What The Hair Bonnet Is Going On Ladies?

To Wear or Not to Wear The Hair Bonnet

Hey Golden Divas!

Ladies, let’s talk about our appearance when we step out of the door. I don’t care if you are 5 or 85; there should be some form of decorum as we present ourselves out in the world.

When I was growing up, I remember my mother telling me,

‘As a young woman, you should always have on clean underwear, (just in case you get into an accident) never leave the house in your pajamas, or with your hair uncombed, and please do not go out of the house in your house shoes, a scarf or a bonnet. It’s just in bad taste, and I didn’t raise you that way.’

I’m sure some of you divas can relate to that old-school rearing.

Recently Mo’Nique has taken to social media expressing her thoughts about the new trend regarding some ladies outside demureness. Her comments have started a firestorm amongst the ladies. I’m sure you have probably read her article involving this particular topic or seen some women out in public wearing a bonnet.

Now, Golden Divas, just in case you haven’t, check out the article below.

Mo’Nique divides fans as she asks Black women to stop wearing hair bonnets in public: ‘When did we lose our pride?’

Mo’Nique wants to know when Black women stopped taking ‘pride’ in their public appearance.

Mo’Nique got a mixed response when she voiced her opinion that Black women need to stop wearing hair bonnets and scarves in public.

The Oscar-winning Precious actress shared an Instagram video. She revealed her shock at seeing so many ‘young sistas’ dressed casually while walking through an airport in Mississippi over the weekend.
‘Wearing head bonnets, scarfs, slippers pajamas, [and] blankets wrapped around them,’ Mo’Nique said.

She added: ‘I’ve been seeing it not just at the airport. I’ve been seeing it at the store, at the mall… When did we lose our pride in representing ourselves? When did we slip away of let me make sure I’m presentable when I leave my home? [sic].’

The 53-year-old actress stated that her statements weren’t coming from a place of ‘judgment’ but more a ‘place of love’, and felt compelled to speak out as she’s been honored with the title ‘aunty’.

Mo’Nique added that she wasn’t telling women to always wear a full face of make-up or a lace front wig, but said: ‘All I’m saying is could you please comb your hair?

‘I’m not saying you don’t have pride but the representation that you’re showing someone will have to ask you to know if you have it. It’s not to get a man … it is just your representation of you, my sweet babies.’
‘That may be a part of us helping our community, because if you look like you don’t give a damn, how you gonna be treated?’ she wondered.

Mo’Nique’s fans were quick to share their thoughts on her sentiments and, while some agreed, others felt it wasn’t her place to tell other women how to dress.

Supporting her opinion, one follower said: ‘Thanks for caring enough, to tell the truth….and not be scared of losing followers. A true Queen indeed.’

Another fan also understood where she was coming from and said: ‘I get what you’re saying. This was a big thing in my family. From my Great-great-grandmother to my mother, they always made sure that they were presentable when they went outside. And they told us, to always have on clean underwear when we go out. You never know what might happen!’
‘I was always taught come out presentable and that’s what I teach,’ another weighed in.

However, others criticized Mo’Nique with one stating: ‘This was such a disappointment. Imagine women growing up watching you be loud, curse, grab your crotch and make heinous jokes just for you to turn around and policewomen for wearing a bonnet?

‘This was extremely anti-black, misogynistic, and ignorant.’

Another said: ‘I hear you auntie but respectfully, I’m over people policing black women. I have yet to see think pieces or anyone make a video about men wearing du rags, gym shorts, white beater, and Nike sandals with tube socks out in public.

‘Idk I just never judged a black woman wearing a bonnet or whatever, especially to sit on a cold plane for however long. The fact that black women go the extra length to continue to care for their hair by wearing a bonnet should be seen as proud and unapologetic… kinda like with durags.’

Mo’Nique seemed unbothered by the reactions and continued to share photos of herself glammed up in dresses on her Instagram page.

Let’s be clear no one should sit in judgment of another; however, I truly believe Monique was coming from a good place and not just bashing a young sister. I too have seen this inappropriate attire on many of our young ladies and I want to gag every time. To me, it is the same as seeing a young African male with his pants hanging down and wearing a durag. I don’t like it on them either!

As Mo’Nique mentioned, we as African American women do try to take care of our tresses; from the natural hair, locks, braids, weaves, and perms that best way we know and usually entails tying it under a scarf or wearing a bonnet. However, what it does not involve is sporting that maintenance ritual on airplanes, trains, buses even your private car. We must do better, ladies.

Our race already knows how the world views us in totality, so why give them something else to talk about….and before you say, yes, everyone has the right to dress the way they want to. I get it but have some self-respect for yourself, ladies.

PLEASE DO NOT WALK OUT OF THE HOUSE WITH A HAIR BONNET ON YOUR HEAD!!!

Ladies, this is not a fashion statement or a trend in the making. Your appearance looks lazy and unkempt. When I am working in my garden, I may keep my hair under a scarf or a baseball cap until I’m finished. I’m just saying I am not venturing out any further than my yard.

Again, everyone is entitled to dress how they so desired; however, have some pride in yourself when you leave your house.

Golden Divas, what are your thoughts regarding the new wanna-be trend of the BONNET?