Embracing the Afro in revolt against Venezuela's 'bad hair' stereotypeHair and race identity are closely intertwined in VenezuelaCARACAS - Two years ago, Victoria Mejias abandoned her slavish pursuit of sleek tresses -- a common obsession in Venezuela where hair and race identity are closely intertwined. Mejias said she long felt ashamed of her "pelo malo" (bad hair), as natural Black hair is called in Venezuela -- a symptom, some say, of deep-seated racism. Hair discrimination also has more practical, day-to-day implications. Under such indoctrination, she herself used long, straight hair extensions until four years ago, when she decided to switch to dreadlocks. The pair work at Afro Caracas, a salon specializing in black hair styles.

Source: Bangkok Post September 15, 2021 02:03 UTC