The Psychology of Black Hair | Johanna Lukate | TEDxCambridgeUniversity

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Published 2018-04-26
Women of color's hair is never neutral – the histories of slavery, colonialism, and discrimination are weaved into our understanding of Black hair and bodies.

Johanna Lukate is a social and cultural psychologist. Currently a Fox International Fellow at Yale University, she is in the process of completing a PhD in Psychology at the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on Black womanhood and Black bodily aesthetics in the context of inter-group relations, identity, and the diasporas in Europe. Johanna is a social and cultural psychologist. Currently a Fox International Fellow at Yale University, she is in the process of completing a PhD in Psychology at the University of Cambridge.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
All Comments (21)
  • @mhharley
    I call them locs and not dreadlocs. The "dread" part was given by whites, meaning dreadful. I love locs. I've worn my hair natural for over 20 years and I wouldn't have it any other way.
  • @quartzzhuit
    It has never been "IT'S JUST HAIR'. My identity and history is tied in my coils ➿➿➿➿🖤🖤🖤✊🏿😎 I'm glad I ditched all the weaves and relaxers.😊
  • @taylorthenatural5509
    This is something that should be taught in schools and if you are a cultural studies major in college you should have to do an assignment on this in one of your classes. They should make it a rule in all businesses not to discriminate based on hair texture. Its not the style they hate its the texture. My best friend (who is biracial) was told to straighten her hair by her manager and it is nowhere near as kinky as mine. A craft store of all places. I know where NOT to look for a job.
  • @RainneRae
    My hair is 💯 natural (locs) and there’s no way I would put chemicals in my hair to straighten it for anyone or any reason. I absolutely love myself. My hair is “Sacred” and “Creator” approved. Plus I know the spiritual importance of my natural hair and could care less what others think. Women of color need to stop listening to the bs they have been fed down through the ages regarding beauty and just “love themselves” and stop trying to conform to non-sense.
  • @taylordixon5143
    She is a great speaker. She should teach this In schools so people will not be biased
  • @MsKimLorraine
    I want to meet her. She is helping in my research for our business. I love this. It is on target with our mission statement.
  • @colinconaty763
    That lady has a beautiful head of curly hair. Such a Shame she had to waist them few years hiding it. Any young people watching this learn from this plz.. grow it out because it's beautiful. I have wavey curly hair and I love it.
  • @ElisiasEvolution
    Great video 'Im 10 months locd, done with wearing weaves and relaxers....
  • @noelle7032
    All natural hair types and texture are beautiful. Women just have to find a hair routine that works for them. Be proud of your no matter the texture,
  • @Aintiawoman
    Anyone notice the letter "e" follows off the Cambridge University sign at about 1:13?
  • @mmm81m6
    I find Afro hair very beautiful, I don't see a trouble-maker honestly, and I am white with straight hair...I don't like hair that looks fake generally speaking (goes also for white ladies), and I feel sad that women of colour feel pressured into styling their hair by using chemicals into the usual straight I see in the mirror every day, it is simply a waste. My mom is a natural curly and I love her hair just as it is, even if straight apparently is deemed more professional and pretty. I just think we should all get over the straight blonde hair as a benchmark of beauty and perfection, it's ridiculous.
  • @stephancruzhoward3158
    I'm an Italian Latino Male and have afro type hair and I have gone thru a lot of stuff like this.