Azizi, in some ways it seems as if you are describing a cultural mindset regarding hairstyles that is long gone, at least in most of Canada, since the late sixties. I know a lot of Black women and children, and very, very few subscribe to a routine of hair straightening. You see every variety of hairstyle.

I do remember, in 1973, the day a friend of mine arrived at work with her previously straightened to death hair cut in a close, short cap which showed off her beautiful small face (she was the only staff member who straightened at the time). She was greeted with applause. Her story was a rural upbringing and a conservative husband who wanted her to keep her hair straight, and her co-workers were thrilled at her decision to wear her hair the way she wanted to.

The hairstyle among Black children that I truly disliked was around in the late 80s, when there was a fad for carving brand logos, like the Adidas logo, into little boys short hair. It just seemed wrong to promote sneakers, etc., on a child's head.