Hair: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

[@onalennavuyokazinhlumayo312]

Shout out to John's black writers because I know they worked overtime this week teaching him concepts like laying edges. You could tell how proud of himself he was for nailing those jokes lol

[@mykaruest3620]

You can tell this was a topic he wanted to genuinely talk about for a while but put it on the back burner to educate himself and he actually did. You can tell John spent fucking time on this shit!

[@sharstarg2414]

Ong🙌🏾

[@elisasumber6476]

I don't see it as pride but as happiness...happiness to be a bit more in reality.

[@jaleesastengel1747]

@@mykaruest3620 that's why we love him!

[@Whyohwhymybrain]

I was just going to comment this, they really brought me back to the shop and good laughs with the message as well love it!!!

[@DripTaicho39]

Shout out to the black woman who helped him with that “6am holding your ears” part lol this is why I love this man. I clapped three times on this

[@cindyneff6499]

Why do I feel like John was with me in that kitchen when we were kids, me getting my hair hot combed and him smelling that burnt hair right along with me? Excellent.

[@Bworms1980]

Brought back nightmares. Especially one where my aunt greased my hair first. We all learned that day, that grease is a great conductor to bring heat straight to the scalp. Edit: Forgot to mention that she was using an ironing comb. The old time ones that you lay across an open flame. So that was fun times.

[@jjbvin]

I had to stop it right there. ☠️ He heard my soul. Lol

[@brittanymarshall5721]

Yeah, when he talked about the wig cap I said ‘he got at least two Black women writers’!

[@penname8441]

+

[@KoiPuff]

A little girl I used to babysit was biracial and had a big afro. It was clean and well maintained. Her white teacher sent home a note saying she either needed to shave it off or get it braided. When her parents refused the teacher called CPS on them. She said that it was obvious they weren't caring for her properly. Her parents were two of the kindest people I ever met and this killed them inside. They won against the teacher and to this day that girl (now 14) has a glorious afro.

[@iambreebree4919]

nice story

[@chickofmusic001]

@@iambreebree4919 Great that they won! 👏🏾👏🏾

[@janh7964]

But the entire family was traumatized in the process. I'm glad that they won against the teacher but it never should have happened.

[@knguyen2237]

Thanks for sharing the story. Happy the family won against the teacher. It's the small token to what that teacher put the family through. I hope that teacher is fired

[@Starius2]

Dude.... so the little girl was culturally appropriating and you want me to hate on the teacher for knowing that??? You're pathetic learn common human decency!

[@SatiricalFey]

I come back to this because of my niece, I'm not black, but she is. She's started kindergarten this year, she's creative, and sweet, and so incredibly smart. Two nights before her first day of school, she was playing with my hair and called it pretty. When I told her hers was pretty too, she ducked her little face down and shook her head and said no it's not. She told me she didn't like her hair because it was scary. And I don't think my heart could ever ache as much as it did when it was clear this beautiful little girl had been given the impression her natural hair was scary.

[@ThoughtfulPotato]

This broke my heart... Lots of love to the little one and I sincerely hope she learns to love her hair and herself for all that she is!!

[@stinkytoy]

That is so, so sad :( ♡

[@TheBLACKboard65]

This tells me your niece is likely bi-racial and not Black. If her mama was Black it's highly unlikely she'd think her hair was scary.

[@mammawlee]

I am White, but in my extended family, we have various skin shades and hair textures. One cousin would straighten her hair AND THEN curl it a way that suited her better.

[@NoName-1239]

I’m not white or black and I wonder all these things too… I remember asking a black girl why she’s slapping her head so much and she’s wearing a weave and I ask her what is that and why can’t she wear her real hair and she got offended and started crying so I never asked them again and I did Google these questions but Google doesn’t have all the accurate answers and some of the answers were silly saying that black women are bald that’s why they wear wigs or that they want to look more white and that doesn’t seem accurate tbh….it’s not just white people curious about black hair. There are more races than just black and white

[@peccantis]

>dozens of teeny tiny tight braids >"unkempt" that hair takes more work and care in a month than yours does all year, *Brenda*

[@jameshill2450]

Yeah that felt even more insulting than "urban" honestly. And I just have plain boring long hair, no braids or anything.

[@bryansproles2879]

@@jameshill2450 Although "urban" was pretty bad too.

[@ofthedarknessthemoonlight5412]

The idea that someone would judge anyone based on their hair is appalling. Like so many other things, it makes me wonder what these people are thinking. It's NONE OF THEIR F*KING BUSINESS! Just...get out. STFU.

[@dreamy1231]

👏🏾 c'mon now!! They have NO idea how & what it takes to keep up box braids! The struggle to sleep & cover them properly so they look presentable, tuh! "Un kept" my a$$

[@Estarile]

@@ofthedarknessthemoonlight5412 I mean if you hair is dirty and clearly not taking care of I might make some judgments (such as, if they're ok, safe, and have access to what they need to maintain their hair). Of course, I can't think of any culture that has intentionally gross hair.

[@vsmith1688]

As stupid as firing someone for having locs is to begin with, imagine firing them from a job where the customer can't even see them.

[@Julie1019]

Right?!

[@Hailiums]

@@souler__ You've "heard" doesn't equal truth. I suggest you take the advice of the last minute and a half of the video and fucking google it.

[@yesmamnosir7997]

@@souler__ actually you can wash dreadlocks. There’s plenty of special shampoos and conditioners for it. Also some wear dreadlocks because of their religion. Should they be forced to go against their religion by cutting them off or not be hired because said oaths to their religion?

[@danieljensen2626]

@@souler__ Did you even watch the video? Jesus Christ... You're literally saying that your ignorance about this traditional Black hairstyle is a reasonable basis to discriminate against Black people and prevent them from becoming employed.

[@souler__]

@@Hailiums It does when I've heard it consistently throughout my life from varied and disconnected sources, and nothing else about the topic. And since I'm not interested to research a topic this boring, I've opened the door for people to tell me if I'm wrong here. How about you don't be a dick for no reason?

[@PineappleStickers]

Who works at a pre-school and of all the possible smells involved in the job, chooses to complain about Coconut oil?

[@nkathryn93]

I would be thankful for coconut oil after some of the shit (probably literal) that teacher had to smell lol

[@lisachampagne7668]

yep. I work with pre-school kids and coconut oil is definitly welcome (I don't even like coconut).

[@anujadeore8388]

My mom used to put coconut oil on my hair (I'm Indian). It's a calming smell to me.

[@hidar9973]

When you dislike a person (or a people) everything they do will annoy you. That’s probably why the teacher did what she did smh

[@danyelleorr-mcneil4711]

@@hidar9973 pretty much.

[@justsomegothgirl]

I'm currently in Cosmetology school and I'm happy to say that my school teaches how to do textured and ethnic hair. I, as a white woman with zero previous exposure to black hair, have learned a lot and have a new understanding of cultural hair styles. I still have a lot to learn but I want to be able to make everyone who sits in my chair feel good about themselves and leave feeling beautiful, no matter their race.

[@bettystiegler1702]

That’s going to take a lot of work! Bless you!

[@Talonistrying]

Can we just appreciate that he puts a British accent on his British accent?

[@FelisImpurrator]

Yo dawg...

[@rer5425]

He changes his accent within his dialect 😉

[@josepena3546]

i think he was putting a transatlantic over a british accent

[@pernorm7679]

Highly talented he is.

[@rootbox]

and he wasn't particularly good at it!

[@angelfahlife6000]

I don’t know who wrote this episode but they DID THAT. Props to John for talking about this and for giving a writer the chance to really put their experience into this.

[@amandapaule9202]

Came to this video from Ali B's twitter, one of the writers. She is worth a follow! twitter.com/wtflanksteak/status/1391795668424003587?s=19

[@globaladdict]

@@amandapaule9202 man I didn't really think about John Oliver having writers. How many does he have?

[@shoebones]

@@globaladdict google it

[@blackcat6508]

I think there are waaay more important stuff to talk about right now, like how Israeli soldiers are committing crimes against

[@hortonaudio]

@@blackcat6508 against......against who? You can’t just stop your sentence at the last word.

[@abena736]

As a black woman with locs I’ve had since the 4th grade, all of this hit really close to home. My hair is one of my biggest sources of pride, it’s my favorite feature. My hair is beautiful, and I’ve spent nearly 11 years growing it out and taking care of it with everything I could. I’ve also been denied a job at a smoothie place because I “didn’t fit the aesthetic.” I’ve watched my father shave off his hair after starting a new job several times growing up because he “needed to make sure this job stays.” I watched my mom be mistreated and passed over for several promotions while working retail because of her own locs that she had had my entire life, and her finally making manager almost immediately after cutting them off. I’ve watched my dad try and convince my 11 year old brother that he has to get a hair cut despite never having one since he was born because “I don’t want you to be held back in life the day when you’re forced to do it.” Not if, WHEN. I’ve seen my younger sister flat iron her hair before big pictures and events because she thinks that’s cuter and better suited than her natural beautiful curls. Hair discrimination is a real thing, and it needs to come to an end.

[@Taz.K]

May I ask how long your hair is? Cause 11 years of continual hair growth sounds wild.

[@abena736]

@@Taz.K it’s just past the small of my back, so I’m not quite sitting on it but if I don’t get it cut for a few more months I will be. If I had to guess maybe like 2.75 feet or so give or take. When my mom started them out I was 9 so they were just above my ears so it’s definitely been a process lol. My mom before she cut hers were even longer, like almost 3 and a half feet and she’d been growing them for like 25 years

[@S3rp3rior]

@@abena736 and she was forced to cut all of it off? just so she could provide for herself and her family? I feel like crying...

[@Taz.K]

@@abena736 cool! I’ve always wanted to grow my hair out long but couldn’t cause of family influence.

[@ProbsNotABot]

Your dreads sound amazing! A friend of mine's uncle had to do the same thing. My friend says they were amazingly long, healthy, and midway down his back. But, he couldn't get a job with them so he had to cut them off. This absolute nonsense is infuriating to think about.

[@PennySayver]

Time for a score card: 20 points for knowing anything about ECO gel. 20 points for knowing about silk press. 20 points for knowing the proper way to wear a lace front. And, 40 points for bringing up the issue. We can not create real change with out real allies, I appreciate your acknowledgement of the struggle and your eloquent way of addressing it.

[@vickimcburney8977]

What is the difference between ally and "white savior?" Comments can be so angry.

[@sydneygorelick7484]

All of the details really scream "I have a black woman writer on staff," which is great!!

[@flamingo_with_tophat296]

I get 20 points for knowing eco hair products, guess I got stuff to google

[@leftielori1312]

Besides, it's been proven time and time again, white people aren't going to listen to Black folks. They're only going to listen to other white people. Really sad I have to say that.

[@ashleyirvin7350]

Shout out to the black woman that wrote that for John Oliver, describing with complete accuracy me at 8 years old on picture day holding my ears down while my mom used that dang hot comb 😂 he took me all the way back.

[@twoplustwo07]

INR😀🤷🏽‍♀️💃🏽

[@youaintgettingmyhandle]

Oooh girl, you just gave me flashbacks. Now I smell Dax and smoke out of nowhere. I think I hear my mom telling me to sit still lol.

[@twoplustwo07]

I was like if so many companies and news outlets would hire and consult black people BEFORE they say something off the hinges or BEFORE they release a marketing plan/commercial that is a straight up No No it would save so much time, money, and more diverse training (that most other people don’t pay attention to.).🤷🏽‍♀️

[@beamarla8218]

me too chile. and when i got burned by the hot comb and jumped i got slapped upside the head for even daring to move.

[@ballinangel3231]

I was SHOCKED lmaoooo you know one of us is on the inside lmaoooooo

[@jjsvizard75]

The irony of saying a kids hair is unkept in a school called "raggedy anne" when that doll's hair was literally a dreadlock styled hair do!

[@ThunderStruck15]

Not to mention that it was a racist trope doll to begin with...

[@jjsvizard75]

@@ThunderStruck15 IKR?!

[@dena81]

Their sign didn't even look that 'kempt'

[@alexisrivera200xable]

@@dougcrane8031 Its never a great look for a white person to tell a black person what is or isn't racist in such an authoritative way. I'm just saying...

[@defpixel]

A lot of them do wear wigs though.

[@aarontimlake8051]

"I'm not racist, some of my best pictures are of black kids!"

[@saraza4977]

That's a new one for me

[@ruthym7697]

pure genius.

[@Rozco81]

Lmfao

[@brian1011234]

😂😂

[@diegorincon4673]

NSA! Don’t mind me...

[@enamjullietdogbatse4983]

This happens in African countries too. I am Ghanaian and I am criticised by hair stylists for keeping my hair and my daughters' hair natural! I am always "this is the hair y'all were born with"! It is crazy.

[@FBvio]

Colonialism

[@vickimcburney8977]

I know it's different,but I'm white and getting older. I don't color my gray hair. People criticize that. Why does anyone care what other people do with their hair? It's intrusive and discriminatory. Hairstyle is personal, and no one should be judged or have to defend a hairstyle.

[@papastummyfuzz9281]

WHAT

[@newbestofthis4422]

​@@papastummyfuzz9281in the middle east is the same. Hairstylists hate styling natural hair

[@bettystiegler1702]

And I bet you are both beautiful

[@janeef1183]

@LastWeekTonight, thank you all SO much for this episode. I am a black woman with that 4c natural texture you mentioned and this episode almost made me cry. I was NOT expecting it, so for you all to take this risk and talk on this with VERY SPECIFIC cultural references that I suspect many ppl watching wouldn't understand was beautiful. And you owned it, defended folks like me, and gave a space for black people and curly haired people across races to feel seen. You said things we have never been able to share or articulate to our friends and family of different races. It meant a lot. That right there is what allyship looks like. Thank you.

[@ziggyslanetz7699]

@Evolution deniers are full of bullshit that's why they said more than one race can relate. Calm down and appreciate that someone felt understood. You trying to take away from the point they are trying to make is why the point has to be made in the first place

[@evilsharkey8954]

Evolution deniers are full of bullshit, why are you looking for equality in oppression instead of equality in freedom? You shouldn’t have had to cut your hair as a kid. There’s no good reason for stupid hair dress codes as long as it’s clean, doesn’t have obscenities shaved into it, and is not a health hazard (long hair of any texture can be tied back for shop class).

[@cariwaldick4898]

I was going to say much the same thing, and I'm a white woman. I can't imagine how it feels to have someone attack something as personal and individual as your HAIR. The only reason I have any clue about black hair, is because I watched a lot of Oprah. Oliver and staff did their research, and I'm glad you feel respected. The Scandinavian person who responded with the "get over it" comment is an idiot.

[@lizvaughn2551]

I had to go all my K - 12 life with my hair straight not because I wanted to but just so folks can leave me alone. It took many years after to build the courage to wear my hair natural again. Thank you for defending us.

[@earlsmall4232]

@Evolution deniers are full of bullshit are the Scandinavian people discriminated against because of the normal growth of their hair or their cultural hair style? That is the point behind the discussion.

[@manidoowilkie8459]

Definitely relate to this as a Native. Can't tell you how many times I was bullied for having long hair, and all I wanted to do was cut it off. My parents told me no because this was a symbol of our power, that we are survivors who didn't assimilate. I resented my long hair until I grew up, and realize just how significant it meant

[@fslayer1290]

I am a Black woman and I really identify with keeping our power and not assimilating. I’ve worn my hair in its natural beautiful state for over twenty years and am having so much fun with it; I’m forty. Thank you for sharing, friend.

[@WatchandLearn16]

👊🏾 yes!

[@ShivJ16]

Damn that’s awesome, what tribe are you?

[@catherha1]

You guys have the best hair 😍 and assimilation sucks 👌🏽be beautifully you 🌠

[@fslayer1290]

@Evolution deniers are full of bullshit Yes. So did some of the tribes outside of Rome. No one here said they did not.

[@AshwinKrishnaraj]

I can't stop laughing at the fact that the school is called Raggedy Anne Learning Center. With a name like that, should you be telling any child how to present? 😂

[@niarose4352]

😂😂👌🏾

[@ekdaufin1485]

IKR?!

[@irene6109]

😭😭 I’m sayingggggggggg

[@Pelezo]

😂😂😂

[@goodguy...badrep.]

They're obviously don't have any Black friendz 🤣👍🏾

[@SunnyB_adventures]

I really appreciate how the writers made sure they included language that didn't assume that all the people watching don't have personal experience with this

[@dcamron46]

because they themselves are black and experience this. This episode is written by black people and for black people (I can only assume). Don't know what the remaining 90% of America is supposed to get out of it. And if someone is racist, telling them about the struggles of hair, of all things, is certainly not the most critical topic to address. Or, and this shouldn't be surprising -- they're not racist, but they just care about a million other things beyond the challenges black people are facing regarding their hair.

[@gaulishrealist]

@@dcamron46 They reached the bottom of the barrel. They ran out of first world problems to complain about.

[@nowandaround312]

​@@dcamron46 "Or, and this shouldn't be surprising -- they're not racist, but they just care about a million other things beyond the challenges black people are facing regarding their hair." You've led an *unbelievably* privileged life if you can so easily dismiss the challenge of someone losing their job or being rejected for a job they were qualified for just because of their hairstyle. The episode isn't written for black people, that makes no sense they obviously already know about this issue. It was written to inform anti-racist white people about yet another form of discrimination that most of us aren't aware of so that we can help change that.

[@heathersmith4042]

​@@dcamron46 This episode isn't written "just for black people." The entire end segment is directly addressing white people. Your attitude that hair just "doesn't matter" when the episode showcased multiple black people who had been fired for their hair, and punished at school for their hair, when courts ruled it was allowed to fire black people for their hair is exactly why we still have this problem. Not that many directly racist "I'm gonna fire you because I hate your skin" white people... but way, way too many "it's not a real problem oh my goddd who caressssss it's just hair it doesn't affect me" white people.

[@TheSocratease]

@dcamron46 no, this wasn't written for black people. We know all this already. This was written for people like you who still doesn't understand the assignment. Out of the million things, this can be one of them.😗

[@TechBabe_E]

Baby you did this!!!!!!!! I been in corporate america 13 years now and let me tell you, it took 7 years to be comfortable enough to wear my hair and wear it natural because of fear of loosing promotions and accolades. Whichever sista or sistas educated you John, Thank You! I'm glad you learned, appreciated and presented this perfectly!

[@ameliecarre4783]

@@DreamingVoid well yeah, sure. Definitely. But in the meantime, we have to tackle the problems at hand, one problem after the other. It doesn't have to be one big gigantic change all at once, it may be incremental but it's moving forward.

[@FumbleSquid]

@@DreamingVoid So why shouldn't we make it as hard as possible for people to discriminate on racial grounds? If we keep banning these loopholes, the excuses they have to come up with will get increasingly nonsensical, and therefor, easier to spot. If it is legal, there is nothing we can do about it. Also better education is a hard sell simply because one party is pretty much dedicated to demolishing public schooling, standards, and especially any sort of diversity education.

[@hdd1977m7]

Work places don’t even tolerate wavy hair, and it’s not just in America

[@avigutierrez8948]

😏🥂

[@phatcat4384]

My old boss straight up told me I needed to straighten my hair to make it "pretty and sleek like the other girls". I told her to talk to my lawyer about it. She never brought it up again.

[@lrose1046]

She meant pretty and boring...

[@pamevans8001]

good for you, that's appalling!!

[@terriz.2981]

wow I'm so sorry. Glad you were not bothered by her anymore!

[@nicksanders9148]

JESUS LOVES YOU, AND GOOD FOR STANDING UP FOR YOURSELF!!!! ;)

[@aarishowton8037]

@@lrose1046 Ahaha I’m white and my hair could never be described as ‘sleek’, if an employer asked that from me I simply could not work there anymore lol

[@dragonreborn2099]

As a Sikh, this episode hit home. As a culture that has to face hair-based discrimination (sometimes brutal/visceral) for our entire history, it was refreshing to learn that we aren't alone in this world. For my fellow humans, who are ethnically black, don't give up, stand up for our own crown. The fight is hard, but worth it. For our own history, we have had to give up our lives for the right to keep our hair. Bhai Taru Singh was literally descalped for not cutting his hair. Protect your heritage and culture, regardless of their misunderstanding.

[@jasperhighwind6119]

Thanks man. I will tell you, it's wonderful to hear you stand with us. I will also stand with you as well, DragonReborn.

[@TheorizingWithBen]

In real life, he'll probably never meet you. He's using Critical Race Theory to doublecross your distress. A meritocratic world cant exist with Socialism, Communism, or any other Collectivism. Sorry. Just work hard in life and live rationally.

[@russellzauner]

@@jasperhighwind6119 ask him about cultural beard discrimination, and don't even pretend it's not a thing where it's evil to show a woman's face in public. Unless people are treated equally no matter their hair or outer features, then there's no equity. Are women who want a divorce still beheaded?

[@dangelo1369]

@@TheorizingWithBen You don't know what you're talking about. Do this: don't say anything unless it improves the silence.

[@bills.9734]

@@russellzauner He is a Sikh, not a Muslim. Please educate yourself on the difference. Sikh's are absolutely wonderful people, full of love and respect!

[@brookecookie7932]

When that ref cut off that students dreads, my heart broke. I remember it so vividly, that wasn’t about safety, or discomfort, that was about humiliation and dehumanizing A CHILD who in the actual fuck?!?!

[@SophistAKAtion1908]

Let me just tell you...I KNOW there are black writers in the room!!!!!!! These example are too on point. And when he correctly described how to apply a lace front, I fell out 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@leahd537]

There had to be someone with experience in the room

[@KoKoTheSagittarius]

Especially, when he mentioned the heat from the hot comb! I can hear my granny now "it's not burning you it's just the heat". Chileee! 🤭

[@SophistAKAtion1908]

@@KoKoTheSagittarius Girlllllllll every Easter Sunday

[@sierramilan7410]

When he said " Monday is my wash day!" 🤣🤣

[@colegreenofficial]

FACT LOL

[@OG2958]

"Crown acts have been met with Republican opposition." *Pretends to be shocked.

[@ExtremeODD]

I couldn't help but to bark out "fuck republicans" when hearing that. "bill that hurts no one and only serves to help people gets met with republican resistance" should be the name of that party.

[@TheSeanUhTron]

[Insert bill about protecting minorities from discrimination here] has been met with Republican resistance.

[@리주민]

@@ExtremeODD That's a political science joke. Republicans (those in favour of a republic--country with an elected head of state) are not fans of the crown (another word for the monarchy).

[@ForrestFox626]

The Republican party is a circus act now (but not as fun).

[@elijahe.d2665]

@@ForrestFox626 They stopped juggling shitty policies like trickle down economics. They are now juggling conspiracy theorists, anti-vaxers and randomly raiding government buildings. 🤣

[@patriciasamo3364]

Black woman here...Am I the only one who is impressed by John's depth of knowledge on the topic of our hair? I was laughing so hard throughout this video. Thanks John!

[@zammymynakersnackstbmoth]

John always covers things so well. I knew he'd nail this but I was still like man, he fid the damn thang!!

[@C3yl0]

It is called empathy, compassion, and love to research. 👽♥️♥️♥️

[@k.a.2241]

I hollered at how well he described the hair braiding salons. I was like wow this white due really got this shit.

[@Iainttrynadoxxmyself]

His writers are diverse and qualified. Yes!

[@zammymynakersnackstbmoth]

@@k.a.2241 He's good at educating himself and talking to the peoplr in which he's speaking on. He also has a diverse staff so I bet he sat down and had conversations with black women.

[@sugarwaterpurple5280]

I never knew I needed to hear John Oliver describing how to apply a lace front 😂

[@amariboxill9033]

I burst out laughing every single time John goes on an incredibly specific tangent on black women’s hair (that was definitely written by a black female staffer).

[@AlmostaFlipinSkater]

Exactly why diversity is good in the workplace. It expands the groups potential.

[@IndomitableAde]

Yep, that Eco Styler Gel name drop most definitely came from a sister.

[@Slingsomelead]

Actually little know fact, HBO doesn’t employ any black woman on Last Week Tonight.

[@TheMassiveNoise]

@UC6kc4umVtxn-Gr5JOfr7RqQ yeah, well u can ALWAYS reach for ridiculous spins...

[@TheRealJahan]

The look on his face while he was doing it too 😂😂

[@capngeeoff]

"I don't normally take pictures of children but..." is the kind of statement that makes your skin crawl

[@CollinMcLean]

It's the kind of statement that makes me slowly back away towards the nearest exit while dialing 911

[@zammymynakersnackstbmoth]

Makes me think he belings on a registry.

[@BVBloom]

My jaw dropped. He really said that shit with a smile on his face.

[@foxesofautumn]

I think he was trying to say he wasn’t racist without mentioning racism? “I really do like me some black people hmm.” It was a yikes from me and from the poor people he was trying to reassure.

[@sirius1696]

Ohio state rep: I want to ADDRESS this issue. [Black people nods] You KNOW that I don't ordinarily take pictures of children Black people: O-K? Ohio State Rep: BUT!

[@anne-mariethomasp.a831]

Bruhhhhh! I’m so done with this whole episode! John’s writers KNOW MY SOUL! I have natural hair and was seriously thinking about cutting it off and getting finger combs just this morning. This video just made me tug on my Afro curls and smile. I think I actually smelled the burning hot comb and felt the pinch of a burn at the back of my neck at one point. This was so spot on, I had to watch it twice.Thank you to #JohnOliver writers for really getting this, for really getting US. 👏🏾 👩🏾‍🦱

[@dreamy1231]

Girl yes when he said the smell of burning hair just "brings back childhood memories" I fell out!! Like sir your writers are BLACK black 🤣

[@InterdimensionalDudeMan]

That is awesome, the fact that his writer's could connect to you through a white guy, and make you feel happy about your self image. That is art, and that it what art is supposed to do. I love this show.

[@peachesandpoets]

We've made so many documentaries about this, even Chris Rock. Maybe they'll listen to a white man. I'm so tired. Big socially distanced hug sis

[@ashleycarswell5429]

I would have loved to have been at the table reading for this episode with the writers 🙌🏾

[@lauraveapi3840]

23:54 calling people dogs and/or prostitutes, 24:07 tell me again why we should pander to those people?

[@nikiabrown3404]

I have now used 3 of your videos to explain and answer questions about my experience as a black woman. Twice I sent them to a coworker after repeatedly saying "ghetto" for things broken in the lab! Now I have this ammo.. Thank you!!

[@ForrestFox626]

What were the other 2?

[@nikiabrown3404]

@@ForrestFox626 This hair vid and Gerrymandering

[@peetey897]

"You people are beautiful" made me PHYSICALLY SQUIRM.

[@haleyzwaal4183]

And I figured I knew exactly where it was going- but it just kept getting worse in unexpected ways.

[@mallisaunders4565]

Any time a sentence starts with "you people", I brace myself for badness.

[@1roomof21]

I didn't even make it through his comment 😱⏩!!!! 🤮

[@ohshanana2397]

anytime they say that I get white master vibes

[@healthyauthentic7453]

@@internetexplorer6304 lol

[@lecamstern00b30]

I have an African American little brother. The rest of my family is white. My dad has done so much over my brother's life trying to learn how to take care of my brother's hair. I will never forget sitting in a px and listening to my dad have the most energetic conversation I have seen with an African American woman about what type of hair products she would recommend after she offered to help.

[@ForrestFox626]

You and your brother have a good dad

[@walkz007]

👏👏👏👏 wonderful

[@menialharpsichordist553]

honestly i expected this to a be another story of a parent trying to "wash" there black child int being white, but i'm glad i heard an actually inspiring story atlest somewhere heres a tiny sparkle of hope,

[@rileyk5228]

What's a px?

[@BackWhereYouStarted]

@@rileyk5228 google it!

[@cmw12]

“A level of tone-deafness on par with naming your store ‘Banana Republic’”. Lmao

[@Ryamix]

Lmao that one had me wheezing xD

[@MattyHam123]

I work at banana republic lmao it’s true that name makes no sense

[@MattyHam123]

Gap, old navy, athleta, banana republic all the same company, all weird names

[@Filipe2Santos]

I saw it coming when heard the store name LOL

[@mooselove]

@@MattyHam123 they are the same umbrella company or just sell the same type shit?

[@faithgathigia6341]

This. I really needed this. I'm a black woman struggling to re-identify with my hair as an adult after being forced to shave it my my whole childhood then straighten it in highschool. Thank you.

[@nanszoo3092]

This comment breaks my heart ... of all the things in the world to care about, why natural hair texture is so controversial for some people is beyond me. Why can't people just let people BE? I hope it ends now. I'm so tired of people who want to define other people and control their personal choices. No child should feel this way. No adult should have to re-identify because of it. We have so much more to change

[@SavorAndSleep]

"Not wearing a mask is my rig-- Hold on let me cut this kid's dreadlocks off real quick."

[@Simon-nx1sc]

underrated comment, +1

[@ColoringKaria]

Exactly!

[@genieglasslamp5028]

DoNt TrEaD oN Me!!!!!!!!!

[@BM-zp5ec]

THIS. Best comment

[@mellod5615]

Exactly.

[@Luumoth]

"...it unstraightened itself and back come the kinks" Every time my family leaves

[@kingofcurrywurst5287]

😂😂😂

[@tswan137]

Best comment

[@CanalFirstQuest]

take my like, kind KZbin Stranger.

[@Camibug]

Holy shit 😂

[@krh6239]

I snorted so hard 🤣🤣🤣

[@CTEagleCeltic]

I’m a long haired black man, that works in a call center... I’ve never felt more SEEN. ✌🏾✊🏾 JO

[@Artimidorus]

Careful, if you work in a call center we don't want you to start feeling like a person. Then you'll start expecting customers to consider you might not just be a disembodied voice that doesn't exist just to give bad news.

[@maxcarlos1355]

Yooo fellow call center warrior

[@JonJon-it8kk]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3KwcnWFntiSjpI

[@guywhopaysrent]

I have a foster child who’s African American and my fiancé and I have done extensive research and tried to find a salon or barber shop that could give us more advice on how to keep her hair nice. We eventually had to go to another city an hour from where we live to get any help. It’s some bull shit.

[@ShelbieMua]

Consider getting some black friends since you adopted one of our people. We could’ve saved you the trouble lmao. It’s very difficult to find someone who can do black hair professionally. I truly wish people would learn more about us before taking on our children. It makes the kids feel outcasted when you’re not knowledgeable about their culture and possible experiences.

[@daniellawyatt]

Thank you for being a great parent and doing the work to make sure YOUR child is taking care of GuyWhoPaysTheRent fuc@ what Shelbie stated about " taking on our children". The only thing I agree with in her comment is consider getting black female friends to help you with issues that will come up due to the child's race. I hope you and your daughter's never have to deal with it but I know this country will show its ugly head to you. Never let someone take away her self esteem by saying it is anger or aggression. Being a black woman in America is a total different level of racism.

[@tbella5186]

@@ShelbieMua That human child is as blessed to have a Foster Family, who cared to gain knowledge they didn't have to help her care for her hair, as the family is to have the ability to care for her. There are loving homes who can love a child of any color, that shouldn't be shamed.

[@amarbyrd2520]

Imagine if you were the child. Depending on where she decides to live, she'll have to deal with some version of that for the rest of her life.

[@tbella5186]

@@amarbyrd2520 We all have to deal with stupidity and prejudice of some sort, but not all of us have a loving family. So I would have to say that's a truly lucky child.

[@joshlatta2532]

"You can figure this out on your own, you figured out Settlers of Catan" is possibly the best quote I've heard this year

[@Jeremycook_]

Will Wheatons ears perk up.

[@Fish_Stick_Party]

I was listening to this at work and just busted out laughing. Made my day. So great.

[@MzHues]

I was dead when he said this.

[@blkcat93]

Googles 'Settlers of Catan'

[@malteschaper3782]

I'm so white, I thought: "Settlers of Catan is not even complicated." Got me good.

[@MadameViciousFM]

I'm speechless. I used to relax my hair growing up for the soul purpose that my mother felt our natural hair was not acceptable by society. Fast forward to now my place of employment allows me to wear my hair natural and even allows me to wear my various head scarfs and hairstyles without being seen as unprofessional. I actually get compliments from other employees and even our customers on how natural my hair is and the way I style it. I wish more places were this accepting and understanding.

[@squishy93]

You employer "allows it". Therein lies the problem.

[@crimsonking6246]

@@squishy93 Yes, it lies with those that don't accept it.

[@dietotaku]

I'm never sure whether I should comment on black hairstyles because I want to be supportive, but I also don't want to sound patronizing or like I'm "allowing" it because it amuses me. :/

[@paulajean4540]

Anything that starts with “you people” and ends with “I take pictures of children” should be grounds for removal from public office

[@viscountav]

I agree. That exceptionally weird man.

[@anonymousperson7889]

Anything that starts with "white people's biases and ignorance is laying in wake for the right moment to strike would be banned from youtube if you insert any other race" How do you not understand this video is racist? 7:50

[@aoutsky]

Self awareness was seriously lacking.

[@timelkin838]

I felt the cringe on that one. I had to take my headphones off and cover my face. I was embarrassed and not there yet I felt it.

[@paulshipper143]

Be fair.. he is a republican and was in the process of denying expanding civil rights.

[@EternalYorkieMom]

Thank you for the call center appreciation John!!! My job allows us to bring blankets to the office. Black people should be able to wear their hair however they want to wear it.

[@princesspeasant4536]

At my old job we had a black coworker that was told she couldn't have her hair in braids because it was considered unprofessional and then went and hired a white girl with wild dreads and said she could keep them. Was absolutely ridiculous.

[@leo8049]

The hypocrisy lol

[@alancastaneda8322]

Should have reported it, or notified the previous black coworker so she could sue for wrongful termination and discrimination.

[@DawnBurn]

*rage*

[@svfutbol20]

@@alancastaneda8322 This right here, that company could get into some serious trouble if those were indeed the facts and you report them. The thing about “systemic racism” is thst it continues to be systemic unless we act in situations just like this one. By not acting, we perpetuate racism further.

[@NikyDearestGoGo]

Imagine thinking that nice and neat braids are “not professional” but that a wild mop head of dreads is fine 😑 like what the actual fuck. I know exactly the type of “wild dreads” you mean, because the reality is that it takes a lot of work to keep dreads nice looking. I work at music festivals and I’ve seen sooooooo many heads of dreads on people who seem to have just allowed their hair to dread because they didn’t want to wash or brush it. I’m obviously not suggesting that everyone with dreads has them for that reason of course, or even that that’s the majority of individuals, just saying that when I think of “wild dreads” that’s what comes to mind. A head of dreads like that in comparison to some braids, there’s no question in my mind which looks “more professional”. It’s sad to hear that that sort of thing is still happening on a daily basis to people 😞😓

[@GoodnWise]

I want to meet the consultants who prepped John Oliver so well. His knowledge was on the graduate student level. “Holding your ears” while getting your hair pressed. Insider knowledge!

[@Nairot]

I guess his consultant was just an average. black person. (but nonethelss, a great episode as always)

[@Iprsmrk]

Excellent prep work ;)

[@helentribue7614]

Me too GoodnWise! He had to have done some serious research and had some real, in depth convo to get such intricate and sometimes personal details about hair styling and the daily issues surrounding black/natural hair. And not just "the average black person". Many of us are multi-racial/cultural and have different levels of hair issues. We aren't all the same. Textures, lengths, thick/thin differences and more can change how you do (or don't do) your hair. I'm curious who sat him down and apparently, spilled ALL the tea! :)

[@ChristianKleineidam]

John Oliver doesn't write his sketches himself. His show has 12 writers (www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver/cast-and-crew) among them Ali Barthwell.

[@sarahmcclain9766]

Writers: ALI BARTHWELL, BEN SILVA, CHRISSY SHACKELFORD, DANIEL O’BRIEN, GREG IWINSKI, JOANNA ROTHKOPF, JOHNATHAN APPEL, LIZ HYNES, MARK KRAMER, OWEN PARSONS, SEENA VALI, CHARLIE REDD

[@GemmaDaily]

Well done John Oliver! "Lay those edges until they fall asleep" gave me life!

[@Crowfire84]

I don't know what this means Gemma, but my ass is gonna google it

[@GemmaDaily]

@@Crowfire84 😂 If the University of Google falls short, I will explain.

[@scionofdorn9101]

I've seen far too much racism against black people in my life (part of my family is black), but it never once crossed my mind that there was this much of it based on hair alone. Now that I know about it, I'm just even MORE pissed off about the racist bullshit that goes on in this nation. People can be such utterly petty garbage to each other. It's infuriating.

[@GemmaDaily]

@@scionofdorn9101 , thank you for that comment. It is incredible what we black folk must endure day by day just trying to live while black. But we persevere....

[@jenelaina5665]

@@Crowfire84 respect for not asking anyone to do your work for you. I mean low bar but hey, positive encouragement to the general internet.

[@jackphantom]

When I was barbering, I deliberately went and trained at an African-American owned barber school and it was at my first JOB that I really got experience with straight hair. That was by CHOICE. Out of practice now, but I knew very well how to take care of EVERYONE. How ANYONE would train for a job without learning it all is beyond me.

[@Crossword131]

When that guy started "You people are beautiful..." *stoptalkingstoptalking* "Let me show you a picture..." *abortabortabortmissionretreat*

[@masterojack1]

that's what happens in utah. Bunch of creepyass mormons

[@mariag.8242]

I was just leaning back from the screen trying to put distance between that man and me. I half expected him to call the little kids - no I’m not even going to put it out

[@misstiy]

@@mariag.8242 Yeah I paused the video when he started talking about the black kids..... I think I need a day or so to build up the courage to finish it..... @_@

[@bial12345]

How can I be racist if I take pictures of black children? Checkmate libs!

[@TheLooterArmy]

BEST COMMENT AWARD 🤣👍👍👍

[@APuzzledZebra]

as someone who went to Penn State when that story happened, I wish he would’ve mentioned the fact that the entire student body and university faculty stood up for him and basically said fuck you to the guy that wrote the letter.

[@PhatandChunky]

That does seem like important information to have in this segment.

[@bzuidgeest]

Considering that there was only a single signature on that letter seems to imply that.

[@Phyrre56]

I think it was pretty clear in the video that the old white man was on an island there. But it's important to note that he exists, and there are plenty of other old white people who agree with him. Dress codes and hairstyle codes have a long history of explaining away racist intents. No self expression = cultural integration.

[@antlora81]

@@Phyrre56 yeah, it's funny how they set up a dress code or hair code and the stuff that is band is what looks different from them. I would love to see a hair band include mushroom haircuts and long ponytails see how they react.

[@TheSvj5047]

What year was this? Cause I'm at Penn state...

[@neosefolo5911]

This is so important. As a former little black girl who aspired to white hair, and viewed my hair as an unkempt inconvenience who now loves and embraces her hair, I say thank you.

[@SpringLeafWolf]

SAME!!!

[@bioticjedi3864]

lol as a mixed girl i always wanted black-style hair, especially afros, but my hair wasn't kinky enough xD, grass is always greener i suppose

[@mikemattis1204]

No one cares

[@1121494]

@@bioticjedi3864 As a ginger growing up I asked my instantly despairing barber for the Haircut of Steve Urkel.

[@astrowolvez]

@@mikemattis1204 clearly you do.

[@AljIsHere128]

John Oliver is MY DUDE!!! I play catch up watching his show on demand. Dude did a whole azz segment on his show on Black Hair. Shout out to this on 🔥 awkward ally and his fantastic staff of Beautiful Black People who helped him with such a segment!!!💯😃

[@ryanfaber9384]

"Fucking off is always an option." One of the most perfectly succinct sentences I have heard in a long time. This applies in so many circumstances yet so many people never even consider it.

[@KitC916]

The world would be a better place if more people minded their own business.

[@BebbaDubbs]

"you can learn and appreciate on your own" i was waiting for the "and u can keep all of that to your damn self! Nobody needs to KNOW that you've embarked on this journey!"

[@dyerseve45]

Tell me about it. Like if blacks kept telling me I'm supposed to care about their fn hair and im just like "dude fuck off. No white people care about black people let alone their hair", the world would be way better

[@dyerseve45]

And "fucking off" is a succinct sentence for you from a black celebrity directed at white people? Find out where these black "celebrities" live and look at the racial demographic. I bet my life savings it isn't in a black neighborhood.

[@oneandonlyjark]

@@dyerseve45 that doesn't sound like you fucking off!

[@qthedancer4711]

Big props to John Oliver (empathetic delivery) and his team (excellent research) on this episode. But my neck is hurting from nodding my head and saying, „Uh-hunh.“

[@redshadowfist]

As a black guy that loves this show I was scared when I read this title. This would not me the topic to slip up on. John you did it again. Great job! This man must be protected at all cost.

[@fireside68]

When he walked through laying the edges down I was like "he did his mu'fuckin research, huh?"

[@PkkSpiral]

I've already petitioned for Mr. Oliver's reservation at the cookout.

[@KatreiseRuffin]

John has done his research and this was good...i was a little anxious but he never disappoints!

[@mbrightster]

@@PkkSpiral C'mon, you made me laugh so hard tears are pooring down my face.

[@Galworld761]

I have European curly hair and I get the “look” when I dare walk in to work with my air dried curls. It is perceived as “unpolished”. Therefore, I can ONLY IMAGINE what black women endure when they honor their natural beauty. Why should I get a half hour less sleep than others just to “fit in”? This is the empowering lesson I have taken from bold, black women rejecting conventional expectations. I want to thank them - I get to clock in more sleep now. Unfortunately, my sister has not yet learned to appreciate this valuable lesson.

[@juliand.breakdown463]

oh pooor women try have long curly hair as man workling as a framer we all have problems, more often than you think even the same problems so shut up and go back to work you are welcome

[@xelgodis80085]

Ain't nobody hatin on Danny Sexbang, just rock it.

[@isabellevasquez7433]

Thank you for being able to recognize the fact that any comments white folks with curls get stems from anti blackness and that the natural hair community is birthed from black women. So many white women with wavy/curly hair on the internet center their experiences and feelings in a community that was not created for them

[@gaulishrealist]

Nobody asked you about your hair structure and nobody cares. The only people who even pay attention to hair are women.

[@theRealMangoDragon]

It drives me nuts when people say "it's just hair, you're overreacting, stop making a fuss and cut it off." If it's "just hair" then why are you firing people and denying interviews over hair? Hm almost sounds like it's not just about the hair.

[@CC-gg3cp]

Bruuuh u said it straight fax👏👏👏👏

[@TheNinnyfee]

Especially when it still applies to the usual transparent rules of almost any company like e.g. clean, well-groomed, and in more conservative businesses in a natural colour scheme, i.e. not artificially dyed pink, green, or rainbow. These are rules with which black hair easily complies by nature, none of the hairstyles I saw here or ever broke those rules. Everything else is racism.

[@TheNinnyfee]

@Marcin Berman But why if it isn't a consciously chosen subculture like e.g. satanism? And please define "subculture" and why it is dangerous for children. IMO it is more dangerous to keep them away from different cultures/traditions and learning about them.

[@yoursonisold8743]

But the majority of people doesnt say nonsense like that. This is just a strawman. If you have an issue with racist interviewers, then make it about fucking racist interviewers and racial profiling. Not about how "white people" give a shit about hair. 99% of them dont. Just like black people dont care about caucasian hair most of the time. You're just taking focus away from the actual issue.

[@whwhywhywhywhywhywhy]

if its 'just hair' then who cares what it looks like.

[@Dreamer12888]

I give props to the salons that admittedly said none of their stylist have experience with afro textured hair. I called my local Great Clips and received a snotty reply that all their stylists have experience with all hair types. They proceeded to ignore my instructions and the person trimmin my hair butchered it. I had to cut my hair shorter and nearly start over.

[@kellymorgan7116]

I have a friend who is a cosmetologist who turns up his nose at Great Clips. Apparently, they are trained to give a haircut in 7 minutes (a length of time that can only suit a white man getting his short hair trimmed). You probably already will never return to Great Clips, but I just want to clarify that this problem isn't unique to your local Great Clips.

[@ash2992]

This - Great Clips and many others both ignore the question of whether they do black hair / natural hair or straightout lie, and the number of stories I have heard, seen, and experienced, of those who just sneak a hint of perm into shampoo to "get the kinks out", butcher someone's hair, or do horrible damage *then charge extra for the privilege* is unreal.

[@Philemaphobia]

I would give props to a salon that admits AND Athen is curious enough to ask if they are allowed to work with her to study curly hair. Learn something, don’t just send away.

[@souleaterevans4589]

@@Philemaphobia Is that really a good solution, though? They have schools for that kind of thing.

[@stephengorczyca7624]

I have been to a bunch of barber shops and damn some of the liberties they take. I had my bear lined out how I wanted it, it may not have been 100% matching but you’d never notice the little inaccuracies. I went to a shop and the guy butchered it. Took the lines on my cheek and brought them way down almost like a goatee, not only that I’m pretty sure he did Samuel l Jackson’s side burns in pulp fiction because they were almost a half inch off from one side to the other.

[@silashellebrand462]

It is truly impressive when you can start off a statement with "I think you people are beautiful," and that is not the most squirmingly uncomfortable thing you say.

[@kimmyball4961]

Wtf is he doing taking pics of children he doesn't know?? Huh??

[@tombowen9861]

right?! oh my god. I was just "Whaaaaaa?" but then he went and ripped the knob off.

[@silashellebrand462]

@@kimmyball4961 I'm not an expert on law, but I'm pretty sure that's a felony.

[@justcause3104]

@@silashellebrand462 You must not be because how could that possibly be a crime

[@silashellebrand462]

@@justcause3104 taking photos of children without consent

[@fexbio]

This hits close to home. I'm Brazilian. It's really hard to determine a lot of people's heritage around here, because there's an enormous rate of miscigenation in our population. I, myself, am very undefineable: I'm clearly of black heritage, although people here dispute it when I claim it, because my skin is of a lighter tone. As if I'm talking myself down by stating I'm black. The reason I don't state I'm black very often (I usually check the box for "brown") is because I don't feel I experimented real racism as black people do. Because, you know, my SKIN IS LIGHTER. Is fucking ridiculous, but as people perceive me as white - it's even in my birth certificate - if I do experiment racism, it's subtle and go over my head. I only started to pay attention to these questions later in life, as internet surfaced these discussions. And as affirmative action tries to reparate the historic damage our society inflicted on black people, I don't feel validated in taking advantage of any of those. I don't feel like I paid my proper dues to the racial struggle. The country I went that a lot of natives confused me as their own was Morocco. But they think themselves as white. They call the subsaharian Africa "black Africa". It's stupid as hell. My hair? Curly. Really curly. Like you see in renditions of cherubins, but black. It's not the curliest possible, though. Real black people - the ones who go undisputed and get persecuted by the police - might have real small curls, way smaller than mine. And the term brazilians usually use for this kind of hair translate, literally, as "bad hair". When I was young my mother tried to disguise it by putting a lot of hair gel, combing it really close to my scalp and mantaing it short. I still like it short - less upkeep - but when it grows, I let it grow freely. I like how it looks. And my mother herself does that to her hair, the hot irons, the chemicals and whatnot. It took me more than twenty years to convince her to stop destroying her hair with these straightening techniques - they're very destructive - and just accept what she was: black! Let your hair be as your hair is. Just treat it well, take care of it and it will be beautiful. That's what makes good or bad hair: cleanliness, hidration, proper care. Straightened hair not only looks awful, it enormously restrains the lives of those who live with it. That's what racism does. It strips us away from our identities. I don't know how to present myself: I don't like either denying my heritage nor belittling the struggle of black people. My mother was taught from infancy that being her was just wrong. This is so dehumanizing for reasons so stupid it makes me want to cry. And all this while real shitty people, the ones who trully have all the reasons to be disgusted at themselves, are running the country and stepping on everyone's heads, laughing and feasting with our resources.

[@VanessaAbeyawardena]

Thank you for sharing your story ❤️

[@grimtheghastly8878]

Honestly, as a black woman, this episode makes me so happy. Not many ppl understand how frustrating hair struggles can be for someone like me. I've been mocked and belittled by so many ppl for pointing this shit out. It got so bad I ended up cutting it off bc I couldn't handle it anymore. It saddens me that it took a white man explaining this to ppl for them to listen but I deeply appreciate this

[@Nik.No.K]

Tbh I never even knew this was ever an issue. When I saw the title of the video I was actually perplexed as to what he would have to say about hair. All of this is just to say that he’s definitely spreading awareness about this because I’m sure there are a lot more white people like me out there. Also as a tattooed person I strongly believe that anyone should be able to look however they want without discrimination. Whether it’s body modification or hair no one should be held back in life because of the way they look.

[@kroto7451]

I don't understand why it's such a big deal how someone styles their hair. There are more important things to complain about then what someone looks like. I understand if it's at the workplace you should at least adhere to the dress code, but that should be limited to clothing only. People should praise cultural differences and be excited that the world is becoming more diverse, not trying to stop it from happening or be afraid of it.

[@hunnybadger442]

Hair and tattoos really bug people... But see how bad it gets when you're fat.... Hair you change, tattoos, to a point, you can cover... Fat there's just no hiding it....

[@Diepvries11]

How often do you need to wash your black hair?

[@dreamofTARA]

@@Diepvries11 1. Why would you ask such a creepy question that is completely irrelevant to the posters comment? 2. Being that you already know she is black as she stated in her comment, it is off-putting to refer to her hair as "black hair" in the context of a conversation.

[@PenitentHollow]

My niece is bi-racial and this video has been eye opening for me. Everyone, especially her mother, have said "I hope she gets her daddy's hair," and I've always thought it was just out of frustration with having to deal with "black hair" but I really didn't understand until today just how deep that frustration truly runs. I just hope that who's ever her hair hers takes after, she can style it and enjoy it and do whatever she wants with it without facing discrimination and racism because of it.

[@rebeculus]

I’m glad to hear this. I learned a few new things too. If only our society were more integrated, where more of us had close friends who didn’t look like us, we whites people would already have known this stuff. At least that’s my theory.

[@bboops23]

Good thing you did brush off this video. Well, I'll see myself out now.

[@teetheluchador]

Look at my average chainsawman enjoyer learning cultural sensitivity 👏🏾. There’s also an issue stemming from this history in the black community where we talk about “good hair “ and basically we started shaming our own hair textures and celebrating those usually of mixed race with bigger looser curls . That could also be in play here as well

[@tegaelam139]

It was the “lay those edges down so well that they fall asleep” comment that let me know that he has a Real One in his ear, giving him all the info🤷🏽‍♀️🙏🏽💕

[@enbeast8350]

Asian cosplayer here, and that line just made my wig-happy heart melt a little

[@nonovyobiznez3735]

I forgot her name ... the sister from Trevor Noah daily show with the big afro. It has her name written all over it

[@herbalursa3524]

​@@nonovyobiznez3735 Dulce Sloan

[@pdoylemi]

I had absolutely no clue what most of that meant, and don't care. Other people's hair? Not my business.

[@whitneykawahara]

@@pdoylemi Then why say anything? Your comment added absolutely nothing to the conversation, and no one cares if you don't care.

[@brandondavidson4085]

I worked at a beauty salon for exactly one day because I got into a discussion with the Asian manager who called 4C hair "ethnic", "coarse", and "rough". My wife is an Afro-Caribbean woman who very much loves her natural hair.

[@r0bw00d]

Was he wrong?

[@brandondavidson4085]

@@r0bw00d yes and so are you

[@r0bw00d]

@@brandondavidson4085 Impossible, as I never made a positive claim. Now, how was he wrong?

[@masakazuishiguro8525]

@@r0bw00dYou somehow made the impossible possible. You are like a reverse genius.

[@SonicStriker227]

As a current Walmart employee I can tell you all that 'Call 1-800-Walmart' is shorthand for 'We don't want to deal with you anymore, go home and stay on the phone for 3 hours going in circles'.

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

Exactly. Call center employees are just hired to be the scapegoats for corporations who don't want to hear about it. And the poor people are forced to go through that whole "Hi how are you we love you we care about you how is your day going I hope you are healthy how can I help you today" routine that sets everyone who hears it's teeth on edge at the very start. And every time they transfer you (and they will do it multiple times in a single call), you get the exact same intro dialog. ARGHHHHHHHH.

[@tchakamlarisa871]

😅

[@drizzitdude]

It’s also “bro I’m the store manager I don’t actually decide anything, they send us instructions from corporate” It’s all just levels of people to bitch to and not actually change anything.

[@chrisprilloisebola]

While it is true that those products are expensive and locked behind glass. Just because black people use it doesnt mean its a racial issue

[@ReinaBenoir]

@@chrisprilloisebola Really? So why is it that the white products that are just as expensive if not more expensive but not locked up at the same time?

[@tubetorius]

I like how the store manager of the Banana Republic was fired, not the district manager who started the issue in the first place.

[@bararobberbaron859]

That's how it is, a head must come off but clearly the higher ups won't put their necks in the guillotine. A manager is usually just an employee who's been there for 3-5 years and got a small promotion. It's not like they're a franchise holder.

[@RubelliteFae]

@@bararobberbaron859 In Japan it's exactly the opposite. If something goes wrong, the person in charge falls on their sword because they should have known about it or done something to prevent it from getting that far in the first place. Of course, there most people stay with the same company for their entire life, so that one leader is kind of saving the livelihoods of everyone else in the company by taking responsibility, even if they were faultless.

[@LetsPlayAceCraft]

@@RubelliteFae Japan also put babies on bayonets #NeverForget

[@guyincognito9410]

Yeah that pissed me the fuck off

[@csp.9203]

@@LetsPlayAceCraft And the United States vaporized then, so let's not try to take the high road here.

[@royalty085]

Shout out to my late hairstylist, Josie, who was Filipina, who did my hair for 10 yrs. Better than the black stylists in the shop. She went to hair shows and everything to stay current with the latest black hair care trends. She was killed by hit and run driver during the COVID19 lock down. I miss her so much. 😔

[@lynnwilhoite6194]

That is so sad.😢

[@rainmakertechnologies5782]

That's a bummer. Lived in Manila for a few yrs, I'm a black guy & for whatever reason, barbers/stylists there all seemed amazing at cutting hair. A lot seem to master aesthetics & nuances to styling varieties of hair 🤷

[@accailliacarter6059]

That really sucks. She sounds like she was a strong woman with a good head on her shoulders.

[@LovePriestessLeah]

Rip

[@intercat4907]

Sorry. Condolences to you and to Josie's family.

[@Priyacinema]

I never understood why my black friends straightened/relaxed their hair, when I was DESPERATELY trying every device to PUT kinks and curls into my stick-straight Indian hair. I spent hours with a "crimping" iron and my black roommate was like "I don't know why you would want to do that to your straight silky hair". And I'd say "you don't know how good you have it with your fluffy, bouncy hair". The grass is always greener on the other side. Black women: know that your hair is beautiful and many of us want what you have.

[@alannamorris977]

Oh, we do.

[@SebastianDingleswitch]

I spent years fighting my ginger, dying every type of colour, but once I got old enough and started to grow facial hair, I had to accept it - being comfortable in your own skin, all faults aside is very important for mental health. Any systemic or culturally based discrimination or pressure that can induce body dysmorphia is repulsive..

[@jasondonovan1408]

I'm thinking not.

[@A1Kirazz]

@@jasondonovan1408Fr, I’ve never found one of them attractive.

[@tiannalinsei6465]

We as human beings make things 1000× harder for each other for no logical reason.

[@zacharyking6334]

White people disproportionately exact this upon folks that don't look like them.

[@leobat7007]

Of course there are logical reasons. Liberals are just too stupid to understand them.

[@68020845865]

racism tho

[@egregiousqueef7781]

ANd social media is making it worse. It's teaching people to dread genuine shared space face to face human interaction. Want to change things? Want to improve experiences for humans? Want to genuinely help the struggling and understand people better? DISCONNECT and volunteer in your communities. Yes, I do this. ANd no one single time have I met someone spending their days and hours and minutes online trying desperately to sound witty or see a number on a screen move up and down out volunteering. Do you guys even know how to communicate anymore if it isn't on a screen? Why is your entire mood and motivation hinged on whether or not a number - likes, followers, retweets, etc - moves up or down? Stop using internet culture as reference point for what people care about, turn this crap off. Just do it, for like a week. Volunteer at homeless shelter, volunteer socializing with abused and neglected non-human animals at an animal shelter ... do something useful... do something to make thing EASIER for each other, help those who don't have the privilege of bi**hing online about hair I feel really bad for young people awash in internet culture - you guys are being strategically stupefied

[@leobat7007]

@MAGAT slayer No trolling. Anybody who unironically thinks a cultural universal is "illogical", is not just a moron who can't even understand basic human reasoning, but so arrogant as to believe all of humanity is dumber than they are. There is obviously a fucking logical reason if every society that ever existed enforced standards of appearance.

[@champslim]

Give your writers a raise! Omg the part about having snacks while getting your hair done.... Yessssss

[@joejacko1587]

these are the writers of this week tonight JOANNA ROTHKOPF a white girl SEENA VALI a white man CHRISSY SHACKELFORD a white woman LIZ HYNES unknown she doesn't have a picture posted DANIEL O’BRIEN white male MARK KRAMER looks Indian not sure but he isn't black OWEN PARSONS white male JOHNATHAN APPEL white male CHARLIE REDD unknown Ali Barthwell unknown TIM CARVELL white male and of course JOHN OLIVER white male the only writer that is black is GREG IWINSKI the unknown ones without pictures

[@estefimedinaj]

@@joejacko1587 I just looked up and they have a research assistant who is black but I do think they can diversify that room better. I have found Seth Myers has the most diverse writing team and gives them the platform to express themselves.

[@theaddictofgaming9174]

@@joejacko1587 If Mark Kramer looks Indian to you, I don't know what you think Indian looks like. He just looks "ethnic" white. (I hate that term but it makes sense here)

[@becz9485]

@Tasty Jaguar lol it isn’t propaganda when it is a real fucking issue Black people have to deal with all the time. You clearly didn’t watch the whole video.

[@joejacko1587]

@@estefimedinajI don't think Seth Myers is funny but its not the writing i think its the fact when he tells jokes he looks like a serial killer who is trying to be funny but I don't think race should be a factor in hiring unless its something like a movie where it is a requirement so hopefully he just hired who he thought was best and not based on there skin color sex or sexual orientation like everyone should

[@coRynnstar]

I had to pause at the "hot comb at 6am on school picture day" moment because COLD SWEATS. JOHN. This is the 4th or 5th time I've launched myself out of my seat to run around the room in response to something Black hair related on this shoooowwwwww!!! Standing ovation for the Black women on John's production staff!!!!!

[@fandomcitizen0145]

Right! At so many point in this episode I had to take a pause because I FElT that. Moments like this, show how diverse the writing cast probably is. Props to them and any other developers of this episode.

[@KoKoTheSagittarius]

Yep! Just mentioned the same on another comment. Lol

[@meganproffitt424]

I remember being in elementary school, a teacher told me black hair didn't exist. I remember going home and asking my parents what color my hair was.

[@jamaaldunbar324]

There is a era of sadness, anger, and a little bit of laughter all together in that story. 😔😡😆

[@weksauce]

Not sure what it means, because it's a pretty vague statement, but I agree with at least 1 interpretation of it. This segment conflates race with culture. There's no such thing as black (race) hair. If that's what the teacher meant, then they're right. Black people tend to have flatter hairs, which is what makes hair curly/kinky or curl/kink-able. White people tend to have rounder hairs, which is what makes hair straighter, less curly/kinky, less curl/kink-able. But, outside that broad statistical difference, there's no difference between the races' hairs. And there are plenty of white people with dark, flat hair, and fewer (though still numerous) black people with lighter, rounder hair. The choices you make with hair are choices. Some choices are limited by the shape of your hair, but beyond that, it's all culture, which is entirely a choice. We can and should discriminate based on choices. Tradition, culture, religion are no excuses for behavior. You're responsible for what you do with your hair (and body and life). Dreads aren't the province of one group. All hair except the most round will naturally form dreads if left unkempt. You can't steal ideas because the person you copy the idea from still has the idea after you copy it.

[@mammawlee]

A lot of White people have 'Black' hair. I guess because we are part Black. Relative recently or from long ago. Because l'm quite sure that Earth's first people were Black. That's a scientific fact.

[@heathersmith4042]

​@@weksauce "we can and should discriminate based on choices" and those choices just so happen to be traditionally african hairstyles that ton of african americans wear today that are "surely just dirty" because you say so, huh? how someone chooses to wear their hair ISN'T YOUR FUCKING BUSINESS. it has literally no effect on you unless you choose to be a piss baby about it. it costs you zero dollars and zero sense to just not give a shit about how someone else wears their hair, but it surely must cost something to continue maintaining that traditionally black hairstyles is justifiable to fire someone over. i wonder how your tone would change if society's standards shifted to judge traditionally white american styles instead? sure would suck to get fired over that, told your history is in fact ugly, dirty, and unkempt, and you should just shut your mouth, deny your roots, and conform to someone *else's* standards just to be allowed to keep a job.

[@need2bereading]

@weksauce You just acknowledged that​ because of the shape of the hair choices are limited for some and then proceeded to say that we should be able to discriminate based on choices some don't even have. Wow.

[@DoctorPsyduck]

I'm a white guy who works in a kitchen full of black women. I don't know anything about black hair, except for one thing; your hair looks very pretty today.

[@fleurserieux]

Good job 👍🏽

[@irish_apex1094]

Well played sir 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheBlueB0mber]

1000% IQ move

[@whychoooseausername4763]

Perfect !

[@irreleverent]

That's allllll you fuckin' need. That is all the input you ever need to have on anyone else's hair.

[@MoonFairy929]

When I saw the thumbnail is was like “you really wanna go there John?” I will never doubt the king again.

[@lpd411]

This deserves more likes.

[@herb_a_day]

This is the best comment on here 😂😂😂😂😂

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

He's a gift to humanity.😉❤

[@reneejsays]

Lmao yes. I actually noted out of the video until it auto played after another. I feel shame 😂

[@audralynne9760]

I had similar thoughts but I was like okay I know he does his research well so let's take this ride together. I was not disappointed.

[@KarianForde]

Tell me you have black, female writers on staff without TELLING me you have black, female writers on staff. We see you Mr. Oliver

[@伏見猿比古-k8c]

I like your hair style, and the addition of the highlights add a nice touch and compliments your skin beautifully.

[@tiffanysmith8447]

He had me at "wash day"😊

[@shannonkennedy6015]

Exactly!

[@Sahdirah]

+

[@RJ-mh3ox]

When he said 7 hours with snacks and movies and the effort it takes to put them in so who tf is going to take them out i was like who back there writing this shit 😂 only thing he missed is the price (I’m not a woman but my mom was a hair dresser just twisting my dreads took forever)

[@brittany_geneva]

Please redo this one with an audience we need the reactions to this amazing episode

[@stingrey1571]

As a husband to a black woman and a father to a black daughter, this was truly on point. I remember when my wife, who wears her hair naturally, was told by her supervisor she looked intimidating. Even though all her staff refer to her as the friendliest person ever.

[@bubblewandd]

That’s ridiculous. I hope she reported them for discrimination.

[@Krystalmyth]

Intimidating? Do people not understand this is literally the book definition of racism? It's a phobic response. How is their response over another person's body that persons fault? Its like taking someone aside for having large breasts and saying they're distracting with the expectation they be reduced. Expecting people to mutilate a part of their body for the comfort of others is abhorrent.

[@Fwootgummi]

@@Krystalmyth that's pretty apt

[@리주민]

As a husband to a sisters daughters cousin, I am confused by relationships 😋

[@리주민]

I just got I looked weird and need to wash out that blue in my hair. It's part of my culture too. Do they not watch Asian shows?

[@DeMonSpencer]

I grew up in an all white town and all white school. When I was in the 4th grade I asked my mom to stop putting grease in my hair because a teacher patted me on the head one day and made a face like it was disgusting then said ewww and found a paper towel and wiped her hand off. A few of my classmates saw this and laughed. As all black people know our hair can get very dry without oil or hair grease so of course my mom didn't indulge my request. It's small moments like I had with that teacher that reinforce the idea that blackness was unacceptable. I'm so glad that John choose this topic for his show this week.

[@DarthFurie]

I'm so sorry that you experienced this 😔 Why was your teacher touching your hair at all? I'm a teacher and my hand has accidentally come into contact with kids' hair a few times, but I don't go around touching kids' hair. And the fact that she had an insulting reaction to your hair is even worse!

[@DeMonSpencer]

@@DarthFurie I was the only black kid, everyone wanted to touch my hair. Sometimes they would ask permission but most didn't.

[@Elessa89]

Like you were an alien or the show and tell pet for the day🙄

[@DarthFurie]

@@DeMonSpencer I asked because a lot of states actually have laws about these things. Teachers are supposed to have little to no physical contact with children. Really there is no reason to do so

[@868Empress]

She shouldn't've been touching your hair in the first place. Sorry you were made to feel less than ❤️

[@missaniebananie6473]

1) Box braids: a style done by taking a pic comb, separating a square area of hair, taking a small section of that, braiding it, and then picking up the rest of the hair section with the 3 segments and braiding it down so that it is tight and lays with the natural flow of the hair 2) 2 strand twists: twisting words strands of a squared off segment of hair with the natural flow of the hair separately and then twisting them together tightly until the mass is tightly curled enough to make into a small bun and letting it rest around your head 3) corn rows: the same step as a mix braid with the addition of collecting more hair every rotation to all 3 strands (usually with the natural flow of the persons hair pattern but not always) often done as a stand alone style, as the base for a sew in weave, or as the bases for a bald cap/wig cap to go over before laying down a lace front because the braids are tight to your head 4) dreadlocks: sections of hair rolled between the hands or styled into cylindrical “tubes” of hair. Often times extra hair is added for colour/length. 5)Lace fronts: a wig where in small segments of hair are pulled into one lace cap, and bonded together but another layer of beige lace to mimic a natural hair line. The hair underneath is laid flat and then a wig cap is added to that followed by the lace front. A thin layer of adhesive of some sort, then you lay the lace down flat to the head (some people use a pic comb, a spoon, or just their fingers so that the wig lace is perfectly flat) then the lace is trimmed off, and styling begins That isn’t even half but it’s a good start for white people. If I have anything wrong please correct me in the comments. I used to style hair and my mission was to be able to work with any hair type and request so I was taught by my black stylist friends

[@incognitonegress3453]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@ForrestFox626]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@Ittybittyree33]

Isn't even half but still better than having celebrities tell people to "fucking Google it."

[@LikeTheBuffalo]

"The Banana Republic at the Westchester Mall in White Plains" is front runner for whitest sentence I've heard this week.

[@SuperTonyony]

How about, “Ah voted fer Trump twahst!”?

[@yaboyjah3288]

Hilarious ! So correct. 😆

[@frankiefavero1666]

Lol I've been. That place looks like Sweden!

[@warriorgoddessyaaasantewaa4773]

😂😂😂

[@Quader417]

Lol oh yeah? I live in Georgia and we were house shopping and passed by a neighborhood called “The Plantation”…Now that’s bad enough on its own but about half a mile down the road we pass by another neighborhood………… “The Planation II”………… Never in my life have I seen a neighborhood that had a sequel🤣🤣🤣 these dudes were so racist they couldn’t even come up with a second name for their neighborhood

[@mekosmotivationalmessages]

I’m amazed at how well he covered this story! He knew all the terms, “melting the lace”, “laying the edges”😂. Thanks for caring enough to cover this John.

[@LamaraRowe]

Definitely has black writers on staff to produce this one

[@exoticalBecky_Miami]

You can tell he actually listened to his writers. He isn't just reading cue cards. He genuinely is like wtf is wrong with ppl.

[@sirius1696]

Having black writers on staff is one thing, listening to them and internalizing what they're teaching you as well is another. Props to John.

[@Toneill029]

I really gotta take some time to google this stuff, I keep meaning too.

[@danieljaffen]

@@exoticalBecky_Miami 100%!!!! It was like he was educating HIMSELF while also going "Tha f#€% is wrong with some of us??" 🤣 He makes it fun and educational without him being "the white savior". As a MOC with coarse hair and come from a family with naturally kinky hair (and damn proud of it), I was DEFINITELY impressed by how he handled this segment. Will be watching his show more often.

[@michaeljoseph6782]

Seeing that wrestler standing there with that white woman cutting his locks off at the side of a competition event crushed me.

[@veiyi]

So fucking demoralizing.

[@cynthianm1743]

Me too I cried

[@mermaidman7069]

It's just hair... He/she will live.

[@Jacana66]

@@mermaidman7069 oh no you're that person 21:57

[@OiOBlinkingOwl]

It’s purposefully degrading. As someone who did sports, the refs have the ability to not enforce rules that are considered ridiculous and they regularly don’t. The ref did that to humiliate the student, or weighed the student’s degradation as worth it.

[@TheAcenightcreeper]

As a white dude…Didnt even realize how much this impacted black women until i dated and married a black woman…i had no idea people would randomly grab and touch black peoples hair….and i really had no idea that when a black woman says she cant do something because she is washing her hair….she truly means it….it is a gd half day ordeal…silk pillowcases…bonnets everywhere…but i love it. My girls hair always smells like something intoxicating….yum. Protective Styles P

[@trapadvisor]

Good for you Mike. Always keep learning

[@markpasieka]

Obviously the accomplishment of a lifetime.

[@lenatisdale]

As a black woman it has always boggled my mind that people have such a huge problem with the hair that grows out of my head. It's like ' go get a job or a hobby and stay out of my hair'

[@maureenwestfall403]

My granddaughter (I’m white and she is mixed) and who has beautiful hair in my opinion.. asked me to pull her hair into a ponytail after her first few minutes of zoom school two days ago ... ( it was free and big ! I thought it looked adorable 🥰) makes me mad that she felt she needed to change her look for others 😞

[@kamille6636]

Facts

[@ryanr4361]

People have a problem with black woman’s hair? I don’t understand the world anymore. Why don’t people just learn how to grow plants or some shit and be productive? Fuck me.

[@erinnicole5748]

This!!! I really thought, at the end, they were going to say "mind your own damn business" instead of "google it". It always weirds me out when people claim to dislike something but are more obsessed with it than anyone else. Like Christians and what strangers do with their genitals.

[@michaell8184]

It's not your hair they have an issue with...it's your blackness...it's our blackness... And everything that is distinct to blackness they hate.... 'down to the hair on our chinny chin chin' . They try to destroy it and then create a their own versions... Music Tanning Language On and on

[@LibraP93]

I love that Malcolm X speech. It’s so powerful and his words still ring true today. I’ve had non-Black people touch my hair like I’m an animal and felt the pressure to always straighten my hair when working in predominantly white offices. Thankfully, I don’t care what people think anymore and I proudly wear my natural hair. As a Black woman, I appreciate this segment and to the Black person who wrote this/provided the information, well done! 👏🏾

[@notsocrates9529]

I would have an aversion to touching a strangers hair, but that is me.

[@bazingaburg8264]

What i'd give for that volume ^^ Black hair is fascinating to me, i very much Do want to touch it, but what happened to learning to live with the mystery or, i don't know, dating? While i get kids learning through touch, adults should grasp concepts like personal space and appropriate behavior.

[@ksabusiness9409]

As a very, very white woman I am so sorry for you having to deal with assholes. I KNOW some people do this and it just blows my mind and makes me want to smack them upside the head with a nerf bat.

[@justinmiller8943]

“Don’t tell me you can’t figure this out on your own. You figured out Settlers of Catan.” 😂👏😂

[@InservioLetum]

That one missed the mark for me. Catan is about as simple as board games get. Even monopoly has more rules than SoC.

[@IgnatiusAlpha]

As a nerd with nerd friends that used to play Catan, 🤣🤣

[@bw2020]

lol and we figured out electricity and antibiotics and water sanitization and how to get to the moon haha so funny

[@VineetontheBeat]

I was playing Catan as I was watching this. hahaha

[@lazyc0mmander277]

@@bw2020 There's literally a black woman that worked on the project that got us to the moon... I can't imagine the amount of hatred that leads to writting your comment but I would recomend dialing back a lot because that really won't end up working out for you.

[@minkeecherel]

I just love this segment so much. The message is clear and on point.

[@sandywinter4]

Yes, the racism is lovely.

[@neeneko]

The only time hair should matter in school is in shop class, and as long as it is tied up in such a way that it will not get caught in any machinery, it shouldn't matter there either.

[@tombrewsaugh1399]

I didn't know schools still had shop class.

[@halfbloodprincess989]

Truuuueee! I'm a white girl with curly hair and no teacher ever gave me trouble about it. Wth is wrong with these people? They're like 'ohhh this black kid has *hair* that's a problem.'

[@charles3840]

Or chem/physics labs if your school has them. But these are all exceptions. Like making it illegal to falsely shout fire in a crowded theater.

[@Diphenhydra]

Or if you’re on rollercoasters. I’ve seen the episode of it’s always sunny. Idk how likely it is, but I ain’t taking chances.

[@nerdanalog1707]

And culinary schools, you don't any type of hair(s) in your food.

[@ceilingbees2427]

As soon as that man said “ you people are beautiful” my whole body tensed up, I’m white, but female and I can only imagine it gets worse from here

[@caligirl3000...]

As soon as he said that, I immediately fast forwarded. I couldn't even handle it.

[@Silburific]

I'm a biracial woman (black/ caucasian) and as soon as I heard "You people", the words "what do you mean 'you people'?" left my mouth before I even realized I had spoken.

[@goprev9715]

Ok, why? Is it the "you people" that bothers you, or is it the compliment itself? If he said "african americans are beautiful" would it be acceptable? And in the case that it wasn't, again, why? If hypothetically speaking I find women of turkish descent beautiful am I not allowed to say it? What's exactly the morally reprehensible aspect of the sentence? Quite frankly I don't fucking get it.

[@EllawoodBlues]

"You people" is so dehumanizing but what can you expect from a weirdo who takes pictures of stranger's children in public

[@hhiippiittyy]

@@goprev9715 There's a history to that phrase. You understand why blackface is, let's say, not ideal? Painting your face is pretty innocuous, but, for some reason, white people painting their faces black is not so innocent. Right? Like, putting my arm out at a 30 degree angle with the palm down and hand straight is no big deal, if you think of it in that sanitized way. Doing the Nazi salute at a synagogue is a different story, though. It's one of those kind of things.

[@ahburns88]

Idk what black woman wrote this for him, but they are on spot on 👌🏾👌🏾

[@aaronmaree38]

Lol facts !!!

[@sersastark]

Amen! From the wash day, to how to properly install a lace front, his writer nailed it!

[@KBWeeds]

@@sersastark it was the hot comb part for me. I was in that exact same space when he said that!

[@sersastark]

@@KBWeeds I never got the hot comb THANK JEEZIS but my sister did and now she has alopecia (also bc she kept pulling her hair back too tight that it broke). But I got flashbacks of wash days when he said that!

[@devonmartini5931]

Amen

[@skyistaken1605]

I am white. Extremely white. Very male even. So take everything I say with that context in mind. I went to a catholic school and decided I wanted long hair. I loved metal and rock and that style spoke to me and so I grew it out and encountered judgement for it. For the fucking hair on my head just growing how it grew. I was made to feel shame. Bullied. But I'm glad it never got to me because I love my hair. I've dyed it, grown it longer and I love it. But if my hair was judged based on centuries of oppression I could not escape and a culture refusing to even learn about me, well I can tell you I would not just "deal with it" and not care what people say. That would be heart breaking. That is something I'll never have to deal with but in a very very minor way, I've experienced a similar feeling with hair and so this is one fight I can relate to in at least some way. Hair is beautiful, no one owes you the style of hair you like. ESPECIALLY if it's based on race. Let people express themselves and stay the fuck away. People just want to be people. Let them.

[@feralbluee]

my son’s father had the same problem - middle 1960’s. it’s totally ridiculous that guys can’t have longish or long hair in catholic school!!!! even green or purple hair, for that matter! who cares!!!!?? has to be clean though, but that’s just hygienic :)

[@moviegal6000]

I've had random people on public transit just reach out and touch my braids before. This one lady tried to do it and when I was like "get your hands off me" she had he audacity to get mad at me and say "what is your problem?! I just wanted to see how it felt." As if I was the one at fault for not wanting her dirty ass hands in my hair.

[@dragongirl7978]

Ugh I'm so sorry. That's seriously creepy. I kind of relate as a white person living in China... sometimes have random people putting their arm next to mine comparing skin color and I'm just like uhhhhh.... 😕 But at least they aren't generally grabbing me, people are so stupid sometimes. 🤦🤦🤦

[@helentribue7614]

GIRL! IKR! Like, I don't know you or where your hands have been and who TF are you to get offended that I don't want a TOTAL STRANGER touching my hair! I swear ppl make me want to.... Anyway- I feel you. I've asked ppl if it's ok w/them for random strangers to just come touch one of their body parts or pet them like the family dog or a zoo animal. Of course, they say no.

[@ebbyc1817]

I read a comment like this and I think thank gooood Europeans are more polite, an encounter like that would send me over the edge. Most Northern Europeans will stay the hell away from you, and your hair, by default. (I'm assuming you're in the U.S. If not then, um...)

[@jasminechristiano1125]

I'm a White woman with really long hair and I had a similar experience while in the checkout line at a grocery store. A man came up from behind me and started stroking my hair. I was so creeped out but also frozen with fear. I was 14 when this happened and all I could say was "Excuse me. Could you please not touch me." He looked angry after I said that and eyed me till my mom came back in line with the items she forgot earlier. Luckily, I only had to deal with this issue once. I cannot imagine what it is like to be Black and have strangers trying to feel my hair all the time. People can be so gross.

[@ebbyc1817]

@@jasminechristiano1125 when it happens to you when you're a grown up, you feel like an animal, like a dog, or a cat, that people feel they can pet, because it's cute. "Awwwww, look at this cute [dog][cat] hair"

[@TheNobleBard]

I showed up to an interview at a major hotel chain in 2013 wearing dreadlocks and was told, "We don't hire people with hair that length." I said, "My friend Jake works in the same hotel and has hair this length. He works in the department I'm applying for." Her response, "Well...ya'know this style is..." That was all she needed to say. I walked out and never went back.

[@PaperMario64]

Wow.

[@filanfyretracker]

I dont get why hair length is even a big deal today. Society seems to continue to have this unusual issue with guys having long hair.

[@treyjames7757]

Sorry man that sucks, that place is fucked if they have staff like that

[@JonJon-it8kk]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3KwcnWFntiSjpI

[@barbaralachance5836]

Wow, that's terrible. I'm sorry society is so f*cked 😕

[@ceceliavalentine]

Never thought I'd hear John utter the words 'Eco Styler.' Thank you for representing, black lady(ies) on John's writing staff! ✊🏽👏🏽

[@fromblue2u]

SIS! He took me smooth out the game when he said eco styler!!! Lmaoooooo

[@sonyashus]

I was born and raised in Siberia, Russia. I have straight hair, and growing up I was SO IN LOVE with Gloria Reuben's hair (from ER). Since we used to go to the steppe during summer and there were not many options to shower, my mum used to braid my hair. It was not a fashion choice (though it looked amazing), it was more of a necessity. One of the girls made fun of my hair, it affected me, but then I overcame that. We didn't have people of African decent in my city, and I've never actually expected this to be that harsh... But remembering my one and only judgemental interaction... I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Please, remember, your hair looks amazing, be proud of it!

[@sarahleber676]

Another mark on the Canadian walk of shame: Native children sent to residential schools were often forced to have their hair cut. Why? Because hair is most definitely a mark of someone's culture.

[@maevereynolds6344]

Good point. Pretty sure US residential schools forced the same thing, bc ofc they did. the schools used for stamping the indigenous culture out of children

[@ilikegamesandtech6712]

Others were murdered...

[@Thezaza1101]

White supremacy is all about subjugation and dehumanisation. Why is it so fragile

[@mallisaunders4565]

It happened in the USA also. It still happens to kids in foster care sometimes.

[@BackBruck]

They had to "kill" the "Indian" in them it has been said.

[@kismetcaffet9862]

In Canada, when lockdowns started, only necessary products were allowed to be sold in some provinces. Well, for some companies, black hair products made the list of items not allowed to be sold. Can you image trying to buy shampoo and seeing the shampoo you can use blocked from purchase while every other shampoo is available for purchase? It took a bunch of black women to speak up for those list-makers to realize that they were being stupid. Those women got told that it made no difference, to just use what was available. They also were told that black hair products were "specialty" items above and beyond regular hair care. It took push-back for them to finally understand that they were actually just being ignorant. Can you imagine lecturing a black woman about the care for her hair? For that matter, why should any non-hairdresser lecture anyone on their haircare? It seems like a conversation to avoid.

[@zammymynakersnackstbmoth]

And even as a hairdresser, unless you are black, there is nothing you can tell me about my hair or how to care for it. That's crazy that happened in Canada.

[@nicoleiohnson7314]

Great comment! Like the pink tax on feminine products, as if they’re also “luxury” items

[@sherrytee2962]

Wow Wales, I believe, blocked off sanitary wear aisles as non essential at the beginning of lockdown🤣 but😤

[@neilminer3099]

WHERE THAT HAPPEN...IM FRM CANADA AND NEVER SEEN THAT!!!!!...REALLY DONT WANT TO GET YOU UPSET....TOO MANY PPLE UPSET RIGHT NOW,JUST WANDER WHERE THAT HAPPENED

[@kismetcaffet9862]

@@neilminer3099 Quebec

[@TMassChronicles]

This video was a perfect example of why representation matters. It’s obvious, based on the content, that John has black female writers in his writer’s room. I love the fact that, even through the voice of a white man, black women were able to tell their stories through this medium. Well done, Mr. Oliver.

[@PunguinYoga]

I love John Oliver and his writers.

[@moonnugget4598]

😹🙌🏾 Tell me you have black writers without telling me you have black writers! lmbao That hot comb was no fukn joke!

[@mayawhite447]

He probly have a black boyfriend for his wife

[@nelliej4558]

Don’t even mention the chemical relaxers. I have never done my hair and it did not burn

[@atomheartother]

@@mayawhite447 Observe the fascist in its natual habitat... KZbin comments. Truly, a beast that was neither blessed with grace nor wits. But nature, as always, finds its way, and fascists have over generations perfected a single joke, which they use to attract their mates. With a little cry of anger, it shrieks the one joke, hoping to get a little bit of attention. This time, it doesn't work, and the fascist remains alone. But perhaps next time, the single joke will allow the fascist to pass its white genes on. It's the only chance it's got.

[@mayawhite447]

@@atomheartother lol you live in France XD. You're country is being replaced by muslims. Good luck with your future (you'll need it)

[@ES-zk2so]

@@mayawhite447 Please🙏🙏i genuinely cant wait for france to be replaced entirely

[@sorchaoconnor3750]

I cannot adequately express in words the sheer debilitating cringe which flowed through my body watching the clip of that senator

[@DarthFurie]

Seriously, my soul left my body lmao

[@lynnwilhoite6194]

Yep, I experienced my first full body cringe.

[@alysepauline]

I had to stand up. I was about to walk out of the room.

[@KagetoraHikaru]

He invented a brand new level of cringe with that 😵

[@nanakwameacheampong4779]

I skipped that part