In a thought-provoking and deeply personal episode of “Don’t Call Me Resilient,” Professor Cheryl Thompson from Toronto Metropolitan University, acclaimed author of “Beauty in a Box,” embarks on an insightful journey to unravel the intricate history of hair relaxers among Black women and the concerning health risks associated with their usage.
For generations, Black women have turned to hair relaxers in an effort to assimilate into global mainstream workplaces and adhere to Eurocentric beauty standards that persist in their dominance. More recently, a growing body of research has unveiled distressing connections between these hair relaxers and conditions such as cancer and reproductive health issues. This revelation has triggered a wave of lawsuits across the United States, and notably, one in Canada, as Black women take legal action against the manufacturers of these chemical relaxants.
Professor Thompson, in a candid and engaging discussion, shares her own personal experiences with hair relaxers as a Black woman. The conversation delves into the intricate web of historical developments and the profound relationship between these relaxants and the Black female experience. Additionally, the podcast explores “The Other Black Girl,” a novel that has captured attention and is now adapted into a horror-satire streaming series, delving into the surreal world of mind-controlling hair products.
This episode of “Don’t Call Me Resilient” provides a vital platform for understanding the intricate interplay between cultural norms, beauty standards, and the potential health risks tied to hair relaxers. Professor Thompson’s insights and personal anecdotes offer a fresh perspective on a subject of utmost relevance and significance to the Black community.
