"A Short History of the Do-Rag"

By Richard

Is it me or are young men wearing do-rags allot more these days?
In asking this question I am not saying that there is something wrong
with wearing a do- rag itself especialy given that in my formative day's I use
to don one. But my criticism is that these days do-rags have become a fad
of the new hip hop generation.

And as such maybe looked at as an example of authentic black culture!
While do- rags have there place as far as hygiene and appearance is
concerned I fell today the do-rag is being worn for purely rebellious
reasons.

When I was young I use to wear the do -rag only before bed as a way
to create a wave pattern in my hair.I do not recall me ever leaving the
house with it and walking around the neighborhood. The first time I can
recall a do-rag worn openly is on BET when they began adding hard core
rap to there segments in the late 80's.

Back then I noticed that most young black boys like myself wanted to look
good for the ladies and waves were in. The boy group New Edition sported
the bestwearing wave pattens to date and we wanted that. If waves is what
the ladies liked then waves it would be.But the only way to get waves or as
southernwomen would say "good hair"was to put a do-rag on for hours and
hope an pray that the wave pattern kicked in before morning.


If the pattern had not come by morning I would throw some grease
in my hair put the do-rag away grab my books and head for the bus
stop. I would never wear the do -rag to school because to do so would
be tacky and I would probably be kicked out of school for the day.


Today there is not the same social stigmatization to wearing do-rags
in public so I guess this is why I see more of it.I think this may void
of social stigmatization is why many of our children feel like "pulling
down there pants is a style and do -rags is keeping it real"


The truth is that today the do rag has become a symbol of it's tackiness
and as a young black man it is somewhat embarrassing to see other
young black men with there paints hanging literally to ones knees.
Today'sdo-rag is being worn not for wave pattern but because the
do -rag itself is a symbol and badge of urban life.

Below is a "A Short History of the Do-Rag" from Wikipedia.

A do-rag, also spelled doo-rag, du-rag, durag, 'wave cap or watchu-rag is a piece of cloth used to cover the head.

The do-rag was popular throughout many different eras. In the 1930s women wore bandanna like fabric to fasten their hairstyles in place while they set. In the 1940s the style among women shifted into the workplace where they were taking over factory jobs and needed a safe way to keep their hair out of the machinery. Rosie the Riveter is famously featured wearing the blue-collar woman's do-rag.

From the 1930s to the 1960s, they were used by African-American men to hold chemically processed hair-dos in place while they slept. Originally they were made from pieces of handkerchief, bandanas, or women's stockings; now they are made from polyester. Do-rags resurged as a fashion trend among urban youth in the 1970s and 2000s. Do-rags are worn in a variety of colors, with black being the most common. Do-rags are regularly used to create and maintain waves. They are also used for cornrowed hairstyles. It usually has ling ties on either side which are wrapped around the head to secure the do-rag and tied at the back.
Hip hop artists such as Chamillionaire, LL Cool J, Sheek Louch, Mike Jones, Petey Pablo, 50 Cent and Cam'ron have helped popularize do-rags among mainstream audiences by incorporating them in their dress.

Do-rags are also popular among motorcycle riders. The do-rag is worn by a rider as a way to keep hair from blowing into the face and eyes while riding (a benefit to both the rider and to any passenger they may have riding on their bike behind them), as a way of keeping bugs out of the hair, and as a way to absorb sweat. Generally, riders who use a do-rag for these purposes do not also wear a motorcycle helmet. Though the majority of motorcyclists prefer the original bandana.

Some gang members may wear do-rags representing their gang colors.