“Good Hair” and Other Dubious Distinctions

Less star-studded than Chris Rock's big screen documentary Good Hair (VL-3/10), which looked at the myths and stigma surrounding “good hair” in the black community, this effort from C.S. DeBose also explores the subject of how natural hair is used as a means of stereotyping, along with other “dubious distinctions,” including certain facial features and degrading practices such as the “paper bag test” (i.e., your social mobility could be determined by how your skin compares to the shade of a paper bag), which can further engender class distinctions, tension, and mistrust within a cultural group. Featuring commentary from professionals—including professors, a historian, and a poet activist—as well as real people, the program offers hope about gaining respect and acceptance, reminding viewers that, “Who you are is what you've put in….” Sure to spur discussion, this is recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)