Welcome to THEJNSREPORT’S: Zendaya & Giuliana Rancic (I am Not My Hair)

I unfortunately wasn’t able to catch the Oscars till Monday due to prior engagements on Sunday night.  However, when I heard of the latest controversy involving E! Fashion Police co host Giuliana Rancic’s comments I felt like here was another topic to address.  I’ve seen the many times in life where the image of a black woman is torn down and made to feel less than or ugly for the benefit of racist ignorant perspectives.

Having several sisters I know very well, how much this issue affects them personally when it comes to hair.  And to be clear hair issues aren’t exclusive to black women, afterall there is the term “Bad Hair Day”.  I’m sure it’s pretty universal that most if not every human being has had at least one “bad hair day”.  All that said, this issue isn’t about a bad hair day but simply the disparaging, disrepectful, and stereotypical comments made by Giuliana Rancic regarding a young black woman in Zendaya Coleman on the red carpet at the Oscars.

Rancic stated that she felt like Zendaya’s hair smelled like patchouli oil and weed. In my opinion those comments are just a reflection if not reminder of the fact that the more we think times and things have changed, the more they’ve stayed the same.  Racism, prejudice, and stereotypes aren’t going anywhere.  Neither can the fight against those things go anywhere.  We as people must continue to fight against these divisive issues, call them out when we see them, and not give a pass or an “Oh she didn’t know any better”.

It also reminds us of the power of the media platform and social media.  Those comments uttered by Rancic were heard by millions of people and think of what those comments would/could do to the self esteem of young Afro American girls, teens, & young women not to mention the impression of black women and beauty in general when they’re broadcast on television.

Zendaya’s hair was flawless and beautiful just as she is.  It is representative of the power, grace, strength, & beauty of black women.  The comments offered by Rancic came off as jealous, ignorant and stupid if not racist yet far more sincere than her Paula Deen impression of an “I’m sorry I got caught speaking what I really feel on air moment”.

While I could take the low road and let loose a slew of offensive comments about Rancic, I think Zendaya’s response to the unprovoked, and unwarranted attack are far more appropriate.  They exhibit the intelligent thoughts  of an eloquent young black queen speaking truth to a bitter woman that likes to throw rocks at her throne.

What are your thoughts on this?