Submitted by Yardbroom
The argument is repeatedly made here that blacks who do not wear locks, are ashamed of their race…this nonsense should be put to rest. The reasons why some people wear locks should be “strong” enough to stand on their own; without a feeble attempt to denigrate those who chose to do otherwise.
For example, of all the present black African leaders, how many wear locks? are they all ashamed of their race? Take past African freedom fighters who fought colonialism, a few involved in the Pan-African Congress. Jomo Kenyatta first Prime Minister of Kenya 1963-1964, President 1964-1978, Kwame Nkrumah leader of Gold Cost/Ghana 1952-1966, President Julius Nyerere first President of Tanzania – previously – Tanganyika 1964-1985, not a lock in sight, were they ashamed of the black race?
Modern day blacks of worth Dr. Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandella no locks, were they ashamed of their race.
Even the much lauded Marcus Garvey – who never set foot in Africa – did he wear locks? No, was he ashamed of the black race.
To emphasize the point, Haile Selassie of Ethiopia regent 1916-1930, Emperor 1930-1974 – the venerable – to “some” did he wear locks? No. Make an argument for locks but do not denigrate those blacks who chose to do otherwise.
Historical Facts
“First known examples date back to ancient dynastic Egypt as they have been Mummified remains of ancient Egyptians with locks.” “The very earliest Christians also may have worn this hairstyle particularly noteworthy are descriptions of James the Just first Bishop of Jerusalem who wore them to his ankles”.
“Among some Sadhus and Sadhvis Indian Holy men and women, locks are sacred.” I know the legend of Mau Mau forest dwellers who were not able to cut their hair during the Kenya emergency and their fearsome appearance; and the belief it started then…it did not.
There are spiritual and religious reasons to support the wearing of locks of which “every race” are capable, considering the definition of the word: ” Dreadlocks, also called locks or dreads, are interlocked coils of hair which form by themselves, in all hair types, if the hair is allowed to grow naturally without grooming for a long period of time.” Wikipedia
Let us put the nonsense to bed that blacks who do not wear locks are ashamed of the black race. That argument is not worthy of people who for spiritual or religious reasons who chose to wear locks; your reasons are “strong enough” without any attempt to denigrate other blacks, to substantiate your position.
The blogmaster invites you to join and add value to the discussion.