Tyra Banks is beautiful. Tyra Banks is ambitious. When Tyra Banks gets on a topic, she gets down into it and involves herself in a way that few other models-turned-talkshow hosts do.
So when I read that Tyra was declaring September 8 National Real Hair Day just in time for the new season of The Tyra Banks Show, I was overcome by a simultaneous wave of delight, concern, and skepticism.
Delight because YAY, Tyra’s going to ditch the three yards of weave that’s become her trademark and make natural hair the main focus of her show’s season premiere!
Concern because well, I’ve watched Tyra’s show before and let’s just say she takes on issues in a way which I wouldn’t go about it myself. If you’ve watched, you know what I mean.
Skepticism because National Real Hair Day is every day, and has been every day for many afrobellas around the world, long before Tyra came up with this promotional idea for her program.
“Tyra said, “This season on The Tyra Show we’re taking it to the next level and getting more real than ever before by encouraging women everywhere to own and rock what they’ve got and be proud! For the Season 5 premiere, I will be doing just that – no fake hair, I’m rocking my REAL hair. This will all be going down on September 8, 2009, which we’re declaring National Real Hair Day! We welcome everyone to go natural with me!”
I’m gonna watch and liveblog September 8th because that’s what I signed on for when I took on the mantle of Afrobella. But Tyra – I’ll also be watching September 9th. And 10th. Is this just a look-at-me one day thing? Or will it be for real? We’ll have to wait and see.
Will you watch Tyra’s celebration of natural hair? What are your thoughts?
— This is also posted here on BV Hair Talk.
Tyra’s done this before, she didn’t declare it a day, but she rocked some cornrows on an episode about black beauty, and to her credit she kept the cornrows for a little while. I really expected her to go back to the weave the next day. I find her a little disingenuous when it comes to the issues, but on the other hand at least she is bringing them up. Which is a lot more than many others.
I will also be watching. I’m also curious how she will ‘rock’ her hair for the following episodes.
First, I agree with you in your questioning Tyra’s approach to topics on her show. I would just call her IRRESPONSIBLE.
So, apparently she was filming in near/in Union Sqaure in NYC this week and, concerning whether or not her “natural” look will be maintained… just… No. Take a gander:
http://www.gossipcenter.com/tyra-banks/tyra-banks-takes-over-union-square-354271
I’ll be watching.. and I’m curious to see how long it will actually last..
When I saw this my mother and I both laughed.. but hey I applaud her for making the effort.. but don’t try to make it a gimmick just to “promote” her show.. too many of us LOVE our hair however we may wear it.. so I am praying she don’t try and make a mockery or she may end up with plenty hate mail
Nope, won’t be watching because I don’t watch the show unless a celebrity I want to see is on. To me, Tyra is “The Ricki Lake Show” for people who were too young to catch it when that was on the air.
I’m wondering if she is trying to help promote the Chris Rock film, “Good Hair” ? I’ll try and hold out hope for her going natural or weaveLESS but we will see : X.
It is a gimmick to promote her new show, she will most likely be weaved up right after the tapping. It is called National Real Hair Day after all. Just look at the way she covered the topic of her alleged weight gain – saying something along the lines of I’m not even that big, but if I was it would be okay. But I will watch this episode, I just hope she doesn’t spew nonsense.
So not a fan. Won’t be watching.
Whatever, Tyra. You’re sooo late to the game. You’ll just make a mockery of natural hair and spread more mis-information wit your PERMED cornrows.
*snickers*
I will pass on watching the premiere. No worries, it will be on You Tube and everywhere else afterwards. It comes off as “hoaxy”. Anything to get people to watch. I rather keep up with the natural hair care blogs, sites and such. Seems to me the real naturals are way ahead of the NRHD declaration. It is not as if she is some leading authority or pioneer with real and/or natural hair. Maybe she will have some people on that show that will truly educate about the lifestyle of naturals. Sorry so lengthy!
Ratings…Natural Hair “DAY”: that says it all.
I do find it humorous that she is declaring a “real hair” day, when millions of women sport their “real hair” on the regular.
I don’t think she can handle the truth.
Why are so many people hating on Tyra? Ok so she is declaring a “Real Hair Day” To some of us (like myself) who are already natural bella’s Big Deal! But to other’s who are hesistant about wearing their natural hair this may/may not encourage them to do away with the wigs/weaves etc.
I think it’s great that Tyra takes the time to not only express her views and opinions on the subject of natural hair but give others the opportunity to do so as well.
I can see why she wears wigs, weaves etc. Being in the industry that she’s in, it’s simply easier and protects her natural hair from all the heat and styling.
Natural bella or not, Tyra does a lot for others and has accomplished more than most. I give her credit for bringing up the subject more than once…I don’t think we’ll ever see the day when Harpo dedicates one hour to the subject(unles Chris Rock is on her show) so kudos to Tyra!
hmmm, Tyra’s “real hair day” sounds as fishy as this blog. i just read something similar on another site. ayankha.blogspot.com
Wow, ecosoulintellectual – so funny you’d leave this comment. I literally just got an e mail from the author of that very blog, telling me my post was similar. Following her e mail and your comment — I have just today, for the first time, visited her blog and read the post myself.
Yes, we both wrote about Tyra’s Real Hair Day. Yes, we both expressed three different emotional responses to the information. The similarities between her post and mine are completely and utterly coincidental, and they end there. I quoted the source for the information I used – Just Jared – and even italicized his words in the post. If I had even seen the post you mentioned, I would certainly have linked to hers here as well. That is how I’ve always done my work. I take it seriously and always strive to give credit where it is due.
I assure both you and her that I did not find inspiration or in any way intentionally imitate her blog post. I actually find the insinuation very offensive. I work hard at my writing, pride myself on my professionalism, and make a point to be original in every item I write whether it’s for Afrobella or any other online publication.
If you or the author of Ayankha don’t believe me, I don’t know what else to tell you.
1. Tyra made a public statement about the Real Hair Day. More than one person will write about it.( I think the similarities or coinsidential)
2. If I were a weave happy follower of Tyra maybe this would make me consider rocking my hair with out a weave ( baby steps people…. )
3. Tyra will most likely go back to yards of yaki, because that’s what she likes. But maybe she won’t feel like she HAS to have it all the time. Who knows what this day may bring for those who have never even thought of being natural- weave free, or think of rocking their kinky curls in public.
My dear , you are a well-trained, educated and talented writer, whose broad outlook, daring personality and refreshing writing style would be the envy of a great number of people. You have a gift and your honesty emerges in every piece you have written to date.Keep it real, but remember that you live in the real world. Be strong and keep keeping on.
I have the best family in the world. Thank you for your always wise, always loving, always supportive comments Dad. You know how the snide comment above made me feel, given the amount of work I put into everything I do. You’ve encouraged me more than you know =)
love you!
Tyra is an air-head, who pretends to be smart.
I am interested in what Tyra’s hair looks like under all that weave too. I understand why models wear it and appreciate the fact that she has never been apologetic about it, though. I’ll be at work when this comes on, but I will be looking to see what “real hair” means to her and her stylists.
BTW, just because people write about the same topics and feel the similarly about them doesn’t mean plagiarism has occurred. People should really be careful when questioning integrity. Being critical is one thing, being mean is another (sorry, Bella, I had to say it).
I think it’s a wonderful topic, and hope that it does inspire women who are bound to their perms and weaves to let that mess go! I am curious though to see what this means for her long-term. I’m not gonna lie though, if I had a bunch of stylists and my own TV show and was a supermodel, I’d try some weaves and utter madness too. I proudly wear an afro, but why not for shits and giggles 🙂
I often defend Tyra, and probably to a fault. I think her interview style is severely lacking and sometimes accusatory, but I think her heart is generally in the right place. She has helped a lot of young women with self-esteem and body image issues, so kudos to her for that. I met her in a dance class once, and will say she was extremely down to earth and truly beautiful without makeup and Photoshop.
Afrobella-thank you for posting this. I’m sure there are many blogs that are posting about this (its an interesting topic)…but we came here because we enjoy YOUR voice. Don’t be phased by the foolishness. My twist on the old adage: if you don’t have anything positive or worthwhile to contribute, then shut the eff up. And I mean that with love 🙂
Afrobella,
I hope the email that I wrote to you earlier puts you at ease.
I’m just saying that if you were in my shoes, what would you think/do? Though I don’t receive a dime from my lil ole blog, I also pride myself in my work and writings. This is why I chose to address you without any assumptions.
All I have to go on is the comparison of the two works and your word. Going against professional opinion that have suggested otherwise, I chose to take your word for it.
Yes I have readers and friends that are fiercely protective of me. And I love each and every single one of them for it.
Just realize this: 1) I never tried to bring you down in ANY way. I did not put you on blast or use a harsh tone when I wrote. 2)I’ve never denied your talent (as I told you earlier, I actually have you in my blogroll), I simply questioned ONE of your many posts…because hours before you posted, I wrote a piece that was eerily similar. Am I not justified for coming to YOU and seeing what’s up?
Looking beyond this, I hope you truly understand where I’m coming from as I’ve tried to understand your position by actually believing you against the odds and logical judgment.
Take Care,
Ayankha
Ayankha,
Check your inbox. I responded to your e mail.
All the best.
Patrice
afrobella, thanks for the response. and really, there is no need to be offensive or offended.
simple corrections and misunderstandings do happen, and the power of the pen clarifies it all…i hope.
i am a reader of your blog and ayankhas, and i find that both of you have interesting things to say.
so when i saw the uncanny resemblance. i commented.
being that i have been a print journalist for almost 18 years, i have had articles usurped from me by bigger publications with more readership and resources.
it is no big secret in the traditional journalistic world that everyone borrows ideas from various articles. and being a scholar of new media, this practice is the absolute norm.
so when i read ayankha’s blog then yours, my nose got to twitching, especially, since you have a stellar record of shouting out folk.
but for those who don’t know, it is simple journalistic etiquette to acknowledge another person’s ideas.
i am very sensitive to when things sound “coincidental”, especially in the era of new media.
i was pointing it out, like i do other things. and in this small black blogosphere, i just like for everyone to enjoy everyone’s 2 cents/sense
as i say, blog on.
Real hair day will be just that, a showcase of the hair that comes out of people’s head, whether it be natural or permed. I am a natural and I have been permed and have friends who are permed, they are not as bad as some people make them out to be. It is all about balance and taking care of your hair, you can have healthy hair that is permed. My decision to go natural was the result of laziness on a hot SoCal day, I didn’t feel like going outside to purchase the perm. I like natural hair as well as permed hair, I can see the beauty in each (I know I’m rambling, but this is how I feel) and am open enough to respect the choices other people make concerning their hair.
i’m giving thanks for the conversation. i did not want to sound aggressive, and appreciate other’s POV and questioning. I’m not new to social networking but am recently starting to comment more, before I’d just read. I notice that a lot of folks just like to comment on blogs to attack others, and I reacted sensitively in this case. I’ve always been struck by people who confuse snark with downright nastiness, and I assumed that’s what was going on here. Particularly in the “afrosphere” I don’t want to fuel any fires, because I see division between many of the smaller demographics online. I just want us to be able to have conversations about beauty, hair, politics, music, the price of tea in China, whatever. But I’m glad to know where people are coming from and am focusing on understanding other’s perspectives.
Peace.
and it’s so sweet that your Dad commented to support 🙂
Ayankha, get over yourself. This is a typical Afrobella post. You’re trying to say she’s a plagiarizer but we know better. You don’t own news about Tyra. Get over yourself.
OK I am officially closing this comment thread. I just woke up (literally — it’s way too early for me right now) and realized that this is becoming what this blog is NOT about – negativity.
I am going to state one time for the record, I PLAGARIZED NOBODY. I would never think of such a thing. I always give credit to other bloggers. When I quote from someone, I italicize their words to ensure that they are distinct from my own. I link to others as much as possible, and I share in the sisterhood of blogging. When I’ve had my own material misappropriated and borrowed by other bloggers, I’ve dealt with the matter privately. That’s how I choose to continue, here.
Ayankha and her readers are free to feel and express themselves on this topic however they wish. I know my family, my friends, and regular Afrobella readers know that my three years of consistent quality and creativity speak for themselves.
I don’t want this to devolve into name calling and anger, and in the middle of the night when I wasn’t looking, it did.
Last night I talked with a very influential figure in the blogosphere about this, and the advice I got was – ban negative commenters, delete them, ignore those e mails, and keep it moving. I’m not banning anyone. I’m not ignoring anyone. I choose to keep most lines of communication open. Just not this one, anymore.
Peace be unto all of you, have a great weekend, and I’ll still be liveblogging Tyra’s show come September 8th.