Lesson #71: PRINCIPLE: Shared Experience “The Bad Hair Cut” - Alfonso Lacayo
INTRODUCTORY GREETINGS
Welcome to Storytelling School with The Moth! This month, in honor of Black History Month, we're exploring a story that touches on a universal experience while also highlighting the unique cultural significance of hair within the Black community.
This month’s Storytelling School story is: “The Bad Hair Cut” by Alfonso Lacayo.
- You can watch the video here!
- You can read the transcript of Alfonso’s story here.
- After you’ve watched and read the story, you can do the following activities:
Talk to each other about Alfonso’s story.
What resonated with you?
Did it remind you of any similar experiences you've had?
For each post, we’ll highlight a different crafting strategy for how to make your story compelling. For this post, we’ll focus on shared experience/Creating a Scene.
While the nuances of hair and its cultural significance might differ across communities, the feeling of a "bad haircut" is something many can relate to. Alfonso's story reminds us of the common human experience of navigating self-image and how seemingly small things can have a big impact. This Black History Month, let's not only highlight a style that has been added to the lexicon by the Black community, but where those experiences overlap.
2-3 Discussion questions:
- How does Alfonso’s story explore the intersection of personal experience and cultural context?
- What are some of the emotions Alfonso experiences related to his haircut? Have you ever felt similar emotions?
- How does the story connect to broader themes of self-esteem and identity?
Let’s Play “Have You Ever”
Raise your hand if …
- You’ve ever had a bad haircut.
- You’ve ever felt self-conscious about your appearance.
- You’ve ever tried a new hairstyle that didn’t turn out as planned.
- You’ve ever had a conversation about hair that went beyond just style.
- You’ve ever felt pressure to conform to certain beauty standards.
- You’ve ever had a haircut that made you feel more confident.
- You’ve ever learned something about yourself through a hair-related experience.
- You've ever felt a shift in perspective because of an interaction around hair.
Write or tell your own story.
At The Moth, we believe in celebrating the diversity and commonality of human experience. Alfonso’s story, while rooted in a specific cultural context, touches on universal themes. Get inspired by these prompt questions to tell your own story!
- Tell us about a time you had a memorable experience at a barbershop or salon.
- Tell us about a time your hair played a significant role in an important event.
- Tell us about a time you learned something about your culture or community through a conversation about hair.
- Tell us about a time you felt judged or celebrated because of your hair.
- Tell us about a time your hair helped you express your identity.
- Tell us about a time you had a funny or embarrassing hair-related experience.
ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS BASED ON STORY CONTENT/PRINCIPLE
SUGGESTION 1: Explore the history of Black hair culture. There are many resources available online and in libraries that delve into the rich history and cultural significance of Black hairstyles. Here is a short video of black women’s hair through history. Learning about this history can provide valuable context for understanding stories like Alfonso's.
SUGGESTION 2: Discuss the concept of "code-switching." This term refers to the way people adjust their language, behavior, or appearance depending on the social context. How might "code-switching" relate to hair within different communities?
Here is an article about Hair Discrimination. We can see why people may “code switch”
Share this post with a friend!
And check back the second Tuesday of every month for another story.
Storyteller bio:
Alfonso Lacayo is a storyteller
The Moth Education Program works with young people and educators to build community through storytelling workshops, performances, and innovative resources.
We are always looking for more young people and educators to join our storytelling workshops! To learn more, apply for a workshop, or refer someone you know, please go to themoth.org/education
The Moth Education Program is made possible by generous support from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Charitable Trust, the Kate Spade New York Foundation, and Alice Gottesman, and The Paul & Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation.
Additional program support is provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the New York State Council on the Arts, ConEdison, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.