Blue Ivy Unveiled the Shame of Black People

The one picture that threw everyone over the edge this week. Jay-Z and Beyonce recently were captured on camera arriving in NYC after vacationing in the Hamptons. As like most of us when traveling, they were seen dressed extra casual. For some reason, this casual state did not sit well for most when seeing Blue Ivy’s hair. Every since this child had enough hair to braid, the public has been in attack mode about Beyonce’s choice of hairstyle, or lack thereof. For some strange reason, people assume that a toddler’s hair should always be glammed up because of who their mother portrays to be on stage. Nevermind the fact that this is a child and like most children, even after styling their hair it will be a mess in a matter of minutes. Children play a lot, did we forget?

The internet went bonkers when they saw that ONE close up picture of Blue Ivy’s hair. It appears her hair was in half twists and half untwists. What’s interesting is that no one cared to look at all of the pictures that were taken. If they did, they would see that at one point Jay-Z put the hoodie on Blue Ivy’s hair. This would then imply that it really wasn’t intentional for her hair to be shown in this manner. Like most toddlers, the child removed the hoodie at the worst possible moment and the photographers caught her. Beyonce also had a hoodie on covering her hair as well, mind you. The internet has given “my people” so much clout to spew hate on each other it is ridiculous. This is the second time that I can remember right now, where black folks (majority women) go overboard with trying to shame another black female CHILD. Did we forget about Gabby Douglas?

I’ve seen countless photographs of Blue Ivy and her hair and can’t seem to figure out why everyone is so concerned?? The child looks well kept and no visible abuse marks, but the choice of hairstyles just don’t sit well with “my people”. I know hair is always a big deal in the black community but sometimes we take it too far. Black folks need to worry less about hair and worry more about mental and financial freedom. We spend too much time trying to tell Beyonce how to care for her child. Let some random stranger say one negative thing about your baby or how to raise your child, all HELL will break loose. You know I ain’t lying either!!

So what gives the public the right to take it to the internet and create a petition for Beyonce to comb her child’s hair? How embarrassing! Not for Beyonce, but for black people. It’s embarrassing that grown women and some men thought this was an important cause to start a petition. What’s even worst is that close to 1,000 people agreed to sign it. But of course, we all know more than 1,000 people agree with the point of view of the petition.

You mean to tell me black folks, that this is the most pressing concern right now? Blue Ivy’s hair is the most pressing issue for black people? Not economic wealth within our community? Not systematic racism? Not mental health and health in general and healthcare? Not even global warming? Not figuring out how to get the money Beyonce and Jay-Z posses? Jesus, you mean to tell me that a hairstyle on someone’s CHILD, that you’re not related to, is a serious cause?? Well there goes all validity for Change.org right out the window. Now I feel like people use that website for any kind of foolishness.

How does Blue Ivy’s hair affect you? I’m curious. Why does it make your blood boil so much? I see some take the view point that, because Beyonce is always looking so well and she can hire anyone to care for Blue Ivy’s hair is the reason people are upset. Perhaps it is a conscious choice Beyonce is making to have her daughter’s hair look that way, that “freedom hairstyle”. But again I ask, what will change in your life if Blue Ivy’s hair is styled to your preference? What will change? Will you receive a new income stream? Will you see God? Will you be able to quit your job? Is someone going to provide you with free food and housing? No… didn’t think so. But perhaps maybe you’ll just have peace of mind of your own inner demons. Your shame!

Black folks still carry so much shame and it’s unreal. Blue Ivy’s hair reminds you of the past, of what black folks used to look like before the wide range of tools and hair potions exist. Because Blue Ivy (and Gabby Douglas) is in the limelight, you feel she must be “done up” in front of these other races because it makes black folks look bad. No one has said that yet but everyone’s actions are saying it for them. You’re ashamed that this beautiful baby is looking like a “pickaninny” as some would call it. And to the black community, that’s embarrassing in front of others. Even the naturalistas are against Blue Ivy’s hair, which to be honest, the natural hair community has its own problems. They believe she should put some oil, conditioner, and for goodness sakes wash the hair. Ok, in the recent picture that may hold some truth. But not in all cases (pictures) is that true… or our business. But let’s continue.

Black women (and some men) make hair a bigger issue than it needs to be sometimes (most times). We don’t have to look to any other race these days for hate because the loudest rejection is from within our own community. The other races are taking notes and see our weak spots. They’ll use it against us when it’s convenient. Another interesting note is that other celebrity kids that are mixed or majority race never receive a backlash like this and I have seen some pictures with unruly hair. See a few Google search pics below.

I tried not to use the same kids over and over, but there are some kids who are always caught with their hair less than perfect. Is it because Beyonce is black that we find a problem with Blue Ivy’s hair? Is it because Blue Ivy is black? Is it Blue Ivy’s hair texture? Most people would say no to those questions but I would say they are lying. Because how is it that we allow these other celebrity kids to walk around with hair going everywhere but not Blue Ivy? Like I said, there are some repeat offenders of hair standing on their heads yet no petition is in sight.

Beyonce and Jay-Z are teaching their child a beautiful lesson that we should also learn and teach. Beyonce allows her child to have this “freedom hair” to teach Blue Ivy self-love. True self-love, not that surface ish the conscious folks talk about. The lesson is, be who you are from head to toe authentically and unapologetically even in front of an audience whether negative or positive. Stand firm in who you are and love everything about you. Because here is the catch, the earlier Blue Ivy learns that lesson the less likely she has to look for love elsewhere. Too bad most black folks didn’t have this lesson taught to us early on. Instead we were taught to hide who we are through straightening combs, perms, weaves, wigs, hair accessories, a bad attitude, and bitterness. Very rarely do you see black women allowing their hair to just BE without much manipulation. What’s interesting is a good chunk of women advocating for Blue Ivy’s hair to be combed don’t even wear their own natural hair frequently. Not all, just saying the ones I see in the forefront are in that category. All the others… well like many of us still haven’t healed. And then the remaining few just need a darn hobby because Beyonce ain’t no kin to them.

In the meantime, let’s just move on from this. Grown folk worrying about the affairs of a child is so immature and says a lot about that individual and their life. I would love to see Beyonce and Jay-Z go H.A.M. on y’all and perhaps put an afro pick in Blue’s unruly hair and take a picture. That would be funny to me and show the public that their opinions aren’t worth much behind closed doors. That’s their daughter not yours.

P.S.

Someone may say, “Well you’re not doing much for the community. You’re contributing to the foolishness with this blog post.” Nah, I’m trying to show you the light and how ridiculous this topic is. I didn’t sign the petition or create it. I never commented on countless blog posts and articles in protest about Blue Ivy. And it’s not in my topic of conversation outside this post ( ok maybe one time only). So to be honest, I’m NOT contributing to it but I’m actually trying to diffuse it. There’s a difference.