Isaiah Mustafa, the guy from the Old Spice commercials struck some nerves recently when he was interviewed on the red carpet. During a red carpet interview for “E” Isaiah was asked if he was dating anyone, to which he replied he wasn’t and began describing his ideal mate. He stated that he’d prefer someone who is athletic, honest — and has “good hair.” When asked if prefers real over fake hair, Isaiah replied, “Yes, it does have to be real hair. I want my kids to have nice hair so she better have good hair. Cause, I don’t know if you’ve checked my hair out lately. Aside from today it’s normally nice. Today it’s slightly nappy.”

How do I feel about this? I have mixed feelings. On one hand I am a Black woman and yes my hair does get nappy so when a Black man, whose hair also gets nappy presumably, claims that I am not good enough for him due to my nappiness, it does annoy me. It makes me wonder how often he looks in the mirror and if there are any self hate issues going on in his character?

On the other hand, I am a firm believer that everyone should have the right to their own preferences. No matter how asinine they may seem to others. I prefer Black men with a darker complexion. This is what I find myself more attracted to. However, I would date anyone as long as I was attracted to them. The race would not matter if he treated me the way I desired and I had a connection to him. Am I wrong for having this attraction to a certain type of man? Some would say yes. They would also say that I am limiting my chances at true love by being so specific in my preferences. However it is still my choice. No matter how limiting it might be. When should another person’s preference become a problem for someone else?

My point is at what point do we stop caring about the preference that some Black men have of not dating Black women? Should we be insulted or should we consider that everyone has their right to have a preference? Even if we disagree. Needless to say, Isaiah Mustafa later issued an apology via his Twitter.