pushed aside and belittled. The wording of it “just being hair” has been said many times in my experience. Everyone is unique and has lived a different path in life. We might have similar experiences, but overall, we are different. The topic of what hairstyles are acceptable in academic, work, casual environments can get confusing. The debate of society trying to force the black community to conform to what is reasonable to them can lead to insecurity, bitterness, and a strained relationship between the identities of black males and females in America. We, the black community, should not be afraid to talk, but be able to understand the negatives and positives of the problems facing black hair We, the black community, should realize that whether we have hair that is straight, kinky, nonexistent, etc.—overall our identity is what we want it to be We shouldn’t send mixed messages of loving yourself when society has limits on how much of yourself you should show to the public The debate of what is “good” hair and what is “bad” hair shouldn’t be a debate; the word “nappy” has been used too much in the black community. Keep an open mind and treat people with respect; if we try to meet somewhere, the problem has a chance to improve. Being black does not make you strange, so don’t let anyone make you feel like you are wrong in wearing whatever hairstyle you want, as it is what you do to keep and manage your appearance. Identity Eboni Maye