Critical Lens Theory

When I first read, “I Love My Hair!” by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, I did not really think too much of it. I thought of it as a book that preached self-love and acceptance for children reading the book. Through critical lens theory, we are able to explain why people who read the same book have different ways of interpreting the text. The viewpoints about to be discussed can change the meaning for people who reading the book.

Through critical race theory, we can see that racism still flourishes in the book when Keyana, the main character, goes to school to have her fellow students make fun of her for having her hair afro style. I believe this is significant in contemporary American society because some people still have a bias against African-American men and women styling their hair the way they want it. For example, law firms still have the right not to hire African-Americans for having their hair natural or styled like that because it is “unprofessional.” While it is not in a school setting, this is a reality that many Americans face on a daily basis.

With historicism and and cultural studies theory, we can see the culture of Keyana and her family through the illustrations provided. For example, one of the images depicts Keyana’s mother and father wearing traditional African garments with the background looking like a scene from an African safari. This kind of interpretation and depiction may show the ethnic background of the author as she has written other books about identity. The work shines a positive light on African culture on a traditionally marginalized population that exists within the United States. With all of this being said, I definitely do think that the author meant to have multiple perspectives with intersection for this book.

-SK