Asagai attempts to help her to do so. While one may say that Asagai is antagonizing Beneatha's customs, as well as those of the people around her, he is merely forcing her to think about who she is and who she wants to be. Only then is Beneatha able to see how different she truly is from how she views herself. Later, after Asagai has left, Beneatha is preparing to go out for the evening with George Murchison. When Beneatha appears from out of her bedroom, her hair has been unstraightened and left natural. George is appalled at her appearance and directs her to change her hair immediately. Ruth says to Beneatha, "You expect this boy to go out with you with your head all nappy like that?" (Hansberry 80) Beneatha responds, "That's up to George. If he's ashamed of his heritage - " (Hansberry 80). George interrupts saying, "Oh don't be so proud of yourself Bennie - just because you look eccentric" (Hansberry 80). Obviously, speaking with Asagai changed Beneatha's opinion about her appearance and heritage. She has left her hair natural like Africans do, therefore, Beneatha considers herself to be better than the others, who have chosen to straighten their hair. By straightening their hair, or changing something about their appearance, personality, or way of life, some African Americans have begun assimilating into American culture. Beneatha does not give into this temptation, resulting in her self-appointed superiority. George realizes the absurdness of this frame of mind and tells Beneatha he thinks so. Beneatha longs to realize where her personal view of her heritage and culture fits in the American culture around her.
Just as Beneatha searches for her ethnic identity, she also attempts to find her own personal identity. Specifically, Beneatha is looking for what she enjoys in life and what her passions are. Mama says, "Why you got to flit so from one thing to another, baby?" (Hansberry 47) Beneatha replies, "I just want to learn to play the guitar.