from a funny post to a not so funny post...

Yep, it's another link to a post on Stuff White People Do.  Because I know some people might think I am a little protective of Sasha and Alexis, and they might not understand why I do all the things I do with them.  But I also know there a lot of people who don't understand the perspective of the woman who wrote this post.  I try every day to put myself into the shoes of a black baby, a black girl, and a black woman, because that is who my daughters are and who they will become.  And JUST THIS WEEK, someone (in authority, mind you) touched Alexis' hair without permission.  It happened very quickly and in my judgement it wasn't the time to say anything to this woman, but you better believe my radar is up with her from now on.  So anyway, for anyone who has wondered why I don't like people touching Sasha and Alexis, and especially their hair, this will tell you why.

UPDATE - Nate has brought to my attention that the start of the post I linked to is a little crass.  Sorry about that.  I don't love the language used either, but I thought the overall point was more important.

Comments

[anonymous]

Wow. I never understand why people want to touch bellies, hair, or any other part of a person's body. Especially a stranger.

I am also white, so perhaps I have never considered how offensive this could be to someone. Certainly this white woman reacted childishly, and her comments were racist. That said, if I were to ever ask someone if I could touch their hair (which wouldn't happen, because it's weird) I would hope that person wouldn't automatically assume my intentions were racist. Perhaps there are some of us are clueless. Does that mean we should be allowed to touch your hair? No. Do we need an explanation? No, it's your body. However, it is worth the benefit of the doubt that this person was just acting cluelessly, trying to pay your daughter a compliment without ill intention.

[anonymous]

Now that I have read this post, I would understand why someone of an ethnic minority would be more offended say, I would be. Some of us just don't know what we don't know.

[Nicole]

loved the post, Heidi!

[kristin]

i agree with the post you linked to. what the heck was up with that crazy white woman? she needs to assess her motives/goals and purposes. and basically learn how to communicate with all types of strangers. i think that the thing that is most sad are the words that affected the next generation. both sets of children heard different things and are going to see the world in that light.