It’s been said so many times, you would think it was common knowledge: Don’t touch a black woman’s hair, or a black man’s hair, or anyone’s hair at that — especially without permission. Sadly, some people are still grappling with practicing common sense and have to learn some lessons the hard way. That is precisely what happened this week when actress Teyonah Parris was approached by an overzealous stranger who couldn’t keep his hands to himself. On Monday, the “Mad Men” actress, who usually wears her hair in beautifully elaborate natural styles, was out dining with friends when she said an “old man” approached her and grabbed her hair. Not only did she put the rude man in his place, she also publicly shared the shocking ordeal via…
It’s been said so many times, you would think it was common knowledge: Don’t touch a black woman’s hair, or a black man’s hair, or anyone’s hair at that — especially without permission.
Sadly, some people are still grappling with practicing common sense and have to learn some lessons the hard way. That is precisely what happened this week when actress Teyonah Parris was approached by an overzealous stranger who couldn’t keep his hands to himself.
On Monday, the “Mad Men” actress, who usually wears her hair in beautifully elaborate natural styles, was out dining with friends when she said an “old man” approached her and grabbed her hair. Not only did she put the rude man in his place, she also publicly shared the shocking ordeal via her Twitter account.
Here’s a recount of what Parris said happened (our jaws are still on the floor):
Having tea at The Ritz w/beautiful brown folk. Old Man walks over boldly asks me "Is that yours or an add on?!"Clearly referring tomy hair.
— Teyonah Parris (@TeyonahParris) June 9, 2015
I firmly state "Sir, that’s rude." And turn to finish enjoying my company. He continues w/ "I told the manager he should have the waitresses
— Teyonah Parris (@TeyonahParris) June 9, 2015
wear that hair bc it’s stimulating." I say "Excuse me?" He says "I’m saying I like it." I reply "That’s all you had to say. You like it."
— Teyonah Parris (@TeyonahParris) June 9, 2015
I turn back to my company to once again END this convo w/ my body language and this man grabs my hair- I swear to Goodness- as he says
— Teyonah Parris (@TeyonahParris) June 9, 2015
"It’s stimulating!" His 40 something yo daughter is clearly uncomfortable as she sees my and the whole group of brown folks reaction and she
— Teyonah Parris (@TeyonahParris) June 9, 2015
goes "He’s trying to give you a compliment. C’mon Dad!" I’m dumbfounded and in shock. You have objectified, fetishized, attempted to demean,
— Teyonah Parris (@TeyonahParris) June 9, 2015
and a number of other things all in one quick exchange. The sad thing is after all of my explaining to him about how inappropriate he was-
— Teyonah Parris (@TeyonahParris) June 9, 2015
Im pretty sure he left as clueless as he arrived. Yup, it’s 2015. There’s levels to this type of #ignorance and #privilege.
— Teyonah Parris (@TeyonahParris) June 9, 2015
Anybody see this lil movie I did called #DearWhitePeople ? It’s on DVD and OnDemand! Go check it out!!
— Teyonah Parris (@TeyonahParris) June 9, 2015
H/t The Culture
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Teyonah Parris Promptly Put An ‘Old Man’ In His Place After He Inappropriately Touched Her Hair
