Adults With African Parents UK - Natural Hair & Body Mods Pushback
Looking to interview people with African parents about the backlash to natural hair (locs, twists, etc.), piercings, and tattoos for my Master's Journalism Project
Hey everyone, back again!
I am also writing a piece centred around the generational clash between African parents and their children regarding appearance, specifically locs, twists, natural hair journeys, piercings, and tattoos.
As a second-generation immigrant myself, I’ve experienced this firsthand. Growing up, these styles were often condemned by our parents as "unprofessional," "rebellious," or even "anti-cultural." However, historically, many of these body modifications and hairstyles are deeply rooted in pre-colonial African traditions.
The ultimate irony is that due to the lingering effects of colonialism and respectability politics, our parents' generation was conditioned to adopt Eurocentric standards of neatness for survival, and now, the reclamation of our roots is viewed as a rejection of them.
I want to write a piece that dives deep into this nuance. I am not looking just to write a "strict African parents" rant; I want to explore the historical trauma, the irony of what is considered "Westernised," and how we are reclaiming our bodies and heritage today.
Who I’m looking to speak with:
Anyone with African parents in the United Kingdom (living in the diaspora or on the continent) who has faced backlash, intense arguments, or strict boundaries regarding getting locs, twists, protective styles, piercings, or tattoos.
People who are willing to chat about how this affected their relationship with their parents and their own cultural identity.
Privacy & Safety:
Your privacy is my top priority. If you choose to speak with me, you can absolutely use a pseudonym (fake name) or remain completely anonymous. I will not use any identifying details that could cause friction with your family.
We can chat via Reddit DMs, Discord, or an anonymous Zoom/audio call. Whatever makes you most comfortable.
If you have a story to share or even just a few thoughts on how this dynamic plays out in your household, please drop a comment below or slide into my DMs (just to clarify, if you are from the UK, sorry!)
Thank you so much for reading, and I appreciate your help in bringing this story to light!