Is it just me, or does natural hair force men to find a new way to “holler” at women?
Of course, this isn’t a short PSA on the benefits of having natural hair. Be sure to stick to with what works for and looks good on you ladies. But honestly, I’ve noticed that when you’re sporting whatever your definition of natural hair is, the same old “Mack daddy” lines don’t seem to be good enough for some brothas to use anymore. And I know I’m not the only one who has noticed.
While talking to a fellow writer I recently met about her beautiful dreadlocks–locks she says she put in herself–the conversation turned to her encounters with men since she decided to change her hair. She said, “It’s funny. It’s like the dynamics of how men approach you are totally different.” She later went on to tell me that a lot of the compliments she received from men would start with her hair, and a few men had tried to call her “goddess” of all things because of her locks. While she was somewhat flattered, it was still kind of weird to her. She had a point.
Just that day on my way to the train, a guy walking with who I originally thought to be his girlfriend, broke out of a conversation with her to turn around and say to me: “I like that ‘fro, it’s beautiful.” Startled, since I was trying to figure out what the hell was going on with my BlackBerry at the time, I just gave a weird face and simply said, “Uh, thanks.” But this happens often. Instead of using the usual, “Hey ma,” “Wait a minute, can I talk to you,” or doing that horrible kissing noise sound, I’ve heard and even noticed from a lot of my own interactions with men that natural hair becomes the focal point, and their way to get your attention. Catching you off guard in what is deemed as a positive way, they talk about your hair first so they have a better chance at selling themselves. Well played.
