Because they are not doing it in record numbers like we are. It takes a certain kind of mindset to make a majority of women of a certain race to feel like their natural hair is inadequate. I know someone will get mad at that statement but I think its completely true.
I agree with this statement in regard to relaxers...although, we STILL do immediately draw the conclusion that the purpose of relaxing must be due to some sort of self-hatred. I tend to think this is often a simplistic or default assumption common amongst many naturals. The reason people choose to relax or not relax are often very complex and diverse. But instead of giving each other a chance, we often observe other Black women from a position of judgment.
Also, I tend to look at history and the state of people today. I've encountered plenty of people with natural hair and a "Stepin Fetchit" mindset. PLENTY. However, I've encountered many people who are relaxed and involved in their communities and the empowerment of people of African descent. And without telling my age, the NOI, the Black Panthers were often filled with permies. And they were doing a lot more for their people then a lot of us think we're doing by simply wearing a natural hairstyle.
History and society have taught me that self-loathing, self-love, empowerment, denigration, and our perceptions of ourselves are tied in to way more than just our hair. That's simply scratching the surface.
I've been natural and relaxed (natural four times). Being natural has taught me to not assume that I know anyone else's reasons for relaxing. I would like to see us be warmer and more tolerant of each other in this regard.
Having natural hair doesn't say anything
at all (in my opinion) about someone's mindset.
And I learned that lesson the hard way.