Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the University of Amsterdam (UvA) at the invitation of Nkem Ijeh, psychologist and founder of Resilience Nest. Nkem, who was moved by my documentary, "BAD Hair Uprooted," saw the potential for my film to ignite meaningful dialogue within her Psychology course that she teaches to international students at the UvA. The documentary, which explores the cultural and societal perceptions of Black hair, flips the script by asking non-Black individuals to reflect on their own biases and assumptions.
Psychology course by Nkem Ijeh from Resilience Nest
The Power of Perspective Shift
Nkem's appreciation stemmed from the film's unique approach: flipping the script- asking non-Black people about Black hair. By shifting the perspective, the documentary allowed viewers outside the culture to connect with the nuanced challenges and experiences in a truly profound way.
As Nkem put it, "It was interesting to see people's reaction when the script was flipped." The raw honesty of responses, like one woman who said, 'maybe if I was desperate,' revealed how some would only alter their hair for a job under extreme circumstances. Responses like, 'oh no, my hair will break off,' or 'my hair can't do that,' resonated deeply, allowing viewers to connect with the challenges surrounding Black hair and amplifying the film's message.
Nkem Ijeh about my documentary BAD Hair Uprooted, the Untold History of Black Follicles
Cultivating Cultural Understanding
Nkem's decision to screen "BAD Hair Uprooted" for her students was driven by a desire to provide a "different perspective." She recognized that understanding culture, especially one outside your own experience, requires more than just theoretical knowledge. “I wanted a different voice," she explained. She aimed to create an environment where students could engage in meaningful conversations that would "trigger them to think more about, what might be fair or unfair."
From Nkem Ijeh's Course
Challenging Societal Norms
The class discussion on "Key Psychological Theorists: Psychology and the Social Context." was truly eye-opening. Three students shared their perspectives, highlighting a critical gap in older psychological models: the lack of consideration for culture in child development. They observed how societies, in their transition towards individualism, often seem to diminish the importance of community and cultural values. Interestingly, China stood out as an exception, maintaining its cultural core despite modernization. This sparked a fascinating debate: is China an anomaly, or could it perhaps be the norm, and other countries the anomaly? This perspective tied back to the themes explored in "BAD Hair Uprooted," where cultural identity and its preservation are central, and helps to explain why natural hairstyles are considered outside of the norm.
BAD Hair Uprooted: A Catalyst for Discussion
Honored and curious about her motivation for incorporating BAD Hair Uprooted into her course, I asked Nkem for her insights. Her response was invaluable—she highlighted the film's power to analyze topics related to different cultures, psychology, and their socioeconomic impact.
She viewed it as a catalyst for deeper understanding and critical thinking, which is both a profound compliment and deeply humbling.
Watching the students' reactions and engaging in conversation was an immensely rewarding experience. I immediately noticed areas in my editing that should be improved, a valuable lesson learned from seeing my work through fresh eyes. The feedback I received was insightful, and has inspired me to explore more university screenings in the future.
The most unexpected and heartwarming outcome was a student offering to provide free assistance with future projects. This gesture, born from the film's impact, reinforced the power of storytelling and its ability to connect and inspire.
In Conclusion
My visit to UvA was a reminder of the importance of sharing diverse perspectives and fostering open dialogue. "BAD Hair Uprooted" has become more than just a documentary; it's a tool for sparking conversations about culture, identity, and the need for more inclusive psychological frameworks. I’m grateful to Nkem Ijeh and the students of UvA for this invaluable experience, and I’m excited to see how these conversations will continue to shape perspectives and foster inclusivity in the future.
If you found this story impactful, please share it and consider supporting BAD Hair Uprooted: The Untold History of Black Follicles, my documentary that explores the deep-rooted societal, cultural, and political ramifications of unequal hair rights.
