The Politics Of Curly Hair: Former DNC Head Debbie Wasserman Schultz On ‘Pressure’ To Change
"Every older woman that I met with for advice counseled me that I had to do something about my hair."
There’s a reason you almost never see politicians with curly hair. And when you do, it’s usually the same person: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
She’s been in Congress representing Florida for 20 years and has been one of the only people with obviously curly hair — and she’s been attacked for it, with opponents calling her everything from “Medusa” to “frizzilla.” This is the most in-depth interview she’s ever done about what it’s like to be a curly haired woman in politics.
I say “obviously” curly because as We Are Spiraling readers/listeners know, many people are secretly curly. But the congresswoman, formerly chair of the Democratic National Committee, keeps it no secret; her curls are part of who she is.
When I began working on We Are Spiraling and dreaming up a list of guests to interview, Wasserman Schultz was one of the first people I thought of. I went to college in D.C. and got my start in journalism covering politics. At a young age, I noticed her decision to remain curly while in office because it is such a rare sight.
Her communications team told me when they brought my request to the congresswoman, she replied enthusiastically — exclamation marks! I appreciate that she felt seen because I felt that way too when she agreed to the interview.
This is about much more than women and curly hair. Her story is what so many of us go through when we step into a role and others try to put us in a box.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
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