Uplifted Roots
The task of a personal narrative is to take the viewer on a subjective journey from the lens of camera to the mind of the photographer in a way that can universally relatable and understood. The topic I chose to reflect this series on aimed to create understanding by relating it to a personal feature every person experiences on a daily basis.
Hair is a statement: short or long, black or blonde, good hair, bad hair days, and everything in between. For some it is carefree and experimental aspect of their self identity used to within a free range of expression. For others, it is a determining factor in how you will be perceived by others. Within the African American community, and often people of color globally, the standard of what it considered to be beautiful hair has not been the coils we are born with. The strand must flow or be silky in order for it to be it be favored. The way we present our hair to our peers and to the world is and can be viewed with negative connotations within our own race and externally by other cultures. The choice to go natural can affect opportunities romantically, professionally, financially and within the self.
Uplifted Roots is focused around the inner monologue of emotions I, as well as other African Americans men and women whom choose to wear their hair in its natural state or texture, experience when coming to terms with this decision including fear, uncertainty and ultimately resolution.
Hair is a statement: short or long, black or blonde, good hair, bad hair days, and everything in between. For some it is carefree and experimental aspect of their self identity used to within a free range of expression. For others, it is a determining factor in how you will be perceived by others. Within the African American community, and often people of color globally, the standard of what it considered to be beautiful hair has not been the coils we are born with. The strand must flow or be silky in order for it to be it be favored. The way we present our hair to our peers and to the world is and can be viewed with negative connotations within our own race and externally by other cultures. The choice to go natural can affect opportunities romantically, professionally, financially and within the self.
Uplifted Roots is focused around the inner monologue of emotions I, as well as other African Americans men and women whom choose to wear their hair in its natural state or texture, experience when coming to terms with this decision including fear, uncertainty and ultimately resolution.