I too have always been looked at an an "other". I was raised my my non-practicing Jewish family. I never identified as Jewish because none of my family is religious. My hair is kinky and I relax it very lightly so that I like wearing it down and curly. Relaxing it makes the curls manageable. Growing up I always wanted blond straight hair but I have learned to love my hair. I learned to work with the curls rather than against them. I think the American Doll is lame and not representative of the distinction of beautiful Jewish women. Why make a Jewish Doll is she's going to look white? Why make a Black doll that has straight hair? There's plenty of that in the media, why emulate that? I did braid my hair and have it ironed straight, it made me feel sexy but never wanted to find my sexuality with hair that did not represent me.
I too have been perceived and Bi-Racial and have enjoyed the ability to walk a thin line. Being labeled as "exotic" has it percs. I have also strong ties to the Black community as such but always as "light skinned" or even "high yellow". When walking with a white man I get dirty looks (and some comments) from black men. When walking with a black man I get looks from dark skinned women. I married a black man and have 2 kids. There are Black Jews! My daughter attends a JCC after school program and (my Grandparents think that's so funny) but we celebrate Christmas. My daughter who looks black knows more about the Jewish religion then I do. I think it's hysterical. All mixed up and I love it!
I too have always been looked at an an "other". I was raised my my non-practicing Jewish family. I never identified as Jewish because none of my family is religious. My hair is kinky and I relax it very lightly so that I like wearing it down and curly. Relaxing it makes the curls manageable. Growing up I always wanted blond straight hair but I have learned to love my hair. I learned to work with the curls rather than against them. I think the American Doll is lame and not representative of the distinction of beautiful Jewish women. Why make a Jewish Doll is she's going to look white? Why make a Black doll that has straight hair? There's plenty of that in the media, why emulate that? I did braid my hair and have it ironed straight, it made me feel sexy but never wanted to find my sexuality with hair that did not represent me.
I too have been perceived and Bi-Racial and have enjoyed the ability to walk a thin line. Being labeled as "exotic" has it percs. I have also strong ties to the Black community as such but always as "light skinned" or even "high yellow". When walking with a white man I get dirty looks (and some comments) from black men. When walking with a black man I get looks from dark skinned women. I married a black man and have 2 kids. There are Black Jews! My daughter attends a JCC after school program and (my Grandparents think that's so funny) but we celebrate Christmas. My daughter who looks black knows more about the Jewish religion then I do. I think it's hysterical. All mixed up and I love it!