Monday, August 10, 2009

Ok, I just have to ask

I happened to be perusing Google Analytics, seeing what search terms visitors to my blog type in. By far the most popular one is some variation on "free form dreads". (To me, the funniest search is "jamaican men and white women"). Why did someone today search for "free form dreads gross"? What does that mean? What were they looking for? They stayed on my blog for almost 1/2 hour, so they were looking for something. I will probably never know.

So, please, whoever did that search term, what were you looking for? Did you find what you were looking for on my blog? You can answer anonymously, I'm just really curious.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

That would be me.lol However, my specific search wasn't really for the reason that some might think it was.

See, I started free forming a VERY short time ago (about a week), and I pretty much fell in love with my hair the way that it was; sectioned by itself, ridiculously nappy, mr. combs' future worst enemy, etc. I've alays loved my hair in its natural state, and I've always loved locs. However, I couldn't decide on how I wanted my hair to be (thin ones, thick ones, somewhere inbetween, somewhere inbetweeen the somewhere inbetween, etc.), and I knew for a fact that I didn't want any wax or gel(I know they say the latter is "better", but that doesn't make it comfortable) in my hair. So, I decided that, with a LITTLE less than an inch of hair, I would start with my mini afro and loc up naturally. I've been washing my hair, encouraging my hair to section itself by towel rubbing it, and loving the simplicity behind it all. What better way to settle on a loc's size than to let your own hair decide for you? Not to mention the great results that I've gotten (some sections are coiled, others are poofy, but it looks great to me).

Because of a lack of free forming examples from black youtubers (I mean starting with little or no assistance, THEN getting locs gradually), I decided to do some searches in order to come up with blogs, hidden videos, and whatever else there may be, in order to get some actual examples/testemonials from people with my hairtype, and ethnicity, who decided to freeform.

Anywho, I ended up doing some different searches in order to find out information on locs, and I just so happened upon "Yahoo Answers", where a person had asked about people's opinions on dreads and what-not. I saw some of the comments, and ended up doing more dreads searches in "yahoo answers". To my surprise, not only were (the people answering the questions) a large portion of the answers negative (or had a negative undertone), but they also had a mutual hate for dreads that weren't "neat" and "maintained" via the salon. I know that there are certain styles that simply aren't the majority's "cup of tea", and I also know that many people tend to view certain locs (bias against size, and method) in a negative manner. However, as a young black man (17.......ish lol), I was, for lack of better words, pissed off at all of the ridiculous, ill-informed, stereotypical, and (from my perception) flat out prejudiced responses that were given. If anything, because I already love my hair, it only strengthened my resolve to keep my hair the way it is, and keep going. However, the fact that so many people could be THAT negative about free form dreads is annoying/frustrating/angering to me. After seeing those comments, I couldn't help but type in a search in order to find out what others had to say about free form locs. I mainly searched up more negative beliefs of locs, because I wanted to see the full extent of what some people believe, and get examples of what I could possibly be up against as far as intollerant people are concerned. One search lead to another and, eventually, I landed on your blog.

Explanation aside, I would like to say a big "thank you" for you taking pics of EVERY month you had your hair free formed. It was very helpful, because I can identify with the beginning "kinky fro" stage, and it gives me the opportunity to see what my hair could easily look like within a year, and also lets me know that not only is the kinky fro temporary, but the method itself is not in vain. You're blog ended all of my "am I doing this right?" questions, and I am very grateful for that.

P.S., right now, I'm posting as anonymous. However, in the (very likely) event that I start up a blog of my own, I'll be more than happy to let you know which user I am :)

aybee77 said...

LOL! Thanks for responding! I thought for sure I wouldn't hear anything.

BTW, if you want to see pictures of dudes with freeformed locks, there are some that started from the beginning. Go on nappturality.com/forum and search for cappeeler or dialect1, and you should find a link to their web albums. They both started with short hair, and have pics.

Anonymous said...

Thanks a lot!! It's both encouraging, and informative, to see people start their hair in free form style.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to stop by and show some luv~ Digi-cam got a red box flashing, I am not sure if it is a low battery or something else.
I want to take more pics next month.

Take care~
Robyn

aybee77 said...

Hi lady, *waves*.

Hope you get it figured out, it probably is a low battery. Hope the camera's been working ok.

I'll be taking new pictures soon also, within the next week or so (it'll be 2 years for me).

Angela

KnottyAuthor said...

congratulations on 2yr!! they look GREAT!

KnottyAuthor said...

congratulations on 2yr!! they look GREAT!

aybee77 said...

Thanks, cheleski