Oprah Asks Polygamist Women To Explain Their Hair: "It's The Style"

Oprah Winfrey spent Monday's show with exclusive access to the FLDS Yearning for Zion ranch in Texas, including interviews with many residents, polygamous wives and teenage girls.

As she wrapped up a meal with one family, Oprah asked the women gathered around the room, "Can somebody explain the hairdos to me please... with the poofy thing going on?"

The women laughed and one said "it's the style!" Another claimed "it hasn't always been like this," adding that if Oprah came back in ten years, the hairstyles would be different.

One woman even demonstrated the teasing and braiding that goes into the style, saying it can take anywhere between five and 15 minutes to accomplish.

Later a group of teenage girls explained their dresses to Oprah, seen here.



WATCH:

Comments

[LadyR]

Re the hairstyle, the front part of their hairstyle is a version of the pompadour that was so fashionable in the first decade of the 20th century. However, the fact that they ALL are wearing it is creepy. Before they got in the news with that raid on them two years ago, I was wearing a pompadour myself, because it can be a very pretty style for older women especially, but after that raid hit the headlines, I was so turned off by all the pictures that I never wore it again. It took all the enjoyment out of it for me.

[Judyisacutie]

I don't know whose braver, Oprah for asking a sensitive question or the sister-wives for sharing their kitchen with a person they may have regarded as a devil with the mark of Cain.

[kittyarmy]

It's the style? From when? 1887?

[choirdirector]

The book "Stolen Innocence" by Elissa Walls is definitely an eye-opener and explains a huge number of questions on this subject.

[lmvd3]

As it has been for about 300 years, ever since Joseph Smith found the magic glasses.

[NoSillyName]

It wasn't THAT long ago.

[NTexasHillbilly]

Weren't they made of stone? Difficult to see through.

[Wilson201]

Mid 1800's .

[Rolfe Norman]

This was certainly not the most interesting part of the show. She really needed to devote more than just one show on this topic. It is fascinating. For some reason I felt as if everyone was giving untruthful answers. Either that or they are just extremely naive. I was amazed with the access Oprah was granted. Very rare, although it seemed like a PR move. It is amazing how Big Love has made me feel like an expert on this topic. I felt like I was more informed than Oprah about some of the issues.

[yellowdogminnesotan]

That was a stupid question, and I must be a stupid person, because I too have always wanted to know. I'm sure Oprah grilled them for hours on all the crazy things they do. But seriously what is up with the hair!

[learntofly]

I think Oprah's question was more like why do all the women have the exact same hair style. She should have followed up with who is setting the uniform style for the entire community and why are they following it blindly day in and day out.

[rubysecret]

Oprah asks about hair and clothes? Wow, now that's some in-depth investigative reporting. Way to go, Oprah. Way to trivialize an already enslaved, marginalized population of women. Frack!

[goldbry]

Please. She's not a reporter. Why do you expect her to be a reporter?

[NoSillyName]

She was an "entertainment reporter" in Baltimore, so she should have at least some reporting experience.

[MsTee]

Maybe if you watched the whole thing, you'd know that it was the last question you asked, after asking in depth questions on plural marriages and alleged child abuse.

[MsTee]

Obviously I meant "last question she asked". I need to preview my comments before posting :)

[rdiaz921]

that is an appropriate question because they are obviously FOLLOWING SOMEONE.

Blindly following to feel accepted, as if they are a part of something. Submission to the group because they are not allowed to be/look different from the group.

So this question is only superficial to someone who only SEES the surface - can't see or think beyond what is in front of them.

[toocoldout]

Oh take a flying leap.

[Marshabio02]

Thank you!!!! LOL!!!!!

[ericmiami]

What a lot of votes for Romney!

[Harmony1812]

Sad that the children were taught that play is a bad thing.

[mibuddi]

Their hair "style" will not change. They have been wearing this"style" for years. The women are taught from a very early age that their hair is their "crowning glory", therefore, not to be cut!!!

One question never posed is regarding the number of severely mentally retarded children born within the FLDS communities from Colorado City, AZ, Hilldale, UT, and El Dorado, TX. This form of mental retardation is known as fumarase deficiency (20 born at last count). This disability is caused by an enzyme irregularity that causes severe mental retardation brought on by "cousin" marriage. It is so common in this sect that it has become known as "Polygamist Downs". Until 10 years ago, there were only 10 cases WORLDWIDE that had been studied. Now, within these three communities of approximately 10,000 people, there are 20 known cases. Think about it. They all keep marrying their cousins (meaning first and second cousins), or this would not be occurring within this small group of people. This is sick! Not only sick, but I believe this "inbreeding" is "illegal" in the world you and I live in for the very reason just listed!

I came away feeling that I knew waaaaaayyyyyy more than Oprah did, and I felt she really failed to "do her homework" for this show. Just a lot of questions with answers and nothing challenged.

Anyone needing to have a thorough understanding of the FLDS should read the book: " Under the Banner of Heaven."

[Willow207]

Also read:

"God's Brothel" - Research of Polygamist life
by Andrea Moore-Ennett

"Keep Sweet" Escapee
by Debbie Palmer

"Escape" Escapee
Carolyn Jessop

"Stolen Innocence"Escapee
Elissa Walls

"When Men Become Gods"-chronicle of Warren Jeffs life
by Steven Singular

[lynjs]

As an African-American gal, we, of all people have had to 'explain' our hair for various reasons. It is insulting to say the least. Oprah should be ashamed of herself.

I'm not one to cold-water one's beliefs. And yes they do look frumpy, but that's them. They're comfortable with themselves. The least I can do is hold judgment on them and their appearance.

It hasn't been fun for me in this country as a person of color, so I know it isn't fun for them. Find a life and stop judging people.

[gbrooks]

Spot-on lynjs.

[yellowdogminnesotan]

Well in case no one has ever said sorry, let me. I hope people meant nothing by it when they asked, but constantly being reminded of how your not in the "norm" must be hard. I know I've had innocent questions regarding differences based on race, color, or religion. But I guess those questions again point out that for some reason you might not be the "norm" so let me say sorry.

[rachel88]

Very well said.

[SharonB]

I gotta say, yeah, these gals do wear their hair in old fashioned style. But, have you seen some of Oprah's hair styles??????

The day she interviewed Elizabeth Taylor Oprah's hair was so big you bould have hidden a hillbilly family and their guns in that hot mess.

[juliabliss]

I always wondered where Sarah Palin got that idea from...

[Georgiapundit]

Did you see her and Romney standing in the corner?