Combing Out the Kinks of Identity: Why Black Hair is More Than a Personal Choice

Authors

• Christina Jouthe, University of Massachusetts Boston

Abstract

Christina Jouthe is a Public Health major from Boston, Massachusetts. As a Black woman, she is drawn to subjects that allow her to examine Black culture, identity, representation, and femininity. Her essay gave her an opportunity to enter a discourse grounded in her own experiences while also expanding her understanding through research. Christina explains that “this semester allowed me to realize that writing can be fun and personable.” Previously, she had often been required to write about subjects that did not interest her or to follow formats that left little room for personal perspective. This particular project encouraged her to write more freely and authentically while developing an argument about diversity and inclusion. Her interests in equity are central to both her writing and her professional goals. Christina plans to pursue a career in medicine and is particularly concerned with inequalities in healthcare, including disparities in patient treatment and provider representation. She hopes to become a healthcare provider who ensures that “every patient feels seen and valued.”

Recommended Citation

Jouthe, Christina (2026) "Combing Out the Kinks of Identity: Why Black Hair is More Than a Personal Choice," Undercurrents: A Journal of Undergraduate Student Composition: Vol. 5: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarworks.umb.edu/undercurrents/vol5/iss1/4