Mo’ Nique strikes again! I must admit I have a soft spot for her and I think her commentary is necessary, however it’s a matter of timing. I appreciated the way she delivered it in a way where an Auntie was correcting her Niece as she had her best interest at heart. Just in case you have no idea what I’m talking about, Monique did a video on Social Media where she noticed women wearing sleep bonnets in public and asked or wondered if we got lazy as black women. Though she did not say it was actual sleep bonnets, let’s just assume it is, as there are several types of Bonnets.
A Brief Bonnet History
Initially only worn by high society women at home through the 17th century, the head covering became a standard in women’s fashion by the 1800s. Influenced by religious ideals, the bonnet served as a simultaneous symbol of womanly subordination and grandeur. It represented both women’s lower status among the world but also the highest aspiration of feminine devotion as dictated by the Bible. As free society’s fashions evolved, the bonnet continued to be an honorable badge of tradition and modesty.
Bonnets and head scarves are traditionally worn by black women to protect their natural hair, particularly at night, and they have a rich history.
I agree with Monique! I am sorry, drag me if you must because I understand that as it relates to certain things, they can be easily deemed as a personal choice. I personally do not wear Bonnets in public or around the house for that matter because of the way I was socialised. To be clear, there are different types of bonnets, the one being referenced is “the sleeping bonnet”. It’s the cheap, flimsy polyester ones you can find in Beauty Supplies, Pharmacies and even Supermarkets.
I wear my Bonnet at night while I’m asleep to ensure my hair stays in place, then when I awake in the morning, it is removed. I often see young women in public wearing bonnets and often wonder “why”, just “why”. When did it become ok, for us to leave the house any old way and expect to command any form of respect? It just does not look good no matter how cute or expensive the bonnet is, it’s just something that should remain in the house or even bedroom. I know there are times when you are having a bad hair day or have to leave in a rush and the hair is not done, but this is where a hat or even a scarf comes in. Or a cheap and cheerful wig.
Have we Gotten Lazy? Or should Monique Mind her Business?
I am a young black woman living in a predominantly Black Country (Jamaica) and I see this far too much. There is a fine line between comfort and what looks good and this does not look good! Here in Jamaica, classism is huge! This is where people from the upper class or uptown as we like to call it are favoured and are treated differently. Sometimes a person is able to fake being uptown in public with the way they speak and dress which will result in them being treated like an important member of society. Imagine showing up in the bank in a bonnet in Kingston and expect to be treated with the same respect as a woman who came dressed with her hair perfectly combed. I know it sounds archaic, but it’s true. People are treated the way the present themselves to the public and if you seem like no effort went into how you decided to show up, this is how you are treated.
I also find that the people who bashed Monique online were the younger people — this group somehow is always the first to bash or dare I say “cancel” anyone who offers correction as they live a life of entitlement. I went online and saw so many memes of people saying “mind your business”, If the young people are not able to take correction, how will they become valuable members of society who can contribute positively? I could understand if Monique came in attack mode with guns blazing and fingers pointed, but she didn’t, it was a calm, soft and respectful tone and at most she should have been respected.
If you decide to wear a bonnet in public, look for one that is similar to the one above and looks more dressy. Find a few colours that matches with your outfit so it coordinates. Let’s leave the sleep bonnets in the bedroom where they belong.
Let me know how you feel about what Monique said and about wearing Bonnets in Public. Is this something you do in public? Let us know in the comments below.
Have we Gotten Lazy? Or should Monique Mind her Business?
#Have we Gotten Lazy? Or should Monique Mind her Business?
#Have we Gotten Lazy? Or should Monique Mind her Business?
#Have we Gotten Lazy? Or should Monique Mind her Business?
#Have we Gotten Lazy? Or should Monique Mind her Business?
