Being beautiful is hard these days. You can't be like by everyone in this world. Everyone has its own taste and it's normal. But what do you do when you've suffered from cancer and you're bold? You think about buying some wigs. And you buy them. Even though no one senses that you are wearing one, you feel like everybody is looking at you knowing that you are wearing one and knowing that you had cancer. It's hard...
I think we get caught in a cycle of wanting to be different and wanting to be on trend.
Another cycle of wanting to be pretty for ourselves and to look better than another.
We fear judgement as much as we love to judge.
In past times perhaps social standing and marital status was most likely conveyed and upheld with things like attire and hairstyle. Maybe it was easier 'back in the day' when everyone had a standard to conform to, but these days it seems the 'freedom' to do what we want is just as constrictive.
Personally, I love chopping and changing my hair but I'd be lying if I didn't hear that little voice that said ... "what will they say?"
Xo
Katie
In my opinion a woman deserves respect and this is why I believe this awesome skin care products are a way to cherish the woman and prevent her from aging. I respect all the women in this world more than anything.
The donated hair, hair follicles, surrounding tissue, and skin are called grafts, and each graft contains one or more hair follicles with accompanying hair, tissue, and skin. No two heads are alike, and you will see that the art of Hair Restoration is just as important as its science or medical aspects.
I love words, and you are so good at expressing yourself, and that is what I admire most about you. When I watched the documentary it made me feel sad, because it is great to feel good about your appearance but people in general mainly women forget about their inner self; that is why it made me feel a bit sad. I am a women, 37 years old I grew up in Los Angeles ca. I am half Irish and cuban, and a very shy person always
felt different growing up in the 70s, and society bases to much on physical beauty. I am light complexed and my cuban culture always made a big deal about that which is another sad topic. I have very curly hair always told how beautiful I am. I then developed an eating disorder when I would put on weight. AK you are in the public eye and women admire you so thank you for being" real" you don't hide any of your imperfection you embrace them that is what makes you such a beautiful human being. We can go on forever writing about this topic. Congratulations on your son and marriage GOD BLESS ALWAYS keep your music coming it helps my spirt.
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I think what you are saying is so true and so incredibly moving. I have never watched the Good Hair documentary but I know there are a lot of celebrities talking about being on the "creamy crack" . It's so frustrating though because you are looked at different if you don't keep up a perfect image. You are a beautiful person:-) (no homo) Thank you so much for you insightfulness.
Love,
Kendra
Hi,
my mom always tells that she admires people who are able to work one look and hairstyle through they whole life, i guess thats a real stylish and beautiful person, who knows who she or him is and knows how to show it of
Although beauty is often judged from appearance, really it's from within. Everyone has an aspect of it, just the most beautiful people have the power to reflect it.
Be beautiful, be yourself!
Play 'me' (Alicia Keys, Element of Freedom Tour, 2010)
Wow, I knew were deep by the music you sing, but just on the everyday stuff amazing. That observation you made about hair was right on. And that's why after growing out my hair for years and wanting to it to look like yours are other "spot light hotties" I chopped it right off and I'm proudly starting over to have what god intended. Thanks Chick!!! Keep the balance in your life. TL
Miss Alecia i know i spell it wrong but i like it. The question of beauty hmmm they say its in the eye of the beholder. If a woman is beautiful to you it doesnt matter what her hair looks like. You will not care about any of the external because you love her. I will admit that some of these things do factor in, but i think it is mainly about a magnetism that draws you into a person. It could possibly be yin and yang. I think it may just be God shining on both of you at the same time to see each others truths. So beauty is God showing each pair there true selves or true spirits. IamMike7 (always keep it 1 to 1)
Call me idealistic, but I believe that beauty should only be described based on who you are on the inside. People have preferences. Two people may have completely different views on the appearance of another person. No matter how you may try to avoid it, judging beauty by outward appearance (whether through hair or even clothing) is subjective. When it comes to identifying a person, I believe it's much more efficient to evaluate their "beauty" based on who they truly are or what they are like on the inside.
Well, you are not your hair, you are Spirit, now in human form. So just unconditionally Love your body, and with that Love your hair. Love your hair just as it is. And you will see, once you truly love your hair, it will have the opportunity to blossom, if you let it. And when you are being aware of your body, your body (and with that your hair) will tell you exactly what it needs to bloom. What it needs to be in service of you, the Spirit you. The only thing you need to do is allowing your physicality to be the expression of your inner beauty.
And all the magazines, articles, buiseness etc. around beauty, well... they can be entertaining sometimes. But they Are a distraction. I believe they've always been the same distraction throughout our history, adapted to the time-frame people were in at a particular time. A distraction of what it is really about: You loving and honouring yourself just as you are. That is where beauty comes from.
I love to enjoy all creation that is playing with beauty, I love to dress up and do crazy things with my hair, to play with my body and the way I look as a joyfull expression of the Spirit I Am. Be that joyfull with yourself and don't lose yourself in the uncountable overlays there are about 'beauty', or 'being a fine woman', because in essence they will just tell you that you have to change something on yourself in order to be loved and that is a lie. You are allready loved, just as you are, you allready are so beautiful. And you are the only one who can allow this love and beauty inside yourself. No product, opinion or 'solution' from the outside can arrange that for you. They can be part of a joyfull expression or creation of you, but I think you'll better let them serve you than you go serving these overlays about beauty.
my thoughts are exactly this hair is over rated especially for african american women and it is nothing new i watched a movie once on how prems came along and in the movie it showed the slave women combing there master kids heads and how they enveyd there hair because it was long and easy to deal with so they had these perms to strighten there hair because they wanted to look like there masters so much they would take the pain of the perm but dont get me wrong alicia i hate dealing with my hair when it starts to get a little kinky but my point is that we and i mean all colors of people have been taught to see beauty by one person opion of this is beauty you know like blonde is better then black hair or stright is better then curly etc.. you no what i mean but to me beauty should be felt and not taught beauty should start from the inside out and not from the outside in.
-peace and love from your biggest fan from atlanta Asia
Yellow girl!
With your light skin
Almond eyes
and olive thighs
Thick lips
and wide nose
Curvy hips
and supple tits
Runway walk
and gutter talk
Can't sit here, not black enough
Can't stand there, not white enough
You assumed the 21st Century ushered in approval?
Acceptance?
Take your sly eyes
and silver tongue
Back across the tracks where you come from
To 'The Land of the Redbones'
With the rest of those 'off' skin tones!
Over here?
Not quite black, not near white
But resentment and spite
Girl, you better get yourself right!
Yellow girl!
Wake up, your shift's been over quite a while
You ARE one of us…simply human, child.
So stop your frettin' and don't you fuss,
Come over here and have some pie with us
A la mode
I started dying my hair when I was 12 years old. I used box dye, went to hair salons, had friends do it, died it almost every colour under the rainbow atleast once, highlights, low lights, perms, straightening with irons, you name it-I've done it.
However about a yr and a half ago I decided that I missed my "natural" hair. I used to have beautiful, thick, ashy brown hair...and now...I have thinned out, multi-coloured, dammaged hair.
But after I read your blog I started to agree with the possibility of us taking advantage of our right to make ourselves look any way we like. Some of us do it for boredom, to start over (breaking up with someone, or being broken up with), wanting a new identity, to suit our face shape and skin tone better...who knows really. But I think it's great that we have the option, although I think it's extremely important for us to be grateful for what we were given, as it is that way for a reason!!
Steph, s.philbin@hotmail.com
I belive that the question of beauty is a question that will never be answered. I start to wonder is it a sort of superstition or is it something that is taught as casually as learning how to crawl or walk, the answer is diverse from person to person so is there really an answer.
Beauty is such a difficult word to define. It means so many different things to so many people. One thing I am certain of though is that the Element of Freedom is a work of stunning beauty. Alicia, you have a god given talent, thank you so much for sharing it with us.
God answered a prayer for me, so I thought I would write to you and share the blessing.
I've been learning a lot about Eve and how we were made in God's image. Especially about the part of God a woman is made after. And I've learned that part of women, is to display God's glory. God created Eve beautiful, after his own image. Everything he created just shines with beauty. And that's a big reason why women always struggle with the whole beauty issue. Satan wants to destroy that part of us. So I've been struggling a lot with that. Am I beautiful? People say that God thinks I am. But I wanted to know directly from God himself. Specific. So I prayed last night, "God...show me my beauty. Show me what you think is so beautiful about me. And I'm going to bed right now, so if you'd like to show me in a dream that would be cool."
Then I went to bed. And I had a dream where this guy came to me and asked me if I would sing on a CD he was recording. I said "No....You can find so many other better singers than me. Go ask them." And the guy said "No Jessica, they can't offer me what you have. You may not sing like them, but you have something unique about you." I still said no in the dream.
I wake up....and think, was that God trying to tell me something? But as the day went on, I just shrugged the dream off and kept wanting an answer from God. A little while later, I was talking with a friend about the new Alicia Keys CD and how I wanted to buy it. So I posted it on my facebook saying "I wish I could buy the new Alicia Keys CD. But it's not in the budget this month...sighhh...maybe next month."
Like 5 minutes later, I got an email from Buckhead Church (one of the churches we go to) saying that they bought me a free download of the Alicia Keys album! I was so happy. I downloaded the album and was listening to some of the songs. How nice of them to do that! As I was going about my day, I started thinking about Alicia Keys...how beautiful she is.....how talented she is...she went to Colombia University - she's so smart...her smile is lovely....the list goes on. Then I felt like God said to me..."All those things you are thinking about Alicia Keys is how I feel for you....and more."
I was so overwhelmed I started crying. He answered my prayer....specifically!!! I couldn't believe it. But...as you know....our God is big...and he answers prayers....big!
I had small group tonight, and I shared my answered prayer with the group. It was great.
Then I was driving home. I got home and checked the mail. I didn't do it earlier. As I opened the mailbox, there was plastic bag in there. I was afraid someone might've pulled a prank and put poop in the bag, so I smelled. Safe. No poopoo. I reached in, and opened it. And there it was. A hard copy of the Alicia Keys CD!!!!! God just smiled on me and said "Everything I said about you earlier.....double that." I'm in tears as I write this because I'm just in awe of a God who went out of his way to make me feel beautiful. Double the blessing!!!
I put the CD in to listen to it and praise God that every time I play it I'll remember what he thinks of me...and the first line to the intro of the CD said
"And the day came when the risk it took to remain tightly closed in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom. This is the element of freedom."
I feel like God wants me to start blooming and start showing his beauty and glory. God is so good. I just wanted to share that with you. And I hope it blesses you today.
In my dictionary the word "beauty" means only one person "Alicia".
I´m from méxico so my english isn´t the best but I´m so happy to write in this page. I love all the Alicia´s Songs and I really love her music.
If someday I wake up sad, the only way to change mi day is with a simple word of any of the alicia´s records. Yesterday I was watching a movie and the principal actress had te same voice than alicia so...I was in shock.
It´s so incredible how a simple rone of voice can make so many things in my self.
Besides being a beautiful woman, you're a great artist blessed and very talented. I'm your fan, love your music and your beautiful voice. My name is Gustavo Nobio, I'm a singer, composer and creator of the project S.U.P.R.A. Vida Secular! Visit my site - www.supravidasecular.com.br - and download all my songs. Kisses!
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa... and aaaaaaaaaaaa... I WILL BE THERE 05/31/10 in PARIS BERCY I got my place A. KEYS I'm waiting for YOU... After all these years I will see you, I will see your performance and I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it's sure I will count the days!!!
When i heard about chris rock's movie I was so intrigued. i wanted to go and see it but since i live in a town that is predominantly white it never came to a theatre near me but it made me start to think. As a young black woman i have had my hairy moments when i didn't know what to do with it or i just hated it in general. I wear my hair natural with no relaxers or weave or perms and as i got older it seemed like my family thought part of growing up was getting a relaxer. I'm 19 and i have always loved my thick frizzy afro but as a black women in america it seems like the question is not whether or not you will get a relaxer, it is when. it wasn't until recently that I realized that my hair not being considered "good" or "beautiful" hurt me. There are all different hair types but it seems to me that mine is the only one that isn't acceptable. Is that right? Even if it isn't there isn't anything I can do to change it. My Auntie always asks me WHEN I am going to get a relaxer. Finally, a couple of months ago i told her i was ready to get a relaxer. The years had taken their toll and i had come to hate my hair. To be honest I wanted hair like you ,Alicia, and i hated that you had the hair I wanted. You had hair that was beautiful and I gave up on trying to make others see the beauty in black hair. The thing what hurt the most was that it was the people of my own race that critized my natural locks the most. After I told my Auntie i wanted a relaxer i went home and looked at my hair in the mirrior and cried. I don't really know why but i think i was angry. maybe i was angry at myself or maybe at the world but i knew if i got a relaxer it would not make my happy. i tried to sift through these feelings i talked to my mom and she said to me, "it's just hair". When sh said that i started to think. Is that true? Why is it that women make such a huge deal about this stuff that is growing from our heads. Why is it so upsetting when it is unruly or when it falls out? i could not fathom why it would be so important but it is. And no matter how many times i would say to myself that it is just hair it did not diminish the intense feelings i had when it came to my hair. I never got a relaxer and i am back to loving my hair just as it is. All women have hair issue and things they hate about they're hair. As soon as i realized that my best friend who has long beautiful blonde hair hates her hair just as often as i do it was easier for me to except mine.
As I just worte that I made myself depressed about my hair all over again because i realized that even if Lynn hates her hair there is someone like me that loves her hair and i wondered if there is someone that feels that way about my hair. I envy her hair. Could anyone possibly evny mine?
hello alicia
for me if one of the best singers in the world.
must excuse me for my bad English because I'm Italian and I know
also you have Sicilian origins. I'm Sicilian precisely from
Catania me of your songs I've heard a few songs but they were
makes me happy, one is the one that comes to my newyork
city of the heart when I hear the refrain I feel a shiver in me
I charge for my beloved dance break dance. because while
descend not Pass from Catania in Italy: D, but with jay z ahha you know
which is absurd. vabbe does nothing means that you still listen
the end what I wanted to say is that you have a beautiful little
I believe that beauty Sicilian ahahaha jay z you would like but so
Beyonce has already used during forward anyway and just hope one day to
go to New York and to meet you and hear your own cry live. KISSS
contunua to sing if you can still with jay z KISSS
Girl you could shave your head like Mr. Clean it wouldn't make a bit of differance, you are still gonna be beautiful! Just your voice alone, captures our attention b/c it's so pleasing, sensual and soulful!
Your soul and your passion that you allow us to enjoy, thats the real beauty of Alicia Keys.
PA
btw . . .
99% of women are beautiful and 99% of men are greedy!
Talofa Alicia! I'm Samoan and when we have traditional dances, they are always capped off at the end with a dance by a 'taupou' (what was in the old days the chief's daughter, the village maiden)...2 things that made her beautiful were 1. her size - curves and all! the bigger the better and 2. the colour of her hair! The colour was not black but a sort of caramel brown and very thick! To this day, if a girl dances as the 'taupou' - she wears a high headress called a 'kuiga' which has fake thick brown hair attached and is cascading down from it...
Now i'm not sure if this look made men go 'a little crazy' back then hehe but I do know that this is one look that island chicks would rather Not choose these days coz we think guys prefer the opposite ie. skinny and straight hair! Apart from the size thing (we're islanders! we loooove our food!) one thing island chicks have really changed since the old days is that instead of thick wavy hair - we want the opposite! It's a running joke how attached we are to our Must-have accessory: our GHD hair straighteners! Not all island chicks i know are like this, but u see it more often than not.
I'm not saying we shouldn't use our GHDs though - i have one too! I reckon we should be able to do our hair what ever way we want...I just don't think we should let a style 'rule' our lives too much to the point where we Refuse to step out our front doors any other way!
Hope you come to New Zealand soon!! We'd love to have you over!
Beauty is both tangible and intangible. I truly believe that everyone has their own individual perception of beauty. Women have a pretty good intuition about what makes them "look" good and what is practically good for us. However, we also get trapped in the the expectations of others instead of listening to ourselves because we just want to be accepted. That is really what drives us to modify the way we look but also somehow betray the way we really feel. We're always somehow also caught between building self-esteem and losing self-esteem for being the unique beings we are as well. So in short, perhaps we will always engage in this endless battle of defining what is "beauty"... just a couple of thoughts inspired by your blog...
Dear Alicia, only a person with such inner beauty like you could be so simple and yet make every one feel like they have beauty in them. You are stylish and graceful and everything about you, whether it is music, lyrics, or look is just so beautiful, good day bad day!
I think you'll find that in human society, regardless of race, many of the "common people" aspire to emulate royalty and the upper class. If you look back a few thousand years, the kings and queens were the ones who could afford to use extravagant means to enhance their appearance. Because their images personified "wealth, royalty, and importance", many lower class citizens tried to copy the royal styles when they had the opportunity. Similarly, in America, African slaves were castigated and mocked for their cultural-based appearance and made to believe they were inferior to whites, while at the same time losing the practices of the African culture. They therefore lost their native images and ideals of beauty. Because they were made to regard the Caucasian as superior, the Africans began to believe that when they copied the hairstyles and dress of whites, they would also be superior to a "common negro". Thus, the "white standard" of beauty was established and has continued to this day.
It seems to me that the image of beauty, (especially concerning a sister's hair), was based on, ( no offense), white women through the ages. Just brush before you comb, I say! It's tedious, I know, but worth, that, which I LOVE in a sistah, that natural beauty! When I speak of beauty, it's not neccesarily what every brother would see as an attractive woman, but a woman that shines with kindness! I mean, look at me, I may not be what woman find attractive, but I'm o.k with that. Because I do what I can to keep my hygiene in ship- shape! Beauty, like marriage in this age, has become a myth achieved by few. Lol.
wow thanks Alicia
I love it when i get to view the symphony of our hair thru each other's eyes. I myself am amazed & intrigued at when and why my hair wants to show its' different colors. I think sometime awhile ago I breathlessly stopped reaching for that "complete satisfaction", as you pointed out.
I now allow my hair its' own journey, including the frustration of those "unreachable" days. Sometimes we on speaking terms and sometimes not..lol..and it's okay. I've had my times of treating this mane in unhealthy, tortureous ways: forcing it to bend at the curve of a hip that wasn't there, cooking it at hellish temperatures, stripping its' protective layers away, etc, etc. And then I've had the sweet appreciation of pouring love & time & nurturing into it and feeling my hair finally exhale and stretch its' legs and dance in the sun; i'm sure it liked the latter better.
As a child, I knew the stuff on top of my head was special and I used it to live many lives through. I'm delighted at how much more life there is...and it is "A Wonderful Life"!
I just wanted you to introduce you to your youngest fan I'm sure.
He's only 4 months and is really enjoying your latest songs. When nothing seems to soothe him, I play
'love is blind, doesn't mean anything, broken heart" in this order and he quiets down and is sleeping by the third song. He knows good music Would love to send you a photo of him.
I can relate to CKW2. I would often catch myself trying to adjust my hairstyle. Only bad part is we don't have the nifty items women can use to enhance their hairstyle. Not that I would want to resort to that. Just that we have to wait out our hair growth. For some could take a few months while others a few years. I often find myself wanting a new hairstyle. Either spiking the hair up, cutting it short with waves, producing curls, straight down, or any other style that I could with the amount of hair I have. At the moment it's curly. I am actually in the process of growing it back out to have braids again but I don't know how long that idea will last. It's growing rather fast though. See how I got carried away? Unlike me it's ten times worse for a woman to figure out her hairstyle for the day. Countless hours in the mirror.
I can feel the pain of women who go through these changes everyday with their 'look'. I most definitely could not relate though. Ha ha. In my opinion, styles were brought up on those superior over you. Well, not superior. Pretty much someone you idolized. Then as you age, you begin to develop your own style that the next generation will adopt into their attire. I find it rather interesting.
i could care less for your beauty or style of art.... you are the most beautiful and creative artist i can imagine....play something for the troups overseas whether you believe in it or not i am sure those members of the armed forces will take it wholeheartedly. please do us all a favor and sing again. you have a lovely voice and it is a godsend worldwide. i love you sweeetheart sing for us or yourself... it is a grace that will cosume the world.
Well, I think that there's something like subconscious suggestion in all of us, which tells us 'you should look like your mother'. That involves hair of course. I find myself more like my ma with every year, because I want to. I don't know why though.
By the way, I'm having a bad-hair-day TOday:) -hope that's no prophecy for 2010! Happy New Year everyone! Make it better than the previous one!
Only a person with such inner beauty could talk of such a simple word and make every one feel BEAUTY. You have style and grace about you that you can make you music,lyrics sound so beautiful, even on a bad hair day!!!!LOL!!!
La Beauté pour moi est indéchiffrable pour l'esprit humain.
Elle est comme la lune qui exerce son pouvoir sur les marées de la terre. Comme dans la nature, la beauté est mystique. Lorsque l'on veut la définir, la catégoriser, la comprendre, on tombe inévitablement dans le superficiel, la comparaison, la représentation de la chose et non la chose elle-même.
Les gens qui ont la chance d'être beaux, sont au prise avec tous les vices du mental concernant leur propre beauté. Mais s'ils ont en eux le germe de la spiritualité qu'offre la Nature, Ils peuvent avoir une influence bénéfique sur leur environnement, il peuvent être de grands modèles pour la société,
i would have llked for Chris to dig a little deeper into the "why?" myself. it was entertaining and I applaud him for tackling the subject. its just that is SOOOOO much more -- guess one feature film wouldn't do it justice anyway.
What I'd really like to see is all black women remove their wigs, weaves and braids for a day and fix their natural hair and wear it out one day as a statement! Like an I Love Me Holiday. NOT to say if your hair is NOT natural you don't love yourself...I'm just saying!!!
To me the saddest sorriest thing about the Don Imus comments and the girls basketball team wasn't anything that I heard anyone ever mention. It was seeing those girls rub their permed, straightened, blow-dried hair and hear them say: My hair ain't nappy!
Yes, your hair IS nappy or close to it if your Black. That's just how God made us so don't deny it! Before you did whatever you did to it, it was "nappy" or maybe wavy, but definitely not dead straight.
I would like to say as someone who doesn't even listen very much to secular music I appreciate and respect Alicia Keys as an artist for having talent, clothes on, and braids!
Please continue to uphold a beautiful, dignified, classy, not trashy, standard of beauty for Black women!
personally i prefer 'truth/peace' etc.etc....than getting involved with an ego type topic(heehee), but god bless all, and wishing all a'' happy new year'', with many more happy years to follow!........P,L&R.....
I think that the "hair" thing is just a symptom of a bigger problem with standard of how women should look nowadays. I think this standard is made to make people feel bad about themselves and want to change the way they look naturally. Like those stick thin models, I mean I don't know many Black fellas who would want that. Or all those products we put in our hair to make it do what we want. That money is going somewhere and we're falling in the trap. Go natural ladies, go natural!
Being a man - I can speak for all of the uncomfortable times when we men are caught looking at and or adjusting our hair - it seems crucial when in this situation to find a reason or exscuse for preening oneself. I mean, if a man is caught looking in a mirror he must immediately say something like "I just walked through a spiders web - can you see any spiders on me pal? Perhaps in my hair?" or Öh my girlfriend just sprayed some product-y stuff in my hair and it feels disgusting.(no you're not allowed to know the name of the product and or in fact what type of product it is; be it gel, wax etc)
A great songwriter once wrote "To be brought up in this land - it goes against the grain to understand - anything besides being a man" In regards to hair - that means simply shaving, and occasionally - flicking one's hair out of one's eyes.
However, if you're ever the man interupting another man playing with his hair - I believe you expect some form of apologie or at the very least an awkward silence before he bustles his things out of the mens rooms, never to cross eye contact again. A sworn secret never to be revealed. But nontheless - and immediate cease and desist.
If this does not happen, and he continues, and maybe even gives you the look (the up and down one) and then carries on adjusting his hair, or goes into his things and pulls out a brush, maybe some hair spray - (not that there's anything wrong with that) - but you know, basic urges are for you to label him instantly. (This is meant to be humerous - I'm not condoning or proud of these thoughts - my battle with my demons).
To that end - like makeup, jewellery, high heels and all of those fascinating accesories women adorn themselves in and with - hair is an absolute folly of women. An accessory which can be viewed, adjusted, reformed, let down, flicked, bounced, sprayed or simply twirled around one's fingers for her own amusement - anywhere, anytime and in any situation she feels the need and or desire. Enjoy I say! As much as we 'men' enjoy the end product of her folly, and even (from the corner of our glimpses) the folly itself - we are more than proud (and maybe a little envious) that the fairer side of our race has embraced (from which ever of our ancestors) the courage and humility to let each other be herself and in thus express herself in many exciting and beautiful ways!
i am a white man who fell in love with a black women. And I love her hair sometimes it gets rough though.
Like when she can't get to lay down the way she wants it too. Talk about attitude. LOL I love her everyday. I like the strong character and her realness in life. Unfortunally, she does not love me the same way I love her. I think she has this race thing going on. I would like to say I enjoy your music Alicia. i play guitar mainly jazz and blues. I like combining these two styles. I would like to see you do a cover of more than words by Extreme but you know with your own twist. I am currently homeless but that is about to change. I would like you to help if you chould by checking out the website. www.donationforhomeless.weebly.com Kinda basic but I will putting alot more on it. I want to rasie enough money to buy a abandoned hotel and convert it to apartments for homeless people. There are some deals on there and with you permission I would to do some covers of your songs. but I will probably change the perspective from female to a male perspective. Your are a very beautiful person and a true example of a "Woman's Worth"
Man, I applogize but I there is so much I can hear in your voice. I would love also love to hear you do some old school Billie Holiday. Or even better Frank Sinatra with a soulful twist. I have alot of muscial ideas that you could get out there. I am a male so it looks kinda of funny to sing female parts.
I also play piano, drums and a whole host of Instruments. I was told I have perect pitch. but I just play and hear the music. I would really enjoy chattin with you sometime even if it is just through email.
Comments for this Alicia's Blog
Re: A question of beauty..
Being beautiful is hard these days. You can't be like by everyone in this world. Everyone has its own taste and it's normal. But what do you do when you've suffered from cancer and you're bold? You think about buying some wigs. And you buy them. Even though no one senses that you are wearing one, you feel like everybody is looking at you knowing that you are wearing one and knowing that you had cancer. It's hard...
Re: A question of beauty..
I think we get caught in a cycle of wanting to be different and wanting to be on trend.
Another cycle of wanting to be pretty for ourselves and to look better than another.
We fear judgement as much as we love to judge.
In past times perhaps social standing and marital status was most likely conveyed and upheld with things like attire and hairstyle. Maybe it was easier 'back in the day' when everyone had a standard to conform to, but these days it seems the 'freedom' to do what we want is just as constrictive.
Personally, I love chopping and changing my hair but I'd be lying if I didn't hear that little voice that said ... "what will they say?"
Xo
Katie
Re: A question of beauty..
In my opinion a woman deserves respect and this is why I believe this awesome skin care products are a way to cherish the woman and prevent her from aging. I respect all the women in this world more than anything.
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The donated hair, hair follicles, surrounding tissue, and skin are called grafts, and each graft contains one or more hair follicles with accompanying hair, tissue, and skin. No two heads are alike, and you will see that the art of Hair Restoration is just as important as its science or medical aspects.
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The beauty are inside not out
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The beauty are inside not out
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Hello AK and people of the world,
I love words, and you are so good at expressing yourself, and that is what I admire most about you. When I watched the documentary it made me feel sad, because it is great to feel good about your appearance but people in general mainly women forget about their inner self; that is why it made me feel a bit sad. I am a women, 37 years old I grew up in Los Angeles ca. I am half Irish and cuban, and a very shy person always
felt different growing up in the 70s, and society bases to much on physical beauty. I am light complexed and my cuban culture always made a big deal about that which is another sad topic. I have very curly hair always told how beautiful I am. I then developed an eating disorder when I would put on weight. AK you are in the public eye and women admire you so thank you for being" real" you don't hide any of your imperfection you embrace them that is what makes you such a beautiful human being. We can go on forever writing about this topic. Congratulations on your son and marriage GOD BLESS ALWAYS keep your music coming it helps my spirt.
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I would love to get access to this information. The videos and the blog with be amazing to access. What is the process to get VIP. This would be great access.
dorm bedding
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I think what you are saying is so true and so incredibly moving. I have never watched the Good Hair documentary but I know there are a lot of celebrities talking about being on the "creamy crack" . It's so frustrating though because you are looked at different if you don't keep up a perfect image. You are a beautiful person:-) (no homo) Thank you so much for you insightfulness.
Love,
Kendra
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Hi,
my mom always tells that she admires people who are able to work one look and hairstyle through they whole life, i guess thats a real stylish and beautiful person, who knows who she or him is and knows how to show it of
Re: A question of beauty..
Beauty, Stereotypically perfect? What is perfect?
In reality, nobody is perfect....
'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...'
Although beauty is often judged from appearance, really it's from within. Everyone has an aspect of it, just the most beautiful people have the power to reflect it.
Be beautiful, be yourself!
Play 'me' (Alicia Keys, Element of Freedom Tour, 2010)
Much Love, Kimee x
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Wow, I knew were deep by the music you sing, but just on the everyday stuff amazing. That observation you made about hair was right on. And that's why after growing out my hair for years and wanting to it to look like yours are other "spot light hotties" I chopped it right off and I'm proudly starting over to have what god intended. Thanks Chick!!! Keep the balance in your life. TL
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beauty comes from our eyes, from our mind. i mean it
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Miss Alecia i know i spell it wrong but i like it. The question of beauty hmmm they say its in the eye of the beholder. If a woman is beautiful to you it doesnt matter what her hair looks like. You will not care about any of the external because you love her. I will admit that some of these things do factor in, but i think it is mainly about a magnetism that draws you into a person. It could possibly be yin and yang. I think it may just be God shining on both of you at the same time to see each others truths. So beauty is God showing each pair there true selves or true spirits. IamMike7 (always keep it 1 to 1)
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Call me idealistic, but I believe that beauty should only be described based on who you are on the inside. People have preferences. Two people may have completely different views on the appearance of another person. No matter how you may try to avoid it, judging beauty by outward appearance (whether through hair or even clothing) is subjective. When it comes to identifying a person, I believe it's much more efficient to evaluate their "beauty" based on who they truly are or what they are like on the inside.
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Well, you are not your hair, you are Spirit, now in human form. So just unconditionally Love your body, and with that Love your hair. Love your hair just as it is. And you will see, once you truly love your hair, it will have the opportunity to blossom, if you let it. And when you are being aware of your body, your body (and with that your hair) will tell you exactly what it needs to bloom. What it needs to be in service of you, the Spirit you. The only thing you need to do is allowing your physicality to be the expression of your inner beauty.
And all the magazines, articles, buiseness etc. around beauty, well... they can be entertaining sometimes. But they Are a distraction. I believe they've always been the same distraction throughout our history, adapted to the time-frame people were in at a particular time. A distraction of what it is really about: You loving and honouring yourself just as you are. That is where beauty comes from.
I love to enjoy all creation that is playing with beauty, I love to dress up and do crazy things with my hair, to play with my body and the way I look as a joyfull expression of the Spirit I Am. Be that joyfull with yourself and don't lose yourself in the uncountable overlays there are about 'beauty', or 'being a fine woman', because in essence they will just tell you that you have to change something on yourself in order to be loved and that is a lie. You are allready loved, just as you are, you allready are so beautiful. And you are the only one who can allow this love and beauty inside yourself. No product, opinion or 'solution' from the outside can arrange that for you. They can be part of a joyfull expression or creation of you, but I think you'll better let them serve you than you go serving these overlays about beauty.
Love to all,
Gabriëlla
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my thoughts are exactly this hair is over rated especially for african american women and it is nothing new i watched a movie once on how prems came along and in the movie it showed the slave women combing there master kids heads and how they enveyd there hair because it was long and easy to deal with so they had these perms to strighten there hair because they wanted to look like there masters so much they would take the pain of the perm but dont get me wrong alicia i hate dealing with my hair when it starts to get a little kinky but my point is that we and i mean all colors of people have been taught to see beauty by one person opion of this is beauty you know like blonde is better then black hair or stright is better then curly etc.. you no what i mean but to me beauty should be felt and not taught beauty should start from the inside out and not from the outside in.
-peace and love from your biggest fan from atlanta Asia
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Yellow girl!
With your light skin
Almond eyes
and olive thighs
Thick lips
and wide nose
Curvy hips
and supple tits
Runway walk
and gutter talk
Can't sit here, not black enough
Can't stand there, not white enough
You assumed the 21st Century ushered in approval?
Acceptance?
Take your sly eyes
and silver tongue
Back across the tracks where you come from
To 'The Land of the Redbones'
With the rest of those 'off' skin tones!
Over here?
Not quite black, not near white
But resentment and spite
Girl, you better get yourself right!
Yellow girl!
Wake up, your shift's been over quite a while
You ARE one of us…simply human, child.
So stop your frettin' and don't you fuss,
Come over here and have some pie with us
A la mode
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I started dying my hair when I was 12 years old. I used box dye, went to hair salons, had friends do it, died it almost every colour under the rainbow atleast once, highlights, low lights, perms, straightening with irons, you name it-I've done it.
However about a yr and a half ago I decided that I missed my "natural" hair. I used to have beautiful, thick, ashy brown hair...and now...I have thinned out, multi-coloured, dammaged hair.
But after I read your blog I started to agree with the possibility of us taking advantage of our right to make ourselves look any way we like. Some of us do it for boredom, to start over (breaking up with someone, or being broken up with), wanting a new identity, to suit our face shape and skin tone better...who knows really. But I think it's great that we have the option, although I think it's extremely important for us to be grateful for what we were given, as it is that way for a reason!!
Steph, s.philbin@hotmail.com
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I belive that the question of beauty is a question that will never be answered. I start to wonder is it a sort of superstition or is it something that is taught as casually as learning how to crawl or walk, the answer is diverse from person to person so is there really an answer.
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Beauty is such a difficult word to define. It means so many different things to so many people. One thing I am certain of though is that the Element of Freedom is a work of stunning beauty. Alicia, you have a god given talent, thank you so much for sharing it with us.
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God answered a prayer for me, so I thought I would write to you and share the blessing.
I've been learning a lot about Eve and how we were made in God's image. Especially about the part of God a woman is made after. And I've learned that part of women, is to display God's glory. God created Eve beautiful, after his own image. Everything he created just shines with beauty. And that's a big reason why women always struggle with the whole beauty issue. Satan wants to destroy that part of us. So I've been struggling a lot with that. Am I beautiful? People say that God thinks I am. But I wanted to know directly from God himself. Specific. So I prayed last night, "God...show me my beauty. Show me what you think is so beautiful about me. And I'm going to bed right now, so if you'd like to show me in a dream that would be cool."
Then I went to bed. And I had a dream where this guy came to me and asked me if I would sing on a CD he was recording. I said "No....You can find so many other better singers than me. Go ask them." And the guy said "No Jessica, they can't offer me what you have. You may not sing like them, but you have something unique about you." I still said no in the dream.
I wake up....and think, was that God trying to tell me something? But as the day went on, I just shrugged the dream off and kept wanting an answer from God. A little while later, I was talking with a friend about the new Alicia Keys CD and how I wanted to buy it. So I posted it on my facebook saying "I wish I could buy the new Alicia Keys CD. But it's not in the budget this month...sighhh...maybe next month."
Like 5 minutes later, I got an email from Buckhead Church (one of the churches we go to) saying that they bought me a free download of the Alicia Keys album! I was so happy. I downloaded the album and was listening to some of the songs. How nice of them to do that! As I was going about my day, I started thinking about Alicia Keys...how beautiful she is.....how talented she is...she went to Colombia University - she's so smart...her smile is lovely....the list goes on. Then I felt like God said to me..."All those things you are thinking about Alicia Keys is how I feel for you....and more."
I was so overwhelmed I started crying. He answered my prayer....specifically!!! I couldn't believe it. But...as you know....our God is big...and he answers prayers....big!
I had small group tonight, and I shared my answered prayer with the group. It was great.
Then I was driving home. I got home and checked the mail. I didn't do it earlier. As I opened the mailbox, there was plastic bag in there. I was afraid someone might've pulled a prank and put poop in the bag, so I smelled. Safe. No poopoo. I reached in, and opened it. And there it was. A hard copy of the Alicia Keys CD!!!!! God just smiled on me and said "Everything I said about you earlier.....double that." I'm in tears as I write this because I'm just in awe of a God who went out of his way to make me feel beautiful. Double the blessing!!!
I put the CD in to listen to it and praise God that every time I play it I'll remember what he thinks of me...and the first line to the intro of the CD said
"And the day came when the risk it took to remain tightly closed in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom. This is the element of freedom."
I feel like God wants me to start blooming and start showing his beauty and glory. God is so good. I just wanted to share that with you. And I hope it blesses you today.
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In my dictionary the word "beauty" means only one person "Alicia".
I´m from méxico so my english isn´t the best but I´m so happy to write in this page. I love all the Alicia´s Songs and I really love her music.
If someday I wake up sad, the only way to change mi day is with a simple word of any of the alicia´s records. Yesterday I was watching a movie and the principal actress had te same voice than alicia so...I was in shock.
It´s so incredible how a simple rone of voice can make so many things in my self.
Well, Love Forever Princhipe
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Besides being a beautiful woman, you're a great artist blessed and very talented. I'm your fan, love your music and your beautiful voice. My name is Gustavo Nobio, I'm a singer, composer and creator of the project S.U.P.R.A. Vida Secular! Visit my site - www.supravidasecular.com.br - and download all my songs. Kisses!
Good vibes and SUPRA Vida forever...
Greetings from Brazil!
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aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa... and aaaaaaaaaaaa... I WILL BE THERE 05/31/10 in PARIS BERCY I got my place A. KEYS I'm waiting for YOU... After all these years I will see you, I will see your performance and I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it's sure I will count the days!!!
K.
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When i heard about chris rock's movie I was so intrigued. i wanted to go and see it but since i live in a town that is predominantly white it never came to a theatre near me
but it made me start to think. As a young black woman i have had my hairy moments when i didn't know what to do with it or i just hated it in general. I wear my hair natural with no relaxers or weave or perms and as i got older it seemed like my family thought part of growing up was getting a relaxer. I'm 19 and i have always loved my thick frizzy afro but as a black women in america it seems like the question is not whether or not you will get a relaxer, it is when. it wasn't until recently that I realized that my hair not being considered "good" or "beautiful" hurt me. There are all different hair types but it seems to me that mine is the only one that isn't acceptable. Is that right? Even if it isn't there isn't anything I can do to change it. My Auntie always asks me WHEN I am going to get a relaxer. Finally, a couple of months ago i told her i was ready to get a relaxer. The years had taken their toll and i had come to hate my hair. To be honest I wanted hair like you ,Alicia, and i hated that you had the hair I wanted. You had hair that was beautiful and I gave up on trying to make others see the beauty in black hair. The thing what hurt the most was that it was the people of my own race that critized my natural locks the most. After I told my Auntie i wanted a relaxer i went home and looked at my hair in the mirrior and cried. I don't really know why but i think i was angry. maybe i was angry at myself or maybe at the world but i knew if i got a relaxer it would not make my happy. i tried to sift through these feelings i talked to my mom and she said to me, "it's just hair". When sh said that i started to think. Is that true? Why is it that women make such a huge deal about this stuff that is growing from our heads. Why is it so upsetting when it is unruly or when it falls out? i could not fathom why it would be so important but it is. And no matter how many times i would say to myself that it is just hair it did not diminish the intense feelings i had when it came to my hair. I never got a relaxer and i am back to loving my hair just as it is. All women have hair issue and things they hate about they're hair. As soon as i realized that my best friend who has long beautiful blonde hair hates her hair just as often as i do it was easier for me to except mine.
As I just worte that I made myself depressed about my hair all over again because i realized that even if Lynn hates her hair there is someone like me that loves her hair and i wondered if there is someone that feels that way about my hair. I envy her hair. Could anyone possibly evny mine?
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hello alicia
for me if one of the best singers in the world.
must excuse me for my bad English because I'm Italian and I know
also you have Sicilian origins. I'm Sicilian precisely from
Catania me of your songs I've heard a few songs but they were
makes me happy, one is the one that comes to my newyork
city of the heart when I hear the refrain I feel a shiver in me
I charge for my beloved dance break dance. because while
descend not Pass from Catania in Italy: D, but with jay z ahha you know
which is absurd. vabbe does nothing means that you still listen
the end what I wanted to say is that you have a beautiful little
I believe that beauty Sicilian ahahaha jay z you would like but so
Beyonce has already used during forward anyway and just hope one day to
go to New York and to meet you and hear your own cry live. KISSS
contunua to sing if you can still with jay z KISSS
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Alicia Darling,
please add Portugal to your Tour List. We all love you. I saw your concert in 2008 and it was the best concert ever!
Please come visit us! PORTUGAL LOVES YOU!
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AK,
Girl you could shave your head like Mr. Clean it wouldn't make a bit of differance, you are still gonna be beautiful! Just your voice alone, captures our attention b/c it's so pleasing, sensual and soulful!
Your soul and your passion that you allow us to enjoy, thats the real beauty of Alicia Keys.
PA
btw . . .
99% of women are beautiful and 99% of men are greedy!
Re: A question of beauty..
Talofa Alicia! I'm Samoan and when we have traditional dances, they are always capped off at the end with a dance by a 'taupou' (what was in the old days the chief's daughter, the village maiden)...2 things that made her beautiful were 1. her size - curves and all! the bigger the better
and 2. the colour of her hair! The colour was not black but a sort of caramel brown and very thick! To this day, if a girl dances as the 'taupou' - she wears a high headress called a 'kuiga' which has fake thick brown hair attached and is cascading down from it...
Now i'm not sure if this look made men go 'a little crazy' back then hehe but I do know that this is one look that island chicks would rather Not choose these days coz we think guys prefer the opposite ie. skinny and straight hair! Apart from the size thing (we're islanders! we loooove our food!) one thing island chicks have really changed since the old days is that instead of thick wavy hair - we want the opposite! It's a running joke how attached we are to our Must-have accessory: our GHD hair straighteners! Not all island chicks i know are like this, but u see it more often than not.
I'm not saying we shouldn't use our GHDs though - i have one too! I reckon we should be able to do our hair what ever way we want...I just don't think we should let a style 'rule' our lives too much to the point where we Refuse to step out our front doors any other way!
Hope you come to New Zealand soon!! We'd love to have you over!
xox
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Beauty is both tangible and intangible. I truly believe that everyone has their own individual perception of beauty. Women have a pretty good intuition about what makes them "look" good and what is practically good for us. However, we also get trapped in the the expectations of others instead of listening to ourselves because we just want to be accepted. That is really what drives us to modify the way we look but also somehow betray the way we really feel. We're always somehow also caught between building self-esteem and losing self-esteem for being the unique beings we are as well. So in short, perhaps we will always engage in this endless battle of defining what is "beauty"... just a couple of thoughts inspired by your blog...
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Dear Alicia, only a person with such inner beauty like you could be so simple and yet make every one feel like they have beauty in them. You are stylish and graceful and everything about you, whether it is music, lyrics, or look is just so beautiful, good day bad day!
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I think you'll find that in human society, regardless of race, many of the "common people" aspire to emulate royalty and the upper class. If you look back a few thousand years, the kings and queens were the ones who could afford to use extravagant means to enhance their appearance. Because their images personified "wealth, royalty, and importance", many lower class citizens tried to copy the royal styles when they had the opportunity. Similarly, in America, African slaves were castigated and mocked for their cultural-based appearance and made to believe they were inferior to whites, while at the same time losing the practices of the African culture. They therefore lost their native images and ideals of beauty. Because they were made to regard the Caucasian as superior, the Africans began to believe that when they copied the hairstyles and dress of whites, they would also be superior to a "common negro". Thus, the "white standard" of beauty was established and has continued to this day.
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It seems to me that the image of beauty, (especially concerning a sister's hair), was based on, ( no offense), white women through the ages. Just brush before you comb, I say! It's tedious, I know, but worth, that, which I LOVE in a sistah, that natural beauty! When I speak of beauty, it's not neccesarily what every brother would see as an attractive woman, but a woman that shines with kindness! I mean, look at me, I may not be what woman find attractive, but I'm o.k with that. Because I do what I can to keep my hygiene in ship- shape! Beauty, like marriage in this age, has become a myth achieved by few. Lol.
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Hi sweet!!
When u came to Brazil to sing for us??
Love
xxoo
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wow thanks Alicia
I love it when i get to view the symphony of our hair thru each other's eyes. I myself am amazed & intrigued at when and why my hair wants to show its' different colors. I think sometime awhile ago I breathlessly stopped reaching for that "complete satisfaction", as you pointed out.
I now allow my hair its' own journey, including the frustration of those "unreachable" days. Sometimes we on speaking terms and sometimes not..lol..and it's okay. I've had my times of treating this mane in unhealthy, tortureous ways: forcing it to bend at the curve of a hip that wasn't there, cooking it at hellish temperatures, stripping its' protective layers away, etc, etc. And then I've had the sweet appreciation of pouring love & time & nurturing into it and feeling my hair finally exhale and stretch its' legs and dance in the sun; i'm sure it liked the latter better.
As a child, I knew the stuff on top of my head was special and I used it to live many lives through. I'm delighted at how much more life there is...and it is "A Wonderful Life"!
Jaz
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Hi Alicia!
I just wanted you to introduce you to your youngest fan I'm sure.
Would love to send you a photo of him.
He's only 4 months and is really enjoying your latest songs. When nothing seems to soothe him, I play
'love is blind, doesn't mean anything, broken heart" in this order and he quiets down and is sleeping by the third song. He knows good music
Thank goodness for your angelic voice,
Shelley S
PS: Motherhood is beautiful unquestionably...
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I can relate to CKW2. I would often catch myself trying to adjust my hairstyle. Only bad part is we don't have the nifty items women can use to enhance their hairstyle. Not that I would want to resort to that. Just that we have to wait out our hair growth. For some could take a few months while others a few years. I often find myself wanting a new hairstyle. Either spiking the hair up, cutting it short with waves, producing curls, straight down, or any other style that I could with the amount of hair I have. At the moment it's curly. I am actually in the process of growing it back out to have braids again but I don't know how long that idea will last. It's growing rather fast though. See how I got carried away? Unlike me it's ten times worse for a woman to figure out her hairstyle for the day. Countless hours in the mirror.
I can feel the pain of women who go through these changes everyday with their 'look'. I most definitely could not relate though. Ha ha. In my opinion, styles were brought up on those superior over you. Well, not superior. Pretty much someone you idolized. Then as you age, you begin to develop your own style that the next generation will adopt into their attire. I find it rather interesting.
SynFul
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i could care less for your beauty or style of art.... you are the most beautiful and creative artist i can imagine....play something for the troups overseas whether you believe in it or not i am sure those members of the armed forces will take it wholeheartedly. please do us all a favor and sing again. you have a lovely voice and it is a godsend worldwide. i love you sweeetheart sing for us or yourself... it is a grace that will cosume the world.
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Well, I think that there's something like subconscious suggestion in all of us, which tells us 'you should look like your mother'. That involves hair of course. I find myself more like my ma with every year, because I want to. I don't know why though.
Happy New Year everyone! Make it better than the previous one!
By the way, I'm having a bad-hair-day TOday:) -hope that's no prophecy for 2010!
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Only a person with such inner beauty could talk of such a simple word and make every one feel BEAUTY. You have style and grace about you that you can make you music,lyrics sound so beautiful, even on a bad hair day!!!!LOL!!!
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La Beauté pour moi est indéchiffrable pour l'esprit humain.
Elle est comme la lune qui exerce son pouvoir sur les marées de la terre. Comme dans la nature, la beauté est mystique. Lorsque l'on veut la définir, la catégoriser, la comprendre, on tombe inévitablement dans le superficiel, la comparaison, la représentation de la chose et non la chose elle-même.
Les gens qui ont la chance d'être beaux, sont au prise avec tous les vices du mental concernant leur propre beauté. Mais s'ils ont en eux le germe de la spiritualité qu'offre la Nature, Ils peuvent avoir une influence bénéfique sur leur environnement, il peuvent être de grands modèles pour la société,
Marco
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i would have llked for Chris to dig a little deeper into the "why?" myself. it was entertaining and I applaud him for tackling the subject. its just that is SOOOOO much more -- guess one feature film wouldn't do it justice anyway.
What I'd really like to see is all black women remove their wigs, weaves and braids for a day and fix their natural hair and wear it out one day as a statement! Like an I Love Me Holiday. NOT to say if your hair is NOT natural you don't love yourself...I'm just saying!!!
To me the saddest sorriest thing about the Don Imus comments and the girls basketball team wasn't anything that I heard anyone ever mention. It was seeing those girls rub their permed, straightened, blow-dried hair and hear them say: My hair ain't nappy!
Yes, your hair IS nappy or close to it if your Black. That's just how God made us so don't deny it! Before you did whatever you did to it, it was "nappy" or maybe wavy, but definitely not dead straight.
I would like to say as someone who doesn't even listen very much to secular music I appreciate and respect Alicia Keys as an artist for having talent, clothes on, and braids!
Please continue to uphold a beautiful, dignified, classy, not trashy, standard of beauty for Black women!
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personally i prefer 'truth/peace' etc.etc....than getting involved with an ego type topic(heehee), but god bless all, and wishing all a'' happy new year'', with many more happy years to follow!........P,L&R.....
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I think that the "hair" thing is just a symptom of a bigger problem with standard of how women should look nowadays. I think this standard is made to make people feel bad about themselves and want to change the way they look naturally. Like those stick thin models, I mean I don't know many Black fellas who would want that. Or all those products we put in our hair to make it do what we want. That money is going somewhere and we're falling in the trap. Go natural ladies, go natural!
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Being a man - I can speak for all of the uncomfortable times when we men are caught looking at and or adjusting our hair - it seems crucial when in this situation to find a reason or exscuse for preening oneself. I mean, if a man is caught looking in a mirror he must immediately say something like "I just walked through a spiders web - can you see any spiders on me pal? Perhaps in my hair?" or Öh my girlfriend just sprayed some product-y stuff in my hair and it feels disgusting.(no you're not allowed to know the name of the product and or in fact what type of product it is; be it gel, wax etc)
A great songwriter once wrote "To be brought up in this land - it goes against the grain to understand - anything besides being a man" In regards to hair - that means simply shaving, and occasionally - flicking one's hair out of one's eyes.
However, if you're ever the man interupting another man playing with his hair - I believe you expect some form of apologie or at the very least an awkward silence before he bustles his things out of the mens rooms, never to cross eye contact again. A sworn secret never to be revealed. But nontheless - and immediate cease and desist.
If this does not happen, and he continues, and maybe even gives you the look (the up and down one) and then carries on adjusting his hair, or goes into his things and pulls out a brush, maybe some hair spray - (not that there's anything wrong with that) - but you know, basic urges are for you to label him instantly. (This is meant to be humerous - I'm not condoning or proud of these thoughts - my battle with my demons).
To that end - like makeup, jewellery, high heels and all of those fascinating accesories women adorn themselves in and with - hair is an absolute folly of women. An accessory which can be viewed, adjusted, reformed, let down, flicked, bounced, sprayed or simply twirled around one's fingers for her own amusement - anywhere, anytime and in any situation she feels the need and or desire. Enjoy I say! As much as we 'men' enjoy the end product of her folly, and even (from the corner of our glimpses) the folly itself - we are more than proud (and maybe a little envious) that the fairer side of our race has embraced (from which ever of our ancestors) the courage and humility to let each other be herself and in thus express herself in many exciting and beautiful ways!
Re: A question of beauty..
please read my comment on 11/28/09
Re: A question of beauty..
i am a white man who fell in love with a black women. And I love her hair sometimes it gets rough though.
Like when she can't get to lay down the way she wants it too. Talk about attitude. LOL I love her everyday. I like the strong character and her realness in life. Unfortunally, she does not love me the same way I love her. I think she has this race thing going on. I would like to say I enjoy your music Alicia. i play guitar mainly jazz and blues. I like combining these two styles. I would like to see you do a cover of more than words by Extreme but you know with your own twist. I am currently homeless but that is about to change. I would like you to help if you chould by checking out the website. www.donationforhomeless.weebly.com Kinda basic but I will putting alot more on it. I want to rasie enough money to buy a abandoned hotel and convert it to apartments for homeless people. There are some deals on there and with you permission I would to do some covers of your songs. but I will probably change the perspective from female to a male perspective. Your are a very beautiful person and a true example of a "Woman's Worth"
Man, I applogize but I there is so much I can hear in your voice. I would love also love to hear you do some old school Billie Holiday. Or even better Frank Sinatra with a soulful twist. I have alot of muscial ideas that you could get out there. I am a male so it looks kinda of funny to sing female parts.
I also play piano, drums and a whole host of Instruments. I was told I have perect pitch. but I just play and hear the music. I would really enjoy chattin with you sometime even if it is just through email.
Well, if I peak your intreast my email is Rennith@yahoo.com
Keep it real Alica Keys.