Challenging Dominant Perspectives of Beauty and Changing the way Children View Themselves.

[SendMeYourNews]

Looking Back and Moving Forward in Black History

Davis, CA. Black History Month is often seen as a time to reflect back and look at the accomplishments and progress that have been made by African-American’s. While it’s important to look back, it’s also important to look forward and take into consideration the things that continue to affect black communities on a daily basis. While it may seem trivial, appearance and the way it’s perceived by American society is one of those things.

Ideas of beauty are directly affected by cultural factors that typically influence the way young children and adults view themselves. Through the reinforcement of dominant beauty standards, people of color have been taught to dislike certain aspects of who they are both internally and externally. Over time adults have become more aware of unrealistic ideals of beauty and begin to change their perspectives, while children are left adhering to dated views of what is considered attractive.

            Children as young as three show preferences for dolls that uphold eurocentric ideals of beauty ranging from the shade of their skin to the texture of their hair, something that is crucial to both Black and American history as a whole. Throughout the years hair texture and skin color have been seen as measures of self worth and beauty, lauding those who are closer to the Eurocentric ideal of beauty of white skin and straight hair.  It is important to move past this ideal as the standard form of beauty and even more important for young girls to find beauty within in themselves. Especially those whose features are seen as the antithesis of “ideal of beauty.” Because of this, it has become necessary to teach young children that beauty comes in a variety of shapes and colors.

With three renowned children’s books, Director and founder of The Culture C.O.-O.P (Caring, Optimistic, Open-Minded, People) Sandy Holman aims to do just that. She hopes to expose children to the diversity around them, with an overall mission “to promote understanding and respect for diversity/equity, cultural competency, literacy and quality education for all.”

            Each book is embedded with a lesson giving children the tools necessary to deconstruct dated ideals and to learn to appreciate their differences.  Her most recent book, “Grandma Says Our Hair Has Flair,” targets young girls of African ancestry and the multifaceted aspects of their appearance. It teaches them that their hair isn’t something to be ashamed of, but is something to celebrate. While “Grandpa is Everything Black Bad?” targets the negative connotations that are often related to the word black and darker skin in general. Reinforcing and spreading the sentiment of  “loving yourself the way you are, ” a concept beneficial to our society as a whole.

To set up an interview please feel free to contact Sandy Holman directly at [phone] and to follow up any questions or concerns.

CONTACT

Sandy Holman: [e-mail]

Business Phone: [phone]

Cell Phone: [phone]

Jalayne Jones: [e-mail]

Cell Phone: [phone]