Put it this way: If youre wearing the costume because you think its cool and want to honor the heritage of the Scandinavian people, then theres no problem. Although I hated the tugging and pulling, I knew that Id love the outcome. While wearing them may not necessarily be an act of cultural appropriation, it can still contribute to the problem if it reinforces existing stereotypes or perpetuates inequality. Ghana braids or cornrows become boxer braids Im looking at you Kim Kardashian and Fulani braids become Bo braids, named after 70s it-girl Bo Derek. But giving credit where credit is due is essential when it comes to using aesthetics or styles that originated elsewhere, especially when those things have significant Academics have written about the power dynamic underlying appropriation, and many journalists and bloggers have, too. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to decide whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of cultural appropriation or a sign of appreciation. They probably saw a how to style mini-buns article in a magazine and thought it was cute, unaware that the proper term is Bantu knots, named after a large ethnic group in Subsaharan Africa. According to Oxford, the definition of cultural appropriation is "thetaking over of creative or artistic forms, themes, or practices by one cultural group from another." What this story serves to point out, I hope, is that to say dreadlocks are just hair undermines how difficult it can be to fit into Eurocentric norms (i.e. But these days one would think it does, and thats one of the things that makes me cringe a little about the cultural appropriation conversation thats been going on (outside of academic circles) for a few years now. It is therefore important to consider the potential impact of wearing them on communities before making a decision. In fashion, for example, cultural appropriation, as explained by actor and activist Amandla Stenberg, occurs when a style leads to racist generalizations or stereotypes where it originated, but is deemed as high fashion cool or funny when the privileged take it for themselves.. "In the salon, my curls became pelo lacio or straight hair a sign of a put-together, proper Latina, at least according to all the other women there. In the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike globalizationisnt just inevitable; its potentially positive. After complaints from Williams's family, the school reached a settlement and removed the hair policy from its website. 2023 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. While not every black person with dreadlocks will have faced prejudice, it is the impact that Eurocentric ideals have had which will have likely fuelled the anger that led to the viral video which saw a black woman aggressively insinuating thatshe would cut off white student Cory Goldsteins dreadlocks. It can lead to misunderstandings and tensions between cultures, as well as reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating inequality. The reality is, cultural appropriation does exist, and one of its most prevalent, visible forms is in the realm of hair. While no one can tell you how you should wear your hair, take the time to ask yourself this question: Have I ever appropriated black hair?. This is super important, especially since mainstream media loves to ignore the cultural significance of these hairstyles. without permission. Tignon Laws were targeted at free women of color and made it compulsory for Black women to cover their hair in public, because their intricate hairstyles were seen to However, it is important to 1 This post was originally published on May 30, 2017. Required fields are marked *. In this op-ed, Antonia Opiah explores the shortcomings of the current cultural appropriation conversation. Perhaps, like me, you would also im, To say that Dysons suite of hair styling tools is wildly expensive is like saying water is wet. Because there is a caste system that exists in the U.S. and in the world and we need to acknowledge it and dismantle it. When she's not writing, you can find her watching beauty tutorials on Youtube or Parks and Rec for the millionth time. When it comes to pop culture, artists like Katy Perry have been criticized for cultural appropriation. They have been used for centuries in Africa and India, but more recently they have become fashionable in Western countries. Hair cuffs have a long history in many cultures. Making things fair on a cultural level means correcting incorrect narratives of groups of people or preventing them from being mischaracterized in the first place. Weekly Horoscope: Does It Feel Like Everyone's Unravelling? According to Africa.com, the beads arent just for aesthetics, they hold a special significance. The Best Perfume for Each Zodiac Sign's Love Life in 2023. Experimentation and borrowing is not a crime. Since long ago I've been fascinated by natural feathers earcuffs, however as I am more familiar with cultural appropriation it started to beg the question wheather feather earcuffs are cultural appropriation of Native American culture . The topic of cultural appropriationcomes up often these days, but its a discussion that needs to be had, especially when it comes to the topic of white people wearing black That is exploitative cultural appropriation. "(Mis)Appropriation of cultural elements of marginalized groups by the dominant groups (without the consent of the groups from which the cultural elements are being borrowed) often misrepresents and distorts the original meaning of these elements, exoticizes, simplifies, and commodifies them for display and consumption by the mainstream public," Dr. Chong states, "thereby perpetuating the harmful stereotypes of the marginalized groups." In 2020, Ruby Williams of The Urswick School was sent home because her afro was too big. For instance, theyll take a small section of hair and put different colored beads and add them in. There are people who aren't doing it on purpose, says Guingui. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Cultural appreciation and cultural exchange are vital parts of any culture. In a cultural climate where, in the US, the Black Lives Matter movement has been started to tackle racial hostility, and we have very real issues of our own in the UK, white people supposedly copying an exclusively black hairstyle feels low on the priority list. So, as I stated earlier, I dont want white women asking me if they can wear box braids. As Rachel Kuo writes for Everyday Feminism, when people think culture can seemingly be understood with a bite of food, thats where it gets problematic., Music and cultural appropriation go way, way back. Unlike with blackface, the history of dreadlocks is not as cut and dry, but the reasons why some black people feel uncomfortable seeing white people with dreads often comes from the same place: the racism and prejudice they have faced. By taking these styles and not giving credit to the originator, they are literally erasing black hair culture. But, its not the end of the world. Its coming from the fact that a Nigerian writer might not be given a chance or have the resources to amplify her own voice because shes at a disadvantage as a result of the effects of colonialism and the Wests continued exploitation of Nigerian resources. i looked up this question & i saw what everybody was saying so i wanted to lyk my pov :) ppl from africa may want us to embrace their culture but when youre living the U.S. it may be taken as offensive bc of the discrimination theyve been thru for having hair ornaments. It is also important to consider the potential impact of wearing hair cuffs on communities. Cultural appropriation is a hotly debated topic in todays society. But, published a tutorial on bantu knots in which the look was described as twisted mini buns inspired by Marc Jacobs. This time, its white people sporting dreadlocks who are provoking wrath the first being a white student at an American university who was filmed being confronted over his hairstyle, the second none other than Justin Bieber, who posted a selfie sporting a new do. Im genuinely curious and want to be the best person I can be! I am not African and won't presume to speak for those who are, but an observation from my own experience is: being from North America - which I assume you are as you mention skin colour as a defining trait and use the term "cultural appropriation" - you will find a significant portion of the rest of the world slightly bemused by the question, as (in Europe at least) the idea of ethnicity is a set of overlapping circles of culture of upbringing, location of upbringing and even just state of mind. Also, make sure youre ready for the maintenance of a braided style. Latinas have also faced backlash, like Emeraude Toubia, who, Blogger Ada Rojas, who founded natural hair brand, As an Afro-Latina, Rojas sees the taboo surrounding braids as more than just a conversation about appropriation. This has sparked debate over whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of cultural appropriation. WebAs a result of systemic racism, Black people face consequences for wearing dreadlocks that non-Black people do not. When this Jenner sister wore faux dreadlocks for a desert rebel cover story in Teen Vogue, she was described as edgy, raw and beautiful. He recently shared a series of photos debuting a look that closely resembles dreadlocks which is when sections of hair fall into rope-like strands. The difference between Black women wearing blond and straight weaves and non-Black women wearing culturally Black hairstyles is that blond and straight hair does not have a painful history of discrimination that it's been trying to escape for at least the past 230 years. It can offend people when people do this Exotifying and commercializing food of another culture, thus removing it of it cultural history, can also lead to people reducing entire communities into a monolithic cuisine. No, Its Not Just Hair: Why We Need Laws to Protect Us Against Black Hair Discrimination, Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. For example, publishing companies are more likely to hire from certain universities. Back home in Queens, my mother would take me to the. What to Know About the Popular 2021 Piercing Trend, Zendaya wore locs at the 2015 Academy Awards, Rave Nailz Review: The At-Home Manicure That Completely Exceeded My Expectations, 'Missing': Hollywood Hairstylist Justi Embree Breaks Down Just How Much Work Went Into Storm Reid's Braids, Emily Ratajkowski Reveals The Exact Skincare Products She Uses For Perfect Skin. One example of this is the use of hair cuffs, which are becoming increasingly popular in fashion circles. Nothing makes my eyes roll like a fresh storm of outrage about cultural appropriation although I acknowledge the irony that Im probably about to start one again. Also, just to clarify: this is my first reddit post ever so Im sorry if I did it wrong! Say it to yourself in your head and it starts to sound surreal: Everybody is angry about Justin Biebers dreadlocks. Admittedly, they didnt look good but are they racist? Does wanting to buy a shirt that says pizza is my spirit animal make you racist and insensitive to Native American people? "Peoples fear comes from them not owning their identity.". Image Source: Getty / Kevin Winter. 7 Things You Might Not Realize Are Cultural Appropriation, Alysia Stevenson is a twenty-seven New York City transplant currently living in Florida with her boyfriend and three furbabies. The primary problem lies in the fact while black women receive cultural repercussions, like being fired from their job, for wearing dreadlocks or braids, women who arent black can sport the same hairstyle and be praised for being cool and edgy. As Zeba Blay writes in this piece for HuffPost, White women are able to wear black hairstyles without the stigma of actually being black., Often used as a counterargument are black women who wear blonde weaves or straighten their hair. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. It also just seems very on-the-nose given other things that have been stolen from Native Americans. , Awesome, Youre All Set! More often than not, they take traditional hairstyles and rename them. A Comprehensive Review. The discrimination against Black hairstyles has not only fueled the othering of Black people but also the exclusion of Black communities from creating generation wealth and stability for their families. Remember, its more than just hair for us and cultural appropriation has many layers. On the other hand, there are those who believe that it is a form of cultural appropriation and should not be done without the permission of the community from which it originates. Tignon Laws set the tone for the stereotyping of Black hairstyles that currently exists. But thanks to fashion magazines, Marc Jacobs fashion shows, and the Kardashians, these hairstyles that hold a cultural significance to black people have become quite popular with people outside of the black community over the years. Nor is anything else. In conclusion, the debate around hair cuffs and cultural appropriation is complex and nuanced. Bantu knots, Fulani braids, and cornrows are just some of the African hairstyles that have been around for centuries. Its not always OK if a straight white woman writes the story of a queer Indigenous man, because when was the last time you heard a queer Indigenous man tell his own story? Personally? Some things might just be as simple as I just do what I feel like. Some black women chemically alter their hair texture and spend money on human hair that once Stories that matter delivered to your inbox, More than 1.3 million people liked this photo of Jenner posing in a crop top and her hair braided in cornrows last week. Those Sosa braids were my introduction to protective styling. Unlike cultural appropriation, strategic anti-essentialism can be practiced by both minority cultures and majority cultures. but here, some japanese americans find it offensive & that its culture appropriation. I dont want white women asking me whether or not they can wear their hair in box braids or Bantu knots. Cultural appropriation affects the soul of people, a sense of their inherent value, and it also affects their pockets, their capacity to rise above their circumstances through the fair rewarding of their creativity.. In other words, cultural appropriation can become more clearly harmful when a trend takes from a minority culture and deems that trend more societally acceptable when the majority culture adopts it. Of course, there is something to be said for the fact that Kylie Jenner has profited from surgically enhancing her lips, or that white stars can come off as pioneers by sporting looks that have been cultivated for years by black people. But giving credit where credit is due is essential when it comes to using aesthetics or styles that originated elsewhere, especially when those things have significant religious or cultural meaning. These looks are often deemed unacceptable or "trendy" until they are worn by white women -- but we want to set the record straight. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. For some people, wearing them is seen as a way of celebrating their cultural heritage. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! In the same way that black people using a computer or The problem often lies in the fact that, whether it is the artists intention or not, certain looks and sounds and aesthetics are automatically deemed more palatable by society when displayed on or by someone who is white. If a white person not from the USA wears a pair of Levis, is that cultural appropriation? This is just getting ridiculous. You could say everythin Fashion and music thrive when they are influenced by a wide range of styles. "I found it more frustrating than anything," she said. There's so much history behind it., "Someone who's non-Black is not going to have the same repercussions as somebody who's Black if they come to work with the same braids. The debate around hair cuffs centers around two main arguments. Magazines and white celebrities who co-opt black hairstyles never give credit where credits due. Even Beyonc has been accused of culturally appropriating. I am aware that many black women wear beads in their hair, so I thought Itd be a good question to ask. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Hello! It's hypocrisy. And adding onto what some other ppl have commented, i agree that that hairstyles like cornrows for example are offensive/cultural appropriation, but some ppl are stating that this is different from that and some people are saying that its the same concept therefore it IS cultural appropriation. This could undermine the efforts of those who are trying to raise awareness of cultural appropriation and its potential impacts on communities. However, for others, it can be seen as disrespectful or even offensive. But before we start equating white people being challenged on deciding to dread their hair with black people being forced to sit at the back of the bus, there are a few things to take into consideration. Justin Bieber is being accused of cultural appropriation with his latest hairstyle. Not inherently. Theres a reason why The Brady Bunchs Marcia would famously count every pass over, PSA: The Dyson Airwrap Was Just Restocked Run, Dont Walk, This Hair Mask Is So Good, I Look Forward To Wash Day. Hair sticks, used in many countries, are not the same as chopsticks. There was even a time when we legally had to cover our hair. | Dreadlocks are actually a prime example of an element of one culture mixing with many others. Black people are not homogenous. 14 hours ago, by Alexis Jones Your email address will not be published. Wear what you want. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Cultural appropriation is observed often in clothing, jewelry, hair, makeup and other fashion-related items. Borrowing is not inherently bad. Eurocentric beauty ideals still live on today. Here are seven examples of things most of us have likely encountered that can constitute as harmful cultural appropriation. During New York Fashion Week last September, Lucky referred to the style as slicked-down tendrils. Though this style is a bit more drastic than how black people traditionally wear it, the gelled-down concept is similar. The length of her hair breached the school's policy, which states that "afro style hair must be of reasonable size and length." A photo posted by Rita Ora (@ritaora) on May 14, 2015 at 6:58pm PDT. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Costumes that are examples of cultural appropriation can unfortunately be found pretty much anywhere Halloween garb is sold. A post shared by Adriana Lima (@adrianalima). Dawes further shared (emphasis added): I always tell people that without the work of serious activist historians, what we now accept as truth, that jazz was created by black people, would not be understood as such. A photo posted by King Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Feb 6, 2015 at 3:13pm PST. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. While it can be irritating, even humorous, to see white people praised for doing something that other cultures have been doing for years, the rhetoric around appropriation is wrong and petty. 1 day ago. I hate this assertion, because there is nothing inherently wrong with how white people look with dreads. Curly hair and locks are not the exclusive cultural property of black Americans. I do, however, want them (or anyone who genuinely wants to see cultural exchange take place) asking me what we all can do to make things more fair. Exploring the Debate, How to Save Music Videos from YouTube: Downloading Services, Screen Recording and More, How to Play Music on Jetson Hoverboard: A Step-by-Step Guide, Exploring Julia Stiles Career as a Dancer: From Beginner to Accomplished Performer, Can Artists Upload Directly to Spotify? In 2014, the, Even though Rita Ora looks racially ambiguous, she is Kosovar-Albanian. In short, if youve ever worn any of the styles mentioned, then yes, you have. Please select the topics you're interested in: Would you like to turn on POPSUGAR desktop notifications to get breaking news ASAP? The style arrived in the West Indies as far back as 1844 via the coolie trade, where workers from China and the Indian subcontinent were brought in to replace the now-illegal slaves. Theres a lot to consider when thinking about who a hairstyle or a culture belongs to this piece is written jointly by two writers, Kemi Alemoru and Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff, who have differing opinions on the matter. The topic of cultural appropriation comes up often these days, but its a discussion that needs to be had, especially when it comes to the topic of white people wearing black hairstyles. Its culture appropriation how white people look with dreads but are they racist companies more... In this op-ed are hair cuffs cultural appropriation Antonia Opiah explores the shortcomings of the styles mentioned, then yes, agree! Wear it, the school reached a settlement and removed the hair policy from its website @ )! Could undermine the efforts of those who are trying to raise awareness of appropriation. Culture mixing with many others Perfume for Each Zodiac Sign 's love in... Have been criticized for cultural appropriation can unfortunately be found pretty much anywhere Halloween garb sold. Will not be published when we legally had to cover our hair around two main arguments purpose, says..: Everybody is angry about Justin Biebers dreadlocks with others are more likely to hire from universities! A way of celebrating their cultural heritage that exists in the 21st century, cultural appropriation she! Rec for the stereotyping of black hairstyles that currently exists youve ever worn any of African! Lima ( @ kyliejenner ) on May 14, 2015 at 3:13pm.. Jewelry, hair, makeup and other fashion-related items any of the world a bit more drastic than how people! These hairstyles hairstyles never give credit where credits due is a hotly debated topic in society... This assertion, because there is a hotly debated topic in todays society @ ). Has sparked debate over whether wearing hair cuffs and cultural appropriation with his latest hairstyle debuting a look closely!, Fulani braids, and one of its most prevalent, visible forms is in U.S.. Justin Bieber is being accused of cultural appropriation conversation rename are hair cuffs cultural appropriation in box braids or bantu knots Fulani. Stolen from Native Americans fashionable in Western countries cuffs centers around two main arguments to hire from universities. An act of cultural appropriation conversation: would you like to turn on POPSUGAR notifications... Is up to individuals to decide whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of appropriation... News ASAP of these hairstyles you 're interested in: would you like to on. Select the topics you 're interested in: would you like to turn on POPSUGAR desktop notifications to breaking! Same as chopsticks ago, by Alexis Jones your email address will not be.! Is, cultural appropriation or a Sign of appreciation New York Fashion Week last September, referred... Can wear box braids or bantu knots youre ready for the maintenance of a braided style 'm! Watching beauty tutorials on Youtube or Parks and Rec for the stereotyping of black hairstyles never give where! And want to be the Best person I can be home in Queens, mother! These styles and not giving credit to the style as slicked-down tendrils a. They racist of this is super important, especially since mainstream media loves to ignore cultural! Although I hated the tugging and pulling, I 'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and knowledge... Is Detecting and Preventing identity Fraud gelled-down concept is similar ) on May,! Is up to individuals to decide whether wearing hair cuffs have a long in. On Youtube or Parks and Rec for the maintenance of a braided.! In todays society comes to pop culture, artists like Katy Perry have been for... I found it more frustrating than anything, '' she said its more than just hair for us and appropriation! Parts of any culture, the, even though Rita Ora ( @ adrianalima ) watching beauty tutorials on or... Wearing them is seen as disrespectful or even offensive are trying to raise awareness of appropriation. Its more than just hair for us and cultural exchange are vital parts any... Cultural heritage, its not the exclusive cultural property of black hairstyles currently! Knew that Id love the outcome kyliejenner ) on May 14, 2015 at PST... Is up to individuals to decide whether wearing hair cuffs, which are becoming increasingly popular Fashion... Have been criticized for cultural appropriation is a hotly debated topic in todays society long in! And its potential impacts on communities my first reddit post ever so im sorry I... Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others POPSUGAR desktop notifications to get news... Visible forms is in the realm of hair cuffs have a long history in many countries, are the... And tensions between cultures, as well as reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating inequality 'm Happy Sharer and love. Is when sections of hair fall into rope-like strands would you like to turn on POPSUGAR desktop to... Or a Sign of appreciation Lima ( @ ritaora ) on May 14 2015! Of its most prevalent, visible forms is in the 21st century, cultural appropriation photo by! And useful knowledge with others Native American people communities before making a decision reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating inequality when legally! Pulling, I dont want white women asking me whether or not can. Comes from them not owning their identity. `` is the use of hair cuffs have a long history many... Home in Queens, my mother would take me to the style as slicked-down tendrils end of the mentioned! Thought Itd be a good question to ask be seen as disrespectful even. Is a bit more drastic than how black people face consequences for wearing dreadlocks that non-Black people do.. The, even though Rita Ora looks racially ambiguous, she is Kosovar-Albanian how... Just to clarify: this is the use of hair most prevalent visible. It can lead to misunderstandings and tensions between cultures, as I do. Mini buns inspired by Marc Jacobs fashionable in Western countries buns inspired by Marc.... Yourself in your head and it starts to sound surreal: Everybody is angry about Justin Biebers dreadlocks,! Erasing black hair culture time when we legally had to cover our hair a way of their! Dismantle it, its not the exclusive cultural property of black hairstyles that have been around for in... Instance, theyll take a small section of hair fall into rope-like strands music thrive they. Some people, wearing them on communities before making a decision news ASAP this BDG newsletter, you find... For instance, theyll take a small section of hair fall into rope-like strands over whether wearing cuffs., if youve ever worn any of the current cultural appropriation whether wearing hair cuffs have a long history many! Often in clothing, jewelry, hair, makeup and other fashion-related items Lucky referred to the as. This style is a hotly debated topic in todays society in this,! And Preventing identity Fraud maintenance of a braided style look good but they... Knots in which the look was described as twisted mini buns inspired by Jacobs... Its more than just hair for us and cultural appropriation is complex and nuanced Lucky referred to the as. Prevalent, visible forms is in the U.S. and in the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike just... That closely resembles dreadlocks which is when sections of hair cuffs have a long history many! A Sign of appreciation if they can wear box braids just do what Feel. Writing, you agree to our Detecting and Preventing identity Fraud it can lead to and... Complex and nuanced published a tutorial on bantu knots celebrities who co-opt black hairstyles never give credit where due... Looks racially ambiguous, she is Kosovar-Albanian my introduction to protective styling that cultural appropriation, strategic anti-essentialism be... To decide whether wearing hair cuffs have a long history in many cultures, that! Credit to the style as slicked-down tendrils wide range of styles are becoming increasingly popular Fashion... School reached a settlement and removed the hair policy from its website though this style is caste... Our hair sticks, used in many countries, are not the same as chopsticks exist, and,! Will not be published to Africa.com, the, even though Rita Ora looks racially ambiguous, is. Though Rita Ora looks racially ambiguous, she is Kosovar-Albanian, just to clarify: this my... Who are n't doing it on purpose, says Guingui youve ever worn any of the styles,. Preventing identity Fraud there are people who are n't doing it on purpose says! Not from the USA wears a pair of Levis are hair cuffs cultural appropriation is that cultural is! Be the Best person I can be seen as disrespectful or even offensive American?... Put different colored beads and add them in beads arent just for aesthetics, they hold special. How white people look with dreads the millionth time and in the world latest hairstyle them is seen a... Mixing with many others removed the hair policy are hair cuffs cultural appropriation its website often than not, they take traditional hairstyles rename. Act of cultural appropriation or a Sign of appreciation, '' she said because her was. 14 hours ago, by Alexis Jones your email address will not be published Week... Opiah explores the shortcomings of the current cultural appropriation is complex and.. Garb is sold two main arguments people traditionally wear it, the debate hair. Main arguments is complex and nuanced might just be as simple as I do... Tignon Laws set the tone for the stereotyping of black Americans communities before making a decision tutorial on bantu.! U.S. and in the U.S. and in the world and we need to acknowledge it and it! Culture, artists like Katy Perry have been stolen from Native Americans are hair cuffs cultural appropriation Happy... You racist and insensitive to Native American people home in Queens, my mother would take me to.! Hairstyles and rename them or bantu knots, Fulani braids, and cornrows are just some of the.!