Twisted Book Summary
The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture
TL;DR
Twisted by Emma Dabiri explores the complex history and cultural significance of black hair, intertwining personal narrative with historical research to reveal how hair has been a site of both discrimination and empowerment.
What is Twisted about
Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture, authored by Emma Dabiri, delves into the intricate and often fraught relationship between black hair and societal perceptions. The book is a collection of essays that blend Dabiri’s personal experiences with rigorous historical research. Dabiri examines how black hair has been subjected to stigmatization and appropriation throughout history, from pre-colonial Africa to the present day. The book covers various themes, including body politics, race, pop culture, and the Natural Hair Movement, ultimately highlighting how hair serves as a metaphor for broader issues of racism and liberation.
Twisted 6 Key Takeaways
Historical Context
Dabiri traces the history of black hair from pre-colonial Africa through the Harlem Renaissance to modern-day movements, showing how it has been both a symbol of beauty and a target of discrimination.
Personal Journey
Dabiri shares her personal experiences with black hair, including the emotional and physical impacts of chemical straightening, reflecting a broader narrative of many black individuals.
Cultural Appropriation
The book critiques how black hairstyles have been appropriated by non-black individuals and celebrities, stripping away their cultural and historical significance.
Body Politics
Dabiri discusses how black hair intersects with body politics, revealing how societal standards of beauty are often racially coded and exclusionary.
Natural Hair Movement
The book highlights the significance of the Natural Hair Movement, which encourages black individuals to embrace their natural hair textures as a form of self-love and resistance against societal norms.
Racism and Discrimination
Dabiri explores how racism is embedded in the stigmatization of black hair, often leading to discriminatory practices in various aspects of life, such as employment and education.
Top Twisted Quotes
- 'For as long as I can remember, my hair has been a source of insecurity, shame, and—from strangers and family alike—discrimination.'
- 'Black hair continues to be erased, appropriated, and stigmatized to the point of taboo.'
- 'Far from being only hair, black hairstyling culture can be understood as an allegory for black oppression and, ultimately, liberation.'
Who should read Twisted?
Twisted is ideal for readers interested in understanding the complex interplay between race, culture, and personal identity through the lens of black hair. It is particularly valuable for those looking to deepen their knowledge of historical and contemporary issues surrounding racism and cultural appropriation.
Twisted Best Reviews
- Kirkus Reviews praises Twisted as a 'deeply resonant and thoroughly researched examination of the complex history of black hair and its cultural significance.'
- The Guardian describes the book as 'a powerful blend of personal narrative and historical analysis that offers fresh insights into the ongoing struggles for racial equality and self-acceptance.'
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Twisted FAQs
What is Twisted by Emma Dabiri about?
Twisted explores the history and cultural significance of black hair, blending personal narrative with historical research to reveal how hair has been a site of both discrimination and empowerment.
Who should read Twisted?
Twisted is ideal for readers interested in race, culture, and identity, particularly those who want to understand the complex history and contemporary issues surrounding black hair.