Event

Tangled: Why Your Hair Matters to Society

Hair is simply a collection of protein filaments that sprout from our scalp, yet it carries great meaning for us and our society.

From twists and tapers to braids and buns, whats on top of our head and how it is received by others often reflects societys standards of beauty and desirability. Using song, video, poetry, and imagery, this interactive presentation encourages us to examine our cultural conceptions of gender, class, and race. Why, for example, is one kind of hair or hairstyle understood as better than another? Who says so? What are the consequences of sporting an unruly doo, and how has that changed over the years?

Join professor Anu Taranath to untangle the meaning of hair, and better understand the stories we tell about beauty, bias, and belonging.

*This presentation will be held virtually. When the time approaches, we will send out a Zoom meeting link to all those who signed up.

May 7th | 10am-11:30am | Virtual Presentation

Presenter:
Anu Taranath is a professor at the University of Washington specializing in global literature, identity, race, and equity. She has received University of Washingtons Distinguished Teaching Award, a Best of Seattle designation from Seattle Weekly, and multiple national Fulbright awards and fellowships. She is the author of the book, Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World, as well as a consultant for schools, colleges, libraries, community organizations, and government agencies on social justice and global issues.