I am NOT defined by my hair

So for years I have had this thing where every few years I'd let my hair grow as long as I can possibly get it and then I'd cut it completely off... sometimes styled in a red bob, shoulder length blond or other times completely low like a boy's cut in black. My mom always taught me the art of reinvention; keeping yourself looking fresh and new (never boring and dull) by trying new looks, styles and color in hair, makeup, clothes, etc.

Hair for me was never something I held on to because it was just that, hair. I was never taught to let it be the main focus of my appearance. Even being apart of the entertainment industry (in which appearances are important) never made me afraid to change my look. I was often almost cocky in my approach thinking, "if they want ME they will take me as is". My talent IS my talent, it's not defined in some weird "Samson hair power" strength.

Most recently I cut my hair really short again and a fellow colleague commented "but how will you find work as an actress?". While it's true you should establish a trademark look for yourself to receive work and recognition, why should cutting my hair be some cardinal sin? In this day in age where wigs and weaves are the rave why would I hold on to something as frivolous as hair?

Someone else asked "why would a Spanish girl like you cut all that pretty hair off?" Do my sheared locks now make me an unattractive Latina? Or if I were (enter ethnicity here) would that deem my hair to be undesirable and cut worthy? SMDH (scratching my damn head)!!!

Hair means NOTHING to me; so much so that I've stated time and time again if a friend or loved one were diagnosed with cancer I'd shave my head and proudly wear it bald in support.

Outside appearances mean nothing! When all of that is gone what you have left is who you are as a person on the inside; an ugly personality is much harder to hide and change than hair!

Uneducated Education

So I came across an article on the Huffington Post’s website that confused me to the point that I’m still unsure how to feel about it. The article, found here:


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/08/examples-of-slavery-in-school-worksheet_n_1192512.html?ref=mostpopular

is very upsetting. In an effort to combine social studies and mathematic lessons at the Beaver Ridge Elementary School in Norcross, GA, several 3rd grade classes received math word problems that made references to slavery and beatings. According to school officials the references of slavery were incorporated in an effort to teach students about racism and other historical events. Instead these new questions were the cause of uncomfortable conversations between some of Beaver Ridge’s students and their parents. After contacting the school with their concerns a few parents contacted the local news station to report the new curriculum’s offensive nature and lack of historical contact. In the schools defense, an official agreed that the examples were not appropriate nor did they provide and history lesson. The papers have since been collected and shredded.

I have never lived anywhere else but in NYC (which in itself is a melting pot) and the furthest South I have traveled is Virginia and Maryland. Race and slavery are very sensitive subjects. Although times have changed the issue of race is still a very prominent one, but no matter the severity that doesn’t excuse this happening in Georgia in 2012. The South was a very different time during slavery, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Movement, etc. and people migrated North because of the changes that came sooner there than in the South. My grandparents in Maryland lived and breathed every aspect of racism as children of the 1920's. These day when I visit it seems to be more unified but they still come from a very different time; a time that can still muster an occasional "white folks" comment and the idea of "us vs. them".

As a mother I cannot imagine how I would explain this to my child. I want him to know his history and to be educated, but conversations such as this should not only come at an age appropriate time (which I have no clue when that will be) but I’d also prefer it come from home. The two fathers that contacted the school and reported their outrage can never erase the conversations regarding the assignment from their children’s minds. I do believe that the media attention forced the school to act upon the parent’s complaints but the fact that this was done is unjustifiable. Teachers are supposed to shape the minds of the young and impressionable. What does this say about the teachers who are creating their own curriculum in a uneducated way?

Raise your Child!!!!

So I wanted to address the issue with parents blaming the media and entertainment for their children's reckless behaviors. This is a sticky topic but one that must be addressed especially, in the Black and Latino community. It is tough because on one hand yes, Black and Latino artist shouldn't call women bitches and hoes and/or their fellow brothers niggas.

But are they really suppose to be socially responsible and/or consious? Is it their concern that children lookup to them as role models?

Yes, we know that children look to those in the media as idols and want to emulate them BUT I ask you this: should an artist who has a right to express creativity in order to convey their message to their intended target audience be censored?

As an artist myself I enjoy taking risk and writing or protraying roles that may be views as rique. But where does that leave parents? In a world that no matter how much you censor your home the reality is your child has to go out into the real world and experience things you wouldn't dream of them being expose to.

As a parent I don't wish for my kids to look at celebs as idols or people that are to be seen as role models. From music videos and video games it must be established and taught at home the important of ownership and accountability of ones actions. I watched an episode of Law and Order the other day and was disgusted that 2 kids were aquitted of killing another young child because videos games were viewed as instigator.

Children need to be taught at home entertainment is just that, entertainment... It is not real! Then again, how can we begin to teach kids that when some adults can't determine fact from fiction...

Women of Color Uniting not Bickering

So as a women of color in an all male dominated industry (Entertainment/media) I have noticed women in high positions are scarce. Many of us that are in the industry are loners doing our own thing. Now there is nothing wrong with working on your own projects BUT then we shouldn't complain about there not being unity in the community.

In order to see that change you must create the change, ESPECIALLY if you are in the position to help those on the "come up". I see up and coming Producers and Directors all that time that ask for my help.

No I am not a martyr.

I am a business women and I am working extremely hard on my projects but when and where there is time I will help others. Just as in life, this business is funny and you never know when you will need help; possibly the help of the same person you showed no "love" to. Remember those sayings "one hand washes the other" and "there is power in numbers"?

Well there is power in those words!!! Now I don't say help only with an alterior motive, like the fear of possibly needing someone and not receiving their help, BUT if there was someone in your field who could have helped make your plight smoother wouldn't you have wanted them to PAY IT FORWARD!?