N.I.C.E.

N.I.C.E.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Tracee Ellis Ross's Natural Curls: Definitely Natural Is Cool Enough (N.I.C.E.) For This Sister on The New Show "Blackish!"

    There is a sister to thank for her courage, per her physical appearance, on the new show "Blackish."  She is Diana Ross's daughter and clearly resembles her mother. The reviews and perspectives are creeping of which some are positive (http://www.tvguide.com/News/Blackish-Review-ABC-1087479.aspx) and others negative (http://www.politeonsociety.com/2014/09/17/why-i-wont-be-watching-abcs-blackish-sitcom/).  The show is new so time will tell.



But N.I.C.E. offers one key review, relevant to Natural Is Cool Enough, and that is Tracee Ellis Ross's natural curls, flowing beautifully all over the screen in every scene that she was in. Whether she was sleeping, chatting with her children, conversing with her husband, in her work attire, etc.  her natural curls were up front and present making it clear to all watching that Natural IS Cool Enough. She plays a doctor so there was a lot implied in the notion that she would be in a professional environment rocking her natural curls, clearly evident when she stepped out in her scrubs.  The best line of the show, in my opinion, is when her husband accuses her of not being black and she states with all the attitude that she can muster "Tell that to my hair and my ass!" That was an excellent line because it was a statement (I will just focus on the hair here) that her hair, in its natural form, is a personification of her Blackness.  It is a clear statement that her hair, in its natural form, gives credence to the fact that she is a Black person. It was not just the line that was excellent but her delivery.  She mustered up, with her eyes and neck movement and every aspect of her acting skills, the expression that a Black women must often provide in telling someone who she truly is. It seemed like a very real moment for her.

                             


In short,  I enjoy the work of Tracee Ellis Ross and loved her work in the show Girlfriends, so I was eager to see what she would bring forward in "Blackish."  She did not disappoint, particularly in terms of her hair. It is not often that we see a Black actress showcasing to the world that Natural IS Cool Enough with strength and pride.  You go Tracee!  A true, courageous naturalista!  That's N.I.C.E.!  Now can something be done about the hair of the little girls' hair in the show?  One had cornrowed braids combined with a straight updo for a little bit.  It would be great to see nappy and curly with the little girls of "Blackish" too.  That would be N.I.C.E.!

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