to see some natural hair tees that begin and end on a positive note. Personally, I beleive relaxed hair can be pretty, natural hair can be pretty, wigged up hair can be pretty, weaved up hair can be pretty… Shout out to BGLH for this great resorce for helping all of us to keep OURS looking pretty! 🙂
Good discussion. I don’t own any natural hair tees and truthfully, I’m not sure if I will. I don’t see the point. Anyone with a set of functioning eyes can see that I have a head full of kinks. And the snarkiness is unnecessary.
Just wanted to pop in and say this is a really interesting discussion. To be honest I do kinda like the T-shirt, but I think there is also the bigger question of what purpose they serve. Do we need a T-shirt to highlight the [obvious] fact that we’re natural? Is it overcompensation? Is it divisive? Is it ‘being extra’? Or is it just an easy way to make some cash?
Full disclosure: I do own a natural hair tee 🙂 Not the one pictured above… a different one.
Though I like t-shirts, bags, ect. that embrace the natural black woman, I do have to say I am tired of seeing them. Tired of seeing them only because I think the messages sometimes sends off the wrong impression and creates divisions between women in our community. I agree with the shirts’ message,however, I have never paid that much for a flat iron EVER. In all, I loved when my hair was relaxed. I had great styles and moments with it. Now does that mean since I’m natural I should be down for the cause, and look at everyone sideways who relaxes or flat irons their hair, NO. To me that’s what this t-shirt represents in my opinion. Can we just go back to the shirts that say “I’m proud being black” or “natural is beautiful.” Not all this extra stuff that creates confusion.
I am glad that Eniola posted before me, because I didn’t want to be the mood dampener LOL. It’s a cool shirt…and while I *get* the message, I think it’s a lot extra…ESPECIALLY seeing how UNCLE FUNKY’s DAUGHTER is extremely expensive when it comes to haircare…soooo…it’s okay for me not to pay $65.00 for a relaxer, but then come to UFD and pay just as much (or quite possibly, significantly more) for a natural style??
Sounds like the pot and the kettle met and are fighting about who is the blackest.
Opinionated and straight to the point? Yes. A tad offensive? Yes.
I think it’s missing the point as well. It’s like feminists who are fighting men when that’s not always the case as women have also largely contributed to oppression of themselves and fellow women.
As much as anti-relaxer is part of going natural, there are also other practices natural women would like to push such as the reduction in fake hair usage. A woman who is natural but stays weaved up with blond silky hair OR stays subduing those kinks with an iron is also the type of thing we’d like to address.
I think this is fighting a practice, not fighting the mindset, and I thought that was what the natural community was supposed to be doing? That being said, I can’t be caught dead wearing this tee.
57 Responses
I want this tee shirt! How can I get it? Arlene
Whew!! Well, after all is said and done, where can I get the doggone t-shirt??? Sheesh!
The shirt is cute! I liked the mastercard commercials. They weren’t putting anything down just stating the prices for other items, just as this shirt is doing.
@Yoshi – IA people love to be offended and want to find offense around every corner. If someone sees this shirt and is offended, that is their choice. Make better choices. The wearer was not thinking about you (ie the offended person) when they decided to wear the shirt. Maybe the shirt should have: “You’re so vain, you probably think this shirt is about you” printed on it as well.
I am in the “hair is just hair” camp and as such can freely wear natural hair tees without concern of others’ delicate sensitivities. I wear natural tees because I like cute clothes, not because I’m trying to tell someone something. The person that thinks that needs to get over themselves. Going natural and celebrating that decision is a personal choice and it-is-just-hair! It’s those that think otherwise (relaxed or natural), that would be offended by this and other natural tees.
nicely said!!!
@Treya But that’s what a fad is. A fashion trend. You can call something green or verde it still means the same color.
I agree when you said certain types are more likely to wear this shirt. But people who think they are not their hair are also more likely to a relax again so it makes sense for them not to wear this shirt.
This shirt does not attack anyone. It just says that they do not care for relaxers. If they had a high self-esteem they would not care.
@ElleNoirBelle I’m afraid that’s simply your projection. Notice I didn’t say anywhere which group I fell under. If you read an evenly balanced assessment of a situation and choose to feel disparaged, there’s nothing I can do to help you.
@ Treya
I wasn’t attacking you, but…
fad, “fashion trend…” synonyms, no?
Anyway you did say verbatim that “Those who disagree want to duck down and minimise any possible conflict that their hair choices might bring”
and that’s a rather disparaging characterization.
@Ellenoirbelle I didn’t use the word ‘fad’. I said ‘fashion trend or styling option’. ‘Fad’ is a disparaging term so don’t put words in my mouth.
To restate my case, the ranks of naturals are really divided into 2 camps, those who believe very much that acceptance of the african hair type has deep ramifications for black people everywhere, and is fundamental to black female self worth, especially in the diaspora where black natural hair is so obviously different from the hair of other races that make up the majority, and that this is a social/cultural agenda that will make or break the black community moving into the 21st century!
The other camp likes the choice of wearing their hair natural and wants ‘hair to be just hair’. The former type is more likely to wear a Tee like this one.
Simply awesome!!
@Asha
I love honesty, at the same time I’m so glad my destiny is based on Gods plan for me and not the opinions of man! Maybe posting the website was a bit out of line so to the owner I apologize!
To all the beautiful women on the blog wearing a t-shirt doesn’t solidify who you are. We all are beautiful, unique, sassy and glamourous! All we have to do is walk in a room and smile! Be blessed!
P.s. I still love the colors!!!
@ Treya? I don’t get it how are women who wouldn’t rock a natural hair tee are the ones who are into natural hair as a fad? I’ve been natural for 9 years… not a fad for me… I just don’t feel the need to wear a banner to tell people that my hair grows out of my scalp in a kinky texture. They can see that with their eyes.
The less we make a big deal out of being natural the less politically charged it will be and the more people will understand that this is how we were made and it’s no big deal.
plain*
Am I the only one that thinks the tee is plan corny? The mastercard commerical that started this whole “priceless” came out many years ago.
I like it, and I would DEFINITELY wear it!
Andrea if you want to advertise you can contact the owner. Spammin’ ain’t cute at all and neither are those shirts. Sowwie.
To add to the rest of the convo, I don’t think having all those shirts are that serious. If they look good, they look good. If they don’t, they don’t. They are not hurting anyone.
@T i think that would be a hot t-shirt for the relaxed chicks!!!!!! lol!!!
Aside from that i just think natural hair is what it is, natural hair, most of us have just decided that chemicals don’t work for us, and some of us feel that natural hair doesn’t work…and both sides are just fine!!! I think the subject at hand is like walking around in public with a picket sign saying “look at me I’m natural”!!!!!! I feel that women of color, no matter what color, hair type, natural, relaxed, bald should be represented. There’s such a division between women of color, black women especially!! All of us are beautiful and unique, yet we find differences to separate us. kinda sad and that’s where it takes each of us individually to embrace one another with love…of course we are all FLY AS HELL!!!!! LOL!!!
Hello beautiful women!!! i get what all of you are saying, it’s more about the choice of being who you are be it relaxed or natural! I own Brown Sugah Child, it’s a line that celebrates women of color. Not just black women but all minorities!! I’m new to the business world and so far i have only five designs, but will have 5 new designs in the next week. please visit my website at http://www.brownsugahchild.com.
Also feel free to give me suggestions of what you think will beter the line I want to establish something that we can look up to. I want BSC to be our “Juicy Couture”
Besides that the shirt is hot!!! i love the colors!!!
I think the shirt is way extra and I’d never wear it, but to each his own. I let my big beautiful fro show my love for natural hair.
Is the real hidden issue being discussed here whether natural hair is some kind of social/cultural movement rather than just a fashion trend or alternative styling option. Those who feel it is or should be a movement embrace Tees like this that declare an assertive attitude about their hair choices and deliberately challenges non naturals.
Those who disagree want to duck down and minimise any possible conflict that their hair choices might bring.
The ‘Tan – $100, Mole removal – $250 Embracing my beautiful porcelain skin – Priceless.’ comparison is very accurate. In a society where maintaining an unnatural skin colour is expensive and damaging, yet expected of most whites for at least part of the year, in the same way straight hair is often expected of blacks, it would take great confidence and a focused agenda to wear a Tee like that.
I love it!!! I am definitely going to have to pick this up.
Tan – $100, Mole removal – $250 Embracing my beautiful porcelain skin – Priceless
^^ using this example, if this was a tee, would it be tearing down those who do choose to tan? Would it be frowning upon people who choose to remove their moles? Would it be divisive? I don’t think so. I think it’s speaking about individual choices & not collective choices or choices of other people.
@ T “Eniola it would actually be more like ‘Tan – $100, Mole removal – $250 Embracing my beautiful porcelain skin – Priceless. It’s not about what others do, its about letting go of things one feels no longer benefits self. I think people are projecting a bit too much onto the message of the shirt…”
^^ I agree with you & I think that is the message the tee is sending imo. It’s not about what other women do to their hair, it’s about embracing the self. There is nothing wrong with the tee.
Good flat irons cost more along the lines of $100-$125!
(CHI)
Love me some natural hair!
*BIG CHOP 6-6-2010*
http://www.youtube.com/KPlocochick
OMG, geez, can we have ANYTHING?!? Always with the motions of doing what others want who don’t care for what you want. There is nothing wrong with being and unapologetic natural and having pride in one’s self.
I don’t think it’s something to get offend at. I think people are looking for any way to be offended. I seriously can not stand overly sensitive people.
There is nothing wrong with expressing pride. Italians and the Irish do it all the time. I personally find it edgy. I also like the typography. Two, why do we have to tip-toe around people? We don’t need their approval. That shipped sale since we are all natural. Let’s be bold and express our heritage, no matter who it offends. I’m so tired of sheepish people with their politically correct attitude. It’s always what we can do to please others, never what we need to do to please and lift ourselves no matter who opposes. I say enough. Me wearing a shirt isn’t going to do anything to anybody (except their egos.) CTFD.
@Stephanie
Ha. That funny, I don’t know if that what you going for, but it was funny.
I don’t particularly care for the idea of knocking down one thing to prop another.
Aside from that, I used to get a relaxer at a Dominican salon for just $25.00 and didn’t own a flat iron. I actually spend more money on my natural hair than my relaxed hair.
why can’t we have a shirt just celebrating black women? Now that is a novel thought why do we always have to separate ourselves into groups, that is really annoying and rather insulting. I for one don’t buy natural tees because I find them snarky with undertones that is insulting and rude to women who don’t have natural hair some happening to be my closets friends and family. You can be proud and embrace something without putting something else down, why does it always have to be one or the other, how about shirts representing the awesomeness of black women
Also, I think shirts like this contribute to the perception of natural hair as being faddish and the fetishization of natural hair.
I’ll never forget when a guy asked me: “Why natural hair?”
I said “Why not, natural hair?… Apparently being natural is somehow seen as being UNnatural.”
And YES, I’ve heard that “the personal is political” and yada yada… But when do we ever get past politics and just BE.
someone asked me the same thing, and i answered the same way!!! and he was a man of color.
I don’t think people are “reading too much into the shirt.” I think your average black person would notice the arrogance inherent in the slogan. There might as well be a finger snap or “:-P” at the end…
I think the analogies to the “kiss me I’m Irish” and other ethnic pride shirts are misplaced because those generally shirts don’t mention or attempt to draw a comparison to another ethnic group or trait of an ethnic group.
I don’t know, I feel like I’m secure enough with my natural hair that I don’t need to parade it… But to each her own. I have worn ethnic tees before, but I think I wore them at a time when I was seeking approval or recognition based on my ethnicity. Not saying that I wouldn’t wear them again, but that might have been the motivation on some level.
@ Eniola: I don’t entirely understand your first comment. You seem to be saying that naturals are fighting other black women when theres no need to do so, but then you point out that there are other equally disdain-worthy practices (inspired by the same mindset). I don’t see the connection between those two points. Anyway, I think the “natural hair movement” is about choice and freedom. Who cares if a woman wants to wear a silky blond wig? As long as she has the option to choose natural hair and makes an informed decision with respect to her hair state. We as naturals need to do less proselytizing and provide more inspiration.
Another great one!
@ Eniola it would actually be more like ‘Tan – $100, Mole removal – $250 Embracing my beautiful porcelain skin – Priceless. It’s not about what others do, its about letting go of things one feels no longer benefits self. I think people are projecting a bit too much onto the message of the shirt…
African braids $150, Loc maintenance $75, Enjoying my hair lyed, fried and laid to the side – priceless.
well i like it. Ive paid waaay more for a relaxer and a flat iron though
It’s like some of you are missing the point here. It’s not that the message on the shirt is outrightly negative, it just has a negative undertone to it.
@ Stephanie if we were to use your analogy, it’ll be like saying ‘Needing a tan=100$, loving my black skin= priceless”. You just think about that.
Natural hair tees are great but we must be careful with our delivery.
@ Stephanie
I agree and think many of you are reading WAY too much into it. Do the “Kiss me, I’m Irish” t-shirts also offend you guys?
@TheLadyDayDreamer
Where are you seeing “denegration?
Jesus, everyone knows the latest trend for t-shirts designs are snappy, cute, sassy sayings and quotes. Why not natural hair shirts too?? Besides, the shirt is only expressing the sentiments that most of the readers/contributors to this blog and others have said countless times (e.g. I’m so happy I no longer pay $55 for a flat iron and more than that for a perm).
@ Casarae
You said your flat irons never costed $55 but maybe you live in a rural area or some city with a really low cost of living or something because these price quotes are quite common for many women based on what I’ve read and experienced in 6 large US cities. Of course it’s only $30 if you are paying your cousin or getting your hair done in someone’s house. But that doesn’t take away from the point of the t-shirt.
The point is: When you pay someone else to keep up a hair style that is completely opposite of your natural texture it’s going to be very expensive.
I love shirts that empower and celebrate natural hair. I do have to agree that sometimes I think the message of some shirts can be really overt and can be read as aggressive towards those who aren’t natural. For myself, I rock the shirt/bags with a woman with a banging afro, and that has a message that affirms and praises natural hair. WIth those tees, the message is clear: Natural hair is beautiful and I am proud of my own.
When it comes to shirt that mention relaxed/weave hair, I will have to pass. I don’t need to call out others who don’t have natural hair. In my humble opinion.
love it!
@ TheLadyDayDreamer,
The Soapbox Theory shirts in the ad to the right seem to do just what you’re looking for. I’m in no way affiliated with them or any other small business…I just noticed. There are other similar shirts I’ve seen with similar positive images w/o the adverse undertones others have pointed out here.
This is a great discussion. I’m glad someone put into words that thing I just couldn’t put my finger on about this and a few other things I’ve seen. Although, Stephanie above makes a good point too. Personally, I’m a fan of subtlety.
No offense, but I would NEVER wear this kind of “natural hair tee.” I dont like natural tess in general. If you are so happy with yourself, why aggrandize yourself to the point of foolishness. You need nto overdo it. And ironically it is usually those who rocked these t-shirts right after their BC who go back to being relaxed after a year or two!
Now what would be funny is to see a sistah with relaxed hair where this shirt, but all in all I like it and would purchase it if it came in a bigger size.
I think some of you are reading too much into the shirt. I think it’s cute, not overstated. People act like it says “I hate all you relaxed B****’s” but it doesn’t. If people want to wear an “I love being black” shirt, it doesn’t say “Death to whites.” So many people are too serious about this stuff, and I think THAT creates more division than a damned t-shirt.
Such a great topic of discussion! I love wearing logo tees, but am always dissappointed when the only ones that I can find featuring someone of color are of Jimmy Hendrix (no offense) or Bob Marley (again, no offense). I want to get a natural hair tee, but I keep running into ones, like the one that is pictured. When I first read this tee’s message, I thought it was clever and liked it but when I read it again I though it was clever but had negative undertones. So far, most of the natural hair tees that I find are about comparisons to those that don’t wear they’re hair natural and elevating the beauty of those that do. They either elevate the natural’s beauty, “blackness” or love of ones roots ect…, in comparision to those that wear they’re hair differently. This is truly ironic when you consider that most naturals haven’t always worn their hair natural. I think it’s great to point out the beauty in natural hair, but a truly confident person doesn’t need to denegrade someone else’s beauty to draw attention to their own. I’d love to see some natural hair tees that begin and end on a positive note. Personally, I beleive relaxed hair can be pretty, natural hair can be pretty, wigged up hair can be pretty, weaved up hair can be pretty… Shout out to BGLH for this great resorce for helping all of us to keep OURS looking pretty! 🙂
And I’ll be damned if I spend $25 on a tee shirt. lol
Good discussion. I don’t own any natural hair tees and truthfully, I’m not sure if I will. I don’t see the point. Anyone with a set of functioning eyes can see that I have a head full of kinks. And the snarkiness is unnecessary.
Just wanted to pop in and say this is a really interesting discussion. To be honest I do kinda like the T-shirt, but I think there is also the bigger question of what purpose they serve. Do we need a T-shirt to highlight the [obvious] fact that we’re natural? Is it overcompensation? Is it divisive? Is it ‘being extra’? Or is it just an easy way to make some cash?
Full disclosure: I do own a natural hair tee 🙂 Not the one pictured above… a different one.
Though I like t-shirts, bags, ect. that embrace the natural black woman, I do have to say I am tired of seeing them. Tired of seeing them only because I think the messages sometimes sends off the wrong impression and creates divisions between women in our community. I agree with the shirts’ message,however, I have never paid that much for a flat iron EVER. In all, I loved when my hair was relaxed. I had great styles and moments with it. Now does that mean since I’m natural I should be down for the cause, and look at everyone sideways who relaxes or flat irons their hair, NO. To me that’s what this t-shirt represents in my opinion. Can we just go back to the shirts that say “I’m proud being black” or “natural is beautiful.” Not all this extra stuff that creates confusion.
I like the message, but the quality that is does have don’t look like it would last. The print look like it will start peeling off after one wash.
It is saying to much..relaxer:$65, flat iron $55 is ok..but I would have ended with embracing my natural kinks PRICELESS.
I am glad that Eniola posted before me, because I didn’t want to be the mood dampener LOL. It’s a cool shirt…and while I *get* the message, I think it’s a lot extra…ESPECIALLY seeing how UNCLE FUNKY’s DAUGHTER is extremely expensive when it comes to haircare…soooo…it’s okay for me not to pay $65.00 for a relaxer, but then come to UFD and pay just as much (or quite possibly, significantly more) for a natural style??
Sounds like the pot and the kettle met and are fighting about who is the blackest.
My second sentence should have been ‘i think it’s missing the “big picture” ‘, not the “point”.
Opinionated and straight to the point? Yes. A tad offensive? Yes.
I think it’s missing the point as well. It’s like feminists who are fighting men when that’s not always the case as women have also largely contributed to oppression of themselves and fellow women.
As much as anti-relaxer is part of going natural, there are also other practices natural women would like to push such as the reduction in fake hair usage. A woman who is natural but stays weaved up with blond silky hair OR stays subduing those kinks with an iron is also the type of thing we’d like to address.
I think this is fighting a practice, not fighting the mindset, and I thought that was what the natural community was supposed to be doing? That being said, I can’t be caught dead wearing this tee.
Love it! Think I want it!
I Definitely Love It!!
Hot!!!!!!
Love it. Which they sold this stuff in stores. Don’t really like ordering stuff online.
Cute!
I loove it!