Why do white people think that most Black women wear weaves?

Question

I have been reading a lot of questions about black women and our hair and a lot of white people (women in particular) think that most black women wear weaves. I mean how many black women do you know? I grew up around both black and white and most black women do not wear weaves. I have long hair (close to the middle of my back) and so do some of my friends and the ones that don't keep it short for their own personal reasons. I agree a lot of black women have damaged hair because they don't know how to take care of it. But I notice the more I am on Yahoo Answers I see more people (particularly white women) who assume things about black women that are not true and they just spout ignorance as if it is fact.

Also I was thinking it might be geographics I from NYC (the Bronx and Westchester County) and here we were relaxers but we really don't do weaves, you see black women from the carribbean wearing weaves but not the american ones.

Also I have family in the south and I notice (not in my family though) that black women wear weaves down there but not most.

I don't feel I'm stereotyping I am just repeating what i am seeing on Yahoo Answers.

Answer 1

Well, count me in as one white woman that doesn't believe that all black women wear weaves. I'm just NOT that ignorant!

Oh, and I'm from Pa., and I do have to agree with the fact you mentioned - that SOME black women have damaged hair because they don't know how to care for their hair properly - but I'd also have to say, I've seen alot of white women whom I'd have to say have bad hair days, too...

Answer 2

I'll agree with you about black women hair being damage because lack of care, but where I'm from a lot of Black women do where weave. It's either micro braids, Tracks, Pony tails, etc. If I was to give a percentage, I'd say about 75% of the black women(even little girls) wears weave. Me personally I like the natural look, and if you take care of your hair, your real hair will get as long as the fake hair, and you can style it just like you would the weave!!!

Answer 3

I think people are just ignorant and don't know any better, especically if they didn't grow up around a lot of black women. The geographics might have a lot to do with it, too, as you said in your posting. Depending on where you go in the US, people might not even know what a weave is! I wouldn't assume that of all white women, though - it might just seem that way because of the postings youve read. Hopefully they'll read your post and it will educate them differently!

Answer 4

TAIJ is right. Plus why wear a wig if your going to hit yourself in the head every 5 minutes. And as for weaves Why pull it out and throw in on the ground... that's littering! They seem like a big hassle. BQ : I would rock a GW wig cuz I'm a trend setter!

Answer 5

I'm not a white firl, but here's what I know. One reason is the hairstyles some wear, who would want to sit still that long? I belong to a Black American Legion Post and all the girls talk about is how difficult it is to grow their hair out, hard to style it the way they want.

In this AL Post, if their hair is not short, 90% it's weaves. Plus go into a beauty store that caters to Black women and there are a lot of weaves on display. Add to this the shows on tv where the weave gets pulled of any time Black girls get in a fight. Just my insight.

Answer 6

Look at it this way--the people here who are asking those questions are trying to learn, even if the may not be phrasing their questions in a totally PC way. They may well be asking those questions because they don't know many black women, if any. Rather than criticizing them for their ignorance, use it as an opportunity to educate them--politely and patiently--so that they won't have those assumptions anymore. That's why we're all here, right? To learn and help each other?

Answer 7

I live in the South, but I don't think all black women wear weaves. I am also a white female, and I find it just as insulting that you would stereotype us with your question.

Answer 8

So your question is....why do white women think black women wear weaves? I dont think white women look at a black women and say "oh she is wearing a weave" I dont see why this would offend someone anyways. I know black women who do wear weaves and some who dont. I think it is ignorant to assume that all white women think a black women is wearing a weave, its really not important.

Answer 9

i dont think alot of white women wear weaves. you can pretty much tell if someone's wearing a weave. Even some white girls wear extensions and things too. As a white girl, i have to say i really dont care or put too much thought into it! ;)

Answer 10

I don't know maybe its because movies portray it. But I know a lot of black women who don't wear weaves. I know a lot fo women who are relaxing they're hair more than ever too.