Self Identification

Hello Everyone:

The blogosphere was a slog today. My allergies were slowing me down a little and I was in the PLB Theater, the place where WiFi goes to die. At least I got some work done.  I'll finish up tomorrow. The post is on a couple of books that compliment each other. They're both on Los Angeles's ecology. Not in the tree hugging sort of way but in how the environment has shaped the architecture. I've read one of the books and the second one looks like an interesting read. In the meantime, something the Brit BF said something about black women's hair.  He did a press release for an upcoming seminar, friend is hosting, on the politics of black women's hair. It's a sensitive subject because it involves topics in gender, identity, culture, politics, and race.  I've been thinking about it all day in context of Judaism.  In Orthodox Judaism, a woman is required to cover her hair, as a sign of modesty, after marriage. The type of head covering ranges from a wig to a head scarf. The choice is usually depends on the community custom. The problem is that even that is subject to commentary and critique.  It's ridiculous the way women are pressured into conforming to a standard, religious, social, or otherwise. A woman should be able to wear her hair or abide by religious dictate as they see fit or feel comfortable. I believe that a woman, regardless of race or ethnicity, should be able to wear her hair in a way that makes her feel beautiful, not because someone else decides how she should look.  That's a sexist thing. Hair is as an individual as the person. A woman should be free to wear her hair as she pleases, without comment or critique. It's a way of creating an identity.