I normally spend way, way too much time here. But the last week or so, since the Trayvon story exploded, I've not had the time to jump into the conversation on this topic, cause well work got in the way.
I can only assume there have been dozens, if not hundreds of Diaries about
Geraldo Rivera's hoodie comments. But I just wanted to add a little something on this topic below the fold. Not profound in the least, but what I've been thinking about 24/7 since I saw his comments.
I often tell stories here. I think they help to frame my point-of-view. I am male. 42. White. By some strange genetic twist of fate all the men in my family have amazing, full heads of hair. Well until we get into our 30s. Then it seems to fall out almost overnight.
I always used to joke when this happened to me I'd just shave my head, I wasn't doing the "comb-over" thing. That just isn't how I "roll." So about 8 years ago when I started to lose my hair, well I in fact shaved my head.
Now of course this isn't true of all African Americans, but many have shaved heads or very closely cropped hair. Most white dudes, well not so much.
I learned a lot of things I didn't think I'd learn when I started to shave my head. A lot of people ask to rub my head (something I will never understand). Your scalp can really bleed a lot when cut with a razor. Your hair grows really, really fast (I get your pain shaving your legs ladies).
But at the top of the list was that my previous inch or so of hair provided a ton of warmth. Even when it is cool outside, much less cold, having a shaved head is kind of a strange experience.
Now I am more than a little metrosexual and I really like cloths. I even try to be "hip" from time-to-time. I have to admit I never owned a single hoodie until about eight years ago when I started to shave my head. But as much as I like to look "nice" at the core the number one function when I buy most cloths is they are functional. They serve a need. I OWN A TON OF HOODIES NOW! They are my friend. They keep my head warm when it is cold or even cool outside.
Now I've never done a national survey. But I do pay attention to the world around me 24/7. I'd say 8 times out of 10 I see somebody in a hoodie they are African American. Most often they have shaved or closely cropped hair.
I have to wonder, if like me, there is a direct correlation here. They're not freaking gang members, they are just ..... I don't know using functional clothing and keeping their heads warm!
Oh one other note. In my little rural town several gas stations have signs saying hoodies are not allowed. Or more accurately they don't want individuals with the hood on their head. I've seen multiple African Americans asked to remove them. Funny thing, as a white dude nobody has ever asked me to do the same. You know, just saying.