In case you haven't figured it out yet. I am Black. I am also a woman. I also have natural hair that I keep in dreadlocked ( locked, or loc-ed) form. There have been many many times where I have had people ask me if they could touch my hair. Each time, I politely decline the invitation, and they ask me why. Some have even gone so far as to put their hands in my hair anyway, while ignoring my response. Since I live in The States, I have had to cultivate (I think that's the correct word) a system of action when this situation occurs. I usually make my escape, and I get away if they ask me. There have been instances where I have been unfortunate enough to end up in their grasp. All the while, I try to remain polite and get away from them as fast as I can, but here's what I really want to say:
Are you serious?! What gives you the right to go up to a random person, and touch their hair after they say no? Weren't you taught that people have a 2 foot bubble of personal space that is not meant to be violated? Didn't your parents tell you to keep your hands and feet to yourself when you were tiny? Just because you are curious doesn't mean your grown ass has the right to revert to a two year old because you weren't instantly gratified the way you saw fit. I bet if I asked you the same thing and got offended from your response you'd think I was crazy. You would probably lose your mind and think I was rude and unrefined if I went ahead and touched your hair without permission. I could imagine all of the hurt and anger you'd have for me, and maybe you'd might go so far as to call the police if you saw fit. Either that, or you'd refer to me as aggressive,ghetto, or uppity, when in reality, I don't think anybody should allow themselves to be violated in any way regardless of who they are. Excuse the fuck outta me for wanting to maintain my dignity while desiring to exercise basic human rights. And you have the nerve to turn around and talk that "Do unto others as others will do unto you," bullshit?!<< Get The Fuck Outta Here.