There was another thread in which the one who started it was trying to persuade others to stop with the straight-hair-is-the-best-hair thing (^ I think it was you, actually!) Braids are beautiful and it wasn't always like this. And I'm sorry to say it, but so many black women are being "white-ified." Losing our curves, putting in all this weave so it's straight, wearing more make up than we need -- we ARE. Even if we don't want to say we are and insist that we just like the way we look. I don't care what your reason is for doing it. You're doing it and that's enough.
So, as I've said elsewhere, I've completely stopped with the relaxers and hair straighteners lately. It's been hard because I feel like I'm the only one. But knowing why I'm doing it is what's helping me go on. While braids do make it easier for me, I also love the way they look.