I'm reading an article on page 55 written by Jenee Desmon-Harris in the September 7th TIME magazine, Why Michelle's Hair Matters. She remarks:
"The choice many black women make to alter their hair's natural texture has undeniable historical and psychological underpinnings. It has been attributed to everything from a history of oppression and assimilation to media-influenced notions of beauty and simple personal aesthetics. But one thing is for certain. For the many who wear straightened styles like Michelle's, the decision is deliberate, and the maintainance is significant. A stylist hypothesized in the Inquirer article about the steps taken to attain her look, and a firestorm of online comments followed, including these two:
1st Comment:
"Chemicals, hot comb, round brush and dryer... same effect, different methods. I could see it being a big deal or inspirational if she were natural and wore it in natural styles."
2nd comment:
"Girl, ain't no braids, twists, afros, etc. getting into the White House just yet... LOL."