NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
For years, Black women have used synthetic braids to help style their hair. But a recent study by Consumer Reports found that these fake hair strands can contain dangerous chemicals that pose a health threat. Ali Rogin reports on the history of braiding in Black culture and speaks with Adana Llanos, co-leader of the Cancer Population Science Program at Columbia University, to learn more.
View the transcript of this story. News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- When did hair braiding first begin? What did braided hair represent?
- Why did some African Americans choose to wear Eurocentric hairstyles after gaining their freedom?
- What chemicals were found in synthetic braid products in the study conducted by Consumer Reports?
- How long do people usually keep synthetic braid products in their hair?
- What is needed to better understand the long-term effects of using synthetic braids?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- What can consumers of synthetic braids do to avoid products that contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals? What role should the FDA play in this?
- Why do you think that studies consistently show that there are fewer low-hazard personal care products available for Black women than there are on the market as a whole?
Media literacy: Who else would you like to see interviewed about Black hair products?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Watch the video below to learn about the history of hair discrimination and how it impacts Black Americans in their personal lives and the workplace.
You can also learn about the efforts to ban hair discrimination nationwide here.
To learn about other ways that black women are disproportionately impacted by health legislation, complete this Daily News Lesson.
Written by Gianfranco Beran, PBS News Hour Classroom's production assistant, and News Hour's Vic Pasquantonio.
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