I agree with the premise that white people just basically almost always look bad with dreadlocks. They also look bad when they cornrow/braid their hair (like Bo Derek in “10”)in my opinion. It is especially laughable when white Dreads claim to be Rastafarian, a religion that has a pretty low opinion of white folks. I’m almost sure there isn’t a rasta sect that allows them in (except the “Rent-A-Dread” posers in tourist areas of Jamaica who sell ganga to foreigners and hang around trying to look like Marley to get free meals and sex from tourists.)
The reason black Rastafarians have dreadlocks is because it is against the rules to ever cut your hair. Black hair is unmanagable when it gets to be very long, so dreadlocks are the best way to keep it. There would be no law against combing your hair, which would be easy enough for most white folks to do. BTW, it’s also against the rules for Rastafarians to cut their beards, so there’s a clue, too. You almost never see these white dreadlocked guys with long beards.
I see a white guy with dreadlocks, I think trust fund kid who’s showing off that he doesn’t have to work for a living.
Bother, having known many folks with dreads on an intimate casis, and as waterj2 has noted, I note that it is perfectly possible to keep one’s scalp clean.
Of course, to note is that ‘African’ hair tends to be drier than Euro hair so there is less of oil issue.
As for the issue of washing, it all depends (and not solely on the salon style dread) but most folks I know use various non-soap washes. I never noticed any uncleanliness.
But more re the OP, while I hate to be a ‘race’ essentialist, my own reaction to is generally mildly negative. Strikes me as most trying a bit too hard.
(and Biggirl, don’t even be trying this 'fro myth, you.)
(Oh, the irony… someone padding their post count to point out the irony of someone padding their post count by pointing out someone padding their post count.)
I know of a guy back home with massive blond dreadlocks that hang down to his knees. I think they look good. I don’t know what his religion is or if he considers himself a hippy. His hygeine appears to be fine.
I did notice that racinchiki said a white guy with dreads looked really cool, but I thought I’d offer a second dissenting opinion.
I’d also like to note that the guy I knew in high school was the only white guy I’ve ever seen who looked good with dreads. So don’t be gettin’ all up on me. I think most of the time they look stupid.
I always thought the guy from the Counting Crows looked pretty cool. I want hair like that. I’ll probably never actually go through with it, but it would be fun.
[[Of course, to note is that ‘African’ hair tends to be drier than Euro hair so there is less of oil issue.]]
Just in case Collounsbury was “modeling” the term ‘African’ after I used the term ‘Black,’ I’d like to point out that there are light skinned people from the African continent who don’t have kinky hair. Jill
No response necessary, I’m just trying to get his goat.
(I’m after everyone’s goat, when it comes right down to it).
Quite possibly so… however keep in mind that I also freak out over things like facial hair not allowing the face to be properly cleaned, and pubic hair being the grossest thing on earth… so take my observations with that in mind
Useless??? Ummm… what if you want to be a philosophy professor? What if you’re doing your degree for the sake of learning, rather than to get a career? What if you just don’t WANT to go into some fucking business program?
I, on the other hand think of my friends, who are married, have 3 children, and own an organic farm. They consider themselves Rasta,and yes, he does have a beard, and she always keeps her legs covered. You know what else? They aren’t the only ones around here (in conservative SE Va) either. It’s a funny old world.
I just re-read my post, and I just want to point out I wasn’t trying to jab at you JillGat. Pretend there’s a big smiley face included in there somewhere.
I think most of the time they look stupid.