Let me start by saying that, the word you are using "dreads" was originally givin to the Africans by Europeans to Mock us. ie. "Your hair <BR>is dreadful". First off we need to educate ourselves and others and try not to perpetuate<BR>this kind of misinformation over a vehicle as vast as the internet. NewGuy, I have to correct<BR>you brother on your statement that the only people<BR>correct in wearing LOCS are Rastas. Locs are the<BR>original and most healthy way Africans and people of African decent can wear our hair. We as a <BR>people have been locking our hair since Egyptian<BR>times and even before. I am an Asante Priestess<BR>so I know a bit about this. In Ghana, the villagers know you are of Royal blood or in the <BR>priesthood by your LOCs. In this country at this time wearing LOCS is a Fad for some young brothers age 18-27, but it takes on a more powerful spiritual and cultural meaning for those of us who know that wearing LOCS is a representation of our heritage & our ancestors.<BR>To those of other races that loc there hair, they too are honoring OUR Ancestors whether they know and respect it or not. I hope that in the future<BR>not only young brothers will continue to embrace locking their hair, but that young sisters will finally let go of needing to represent some other<BR>culture by letting the weaves & perms go and becoming the Queens we are!!!<P>Sorry this turned out to be so long, but this struck a nerve in my heart.<P>Peace & Blessings<BR>Ashante<P><a href="http://members.aol.com/VOAfrica3/Homepage.html" target="_blank">http://members.aol.com/VOAfrica3/Homepage.html<;/a>"