Exploring the Themes of Identity in Elizabeth Acevedo's 'Hair'

The transcript explores the complex relationship between hair, identity, and cultural history. It delves into societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards, particularly the expectation to straighten or 'whiten' hair. The narrative critiques these cultural attitudes and highlights the struggle of reconciling one's heritage with societal expectations. It emphasizes the importance of embracing one's natural hair as a form of cultural pride and self-acceptance, ultimately advocating for a reclamation of identity and heritage.

What does the speaker's mother mean by 'fixing' her hair?

• To cut it shorter

• To straighten or whiten it

• To style it in a modern way

• To dye it a different color

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What does the speaker's mother's advice symbolize?

• A simple beauty tip

• The importance of grooming

• A generational gap in understanding

• The complexity of racial identity

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

How does the speaker view her hair in relation to her ancestry?

• As a burden

• As an inconvenience

• As a connection to her African ancestors

• As unrelated to her identity

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

What does the speaker imply about Dominican beauty salons?

• They are experts in erasing cultural identity

• They specialize in natural hair styles

• They offer the best hair care products

• They encourage embracing one's natural hair

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does the speaker mean by 'swallowing Amnesia'?

• Forgetting one's cultural heritage

• Literally consuming a substance called Amnesia

• Ignoring the past

• Remembering historical events

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

What societal pressures are highlighted in the poem?

• The need to be successful

• The expectation to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards

• The pressure to pursue higher education

• The importance of financial wealth

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is implied by 'two oppressed people coming together'?

• A celebration of diversity

• A financial merger

• An increase in societal challenges

• A political movement

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does the speaker plan to teach her children about self-love?

• By shielding them from societal expectations

• By braiding pride into their hair

• By enrolling them in cultural classes

• By telling them stories of their ancestors

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does the speaker envision for her children?

• Traveling the world

• A life of wealth and luxury

• A future where they are in love with themselves

• A career in the arts

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.5

What does the speaker refute with the line 'you can't fix what was never broken'?

• The concept of educational reform

• The need for technological advancements

• The idea that her hair needs changing

• The importance of physical fitness