I browsed through Tai's photos from his trip to New York via Brunsli's blog and I felt extremely proud for two reasons. For one, I was definitely in touch with the Ode to the OR's (Original Rastas) which made me very aware of the evolution that has taken place within the dreadlock circle. One one side of the spectrum, you have the organic locks that require no extra manipulation to the other end of the spectrum with the manicured locks, locks that are meticulously crafted to be very neat and precise. My conclusion is that up until the manicured came along, most folks are probably somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. But whatever one's style or preference, how could he or she have got there without the organics paving the way? Without Bob Marley paving the way??? So that's one major point I took away after looking at the slide show. The other is, I'm apart of the new evolution to manicured locks. I absolutely love my locks and I wear them ever so proudly everyday. I don't regret a damn thing about my Sisterlocks decision. So for any OR's who think that these aren't real locks or not truly representing, that's a crock of you know what. I think of it as an evolution that was bound to naturally take place based on cultural and market demands. Manicured locks represent a niche that was just waiting to be tapped! Manicured is to dreadlocks what Hip-hop is to music ---> not going anywhere. I am so proud to be right in the heart of this upswing take off. Perhaps in ten years I'll be in somebody's slideshow with admirers from afar.
