It's just hair, get over it!
By Lacey Summerville
Issue date: 2/10/10 Section: Opinion
Hairstyles have always been a form of self-expression for women, and have marked trends and shifts in society. Unfortunately, most young girls aren't granted free reign over their hair; their style is whatever "mama" and "daddy" make it. However, as we have seen through the buzz over Will and Jada Smith's 9-year-old daughter Willow Smith, some parents do think differently.
People got a chance to check out Willow's new doo as she helped her parents host the Nobel Peace Prize concert in December. The entire left side of her head was shaved off. Her hairstyle, which mimics popular fashion-forward super-star Rihanna, stirred up a bit of controversy and has many parents uneasy. A lot of people deemed it as "too mature" or "too grown" for someone her age.
This trendy hairstyle has raised the question: Should parents let their young children have their own style?" The answer is yes.
Children need a chance to express themselves just as adults need to-within reason. I believe that if there is a mutual agreement between a parent and child when it comes to hair and clothing styles-and if it's not hurting the child in any way-then let the child express herself. If Jada had shaved Willow's hair off against her will then maybe this would be deserving of people's time, energy and commentary, but that is not the case.
What's more, I find it amusing that this has even become an issue as there are so many meaningful topics we could be tackling other than what a 9-year-old has on her head. Let's save our breath to discuss how we feel about the influx of Haitian earthquake survivors into America, health care reform, or the pros and cons of the new stimulus package. I think people are so bored with their own lives that they have to start commenting on celebs' lives, and worse, their children! It's just hair.
People got a chance to check out Willow's new doo as she helped her parents host the Nobel Peace Prize concert in December. The entire left side of her head was shaved off. Her hairstyle, which mimics popular fashion-forward super-star Rihanna, stirred up a bit of controversy and has many parents uneasy. A lot of people deemed it as "too mature" or "too grown" for someone her age.
This trendy hairstyle has raised the question: Should parents let their young children have their own style?" The answer is yes.
Children need a chance to express themselves just as adults need to-within reason. I believe that if there is a mutual agreement between a parent and child when it comes to hair and clothing styles-and if it's not hurting the child in any way-then let the child express herself. If Jada had shaved Willow's hair off against her will then maybe this would be deserving of people's time, energy and commentary, but that is not the case.
What's more, I find it amusing that this has even become an issue as there are so many meaningful topics we could be tackling other than what a 9-year-old has on her head. Let's save our breath to discuss how we feel about the influx of Haitian earthquake survivors into America, health care reform, or the pros and cons of the new stimulus package. I think people are so bored with their own lives that they have to start commenting on celebs' lives, and worse, their children! It's just hair.
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