", "To really be able to appreciate these hairstyles, we must educate ourselves on the origin. Policing people and telling them what they can and cant do with their hair feels draconian and dull. The foot is regarded in Hinduism as the humblest and most impure part of the body since it touches the ground first. Are Hair Beads Cultural Appropriation? : r/AskAnAfrican - Reddit 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. 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. There are hardly any visible Afro-Latinx people in the public sphere. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Although I hated the tugging and pulling, I knew that Id love the outcome. Ethiopians, Kenyans, ancient Greeks and ancient Egyptians woredreadlocks for various reasons. The women in my family have been wearing nose rings all their lives. However, I just feel it should have been done without Dolezal on the marquis. To sum it up: If youre considering incorporating hair cuffs into your style, take some time to do research on their origins and meanings before deciding how best to wear them. On the other hand, if someone is wearing hair rings that are inspired by a variety of cultural influences, and they are doing so with respect and an understanding of the cultural significance of the accessory, it may not be seen as cultural appropriation. As a braider, it's definitely my duty to clear out all of that right away.. Heres a step-by-step guide to help you determine if youre appropriating with your hair cuffs: Step 1: Educate yourself on the history of hair cuffs. Any way you slice it, the definition is vague in too many areas to judge the legality. For example, YouTube user Dav Ze asked the pertinent question: lolz why the dude didnt killed that negress right there?. So when I see someone wearing it on their tie-dye camisole or sarong during a resort vacation, you can imagine how it feels. Exploring the Debate: Are Hair Cuffs Cultural Appropriation? Which was why I was defiant in school when I was told to remove my nose ring after piercing my nose at fifteen. I have a (white) family friend from South Carolina who grew up in a segregated society and often refers to his time as a teenager growing up during the civil rights movement. Through this scene, she. Hair cuffs are a fashion accessory that have been around for centuries. For many of us, the oppression is far from over, and we still exist within marginalized communities. The United States has a legacy of demanding assimilation from black women. If you purchased your hair cuffs from a store or online without researching their origins, chances are they were made without consideration for cultural significance. Indian women have been adorning their arms with bangles since ancient civilization. View Hair Cuffs Are Here To Stay ", Growing up, my father took my brother and me on an annual summer vacation to the Dominican Republic to visit family. Dear Beloved Reader, we're going to be real with you. Why You Should Think Twice Before Wearing This Type Of Hair Jewelry We are conditioned every day, from the all-white magazine covers that dominate the shelves of WHSmith to the lack of representation we have in the media, to believe that our natural beauty is not enough. Shes posing. Rachel Dolezal may very well be a talented stylist but she doesnt deal with the issues that women with a totally different texture of hair face. Hair cuffs have a long history in many cultures. Unlike Dolezal, black women are not able to simply take out their braids when they are done being black. 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. Yes, some white people just take the hairstyles and act like it's some cool new trend, and purposefully ignore the concerns of black people. This act of unconscious disrespect leads towards offence disrepects whole cultures this could be seen as harmful appropriation rather than appreciation. But when did we decide to lambast an individual for exploring cultures other than their own? identity. It is important to show respect by acknowledging cultural origins and seek alternatives if using again would lead towards appropriation. 3. Over time, the trend spread worldwide becoming adopted by different cultures and worn in various forms. They are placed by the groom onto the brides feet during the Hindu wedding ceremony. The topic of cultural appropriation comes up often these days, but it's a discussion that needs to be had, especially when it comes to the topic of white people wearing black hairstyles. Here are some frequently asked questions about hair cuffs and cultural appropriation: What is cultural appropriation? Today, they remain an integral part of black hairstyles culture. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. That means that at any moment Dolezal could abandon her blackness and leave it on the side of the road. Hindu babies are adorned with simple silver anklets and typically, a girl child continues to wear anklets while boys grow out of it. If you need to flag this entry as abusive. Those beach braids lasted for weeks, which gave me a break from those tedious salon trips. can white people wear hair cuffs : r/askblackpeople - Reddit And I explained that dreads/braids are not an option for her hair, hair cuffs might be but Id have to get the answer from other people and its not a decision I can make. Not only does it make you look incredibly bitter, but it only increases cultural and racial division, of which we dont need any more on this inexplicably divided earth. While you may have experienced the ire of a South Asian SJW for wearing our accessories, it is imperative to remember that we have always been welcoming and accepting of tourists or foreigners who wish to learn more about our way of life. The, Whats new in hair color right now? Now, it seems that a more voluptuous look is suddenly more desirable. Then it dawned on me. There has long existed a civil war in the black community with hair and skin tone at the center of the fight. Anything outside this normative framework becomes exoticized thanks to similar microaggressions enforced upon particular traits implying anything not European looking might turn ugly. Cultural appropriation is not just about taking elements from another culture but includes also exploiting the same for ones benefit giving no credit where its due. Some women still do make their own paste with the leaves, but it is most commonly used today by applying it with a plastic or paper cone to create more intricate patterns on hands and feet. TikToks DIY Leave-In Conditioner Outperforms My Expensive 14 Bob Haircut Trends That Are Everywhere This Year. Why do artists use appropriation? The answer to this question depends on the individual and their intent. Back home in Queens, my mother would take me to the. Adorning a womans feet symbolizes an act of devotion by her family or spouse. Even Beyonc has been accused of culturally appropriating. A forehead close-up of a person wearing a bindi. What Is Cultural Appropriation? | Britannica One needs to understand the context of the adoption and also learn about its origins before using any cultural aesthetics as fashion statements. Also, some of us dont have a choice in the matter. The history around black hair is extensive and laden with racial tension. During the Victorian era, hair jewelry became incredibly popular across Europe and North America. Cornrows, or what I affectionately refer to as doo doo plaits, have become a new trend known as boxer braids adopted by white celebrities. in this context, the pressure to have straight hair) as a black person. Being responsible towards issues of cultural appropriation requires acknowledging historical contributions from different perspectives within broader social stakes. Some of our Gods namely Ganesh, Shiva, and Kali seem to be cooler than the rest, and they have been tatted onto bodies across the world. The concept of cultural appropriation is a topic that divides many, and the debate recently made headlines again when Justin Bieber posted a selfie of himself sporting dreadlocks and a video of a black student telling a white teenager to cut his dreads went viral. When she first hit the scene serving as the head of the Spokane, Washington NAACP, my first thought was good on her. It seemed to me that there was no harm in a white woman posing as black if shes willing to help the black community. I believe wholeheartedly in the efforts of Isis Brantley and the BraidOn movement to bring awareness to the plight of black women who choose to wear a natural hairstyle. While some may view wearing them as a sign of respect and appreciation, others may view it as an act of exploitation. Some people feel that when non-black individuals incorporate these hair accessories into their own hairstyles without considering or acknowledging its origin from black culture; it negates black peoples unique stylistic history and represents injustice towards them. Hair is a big topic in the black community. While it looked cool to my friends when they sported a bindi, I could not help but feel strange about it, like an invasion of space. My mother, aunts, cousins and a few friends have all divorced their flat irons and have been chemical-free for quite some time. The main thing that frustrates me is the discrediting of the influence that a certain practice brings, says Moore-Karim. This disregard for non-European beauty and subsequent ones assuming features that come naturally to other cultures during fashion trends further perpetuates harmful narratives and reinforces colonial attitudes. If I had to choose between fighting against harmful stereotypes and social inequality or little Timothy and his new ill-advised dreads, I know which one Im going to spend my energy on. Appreciate any culture you want as long as it not physically harming people or animals. Ultimately, it is important to be mindful of the cultural context of the things we wear and to be respectful of the cultures that inspire our fashion choices. 5. Required fields are marked *. If you straighten it you want to be white, if you retain your natural hair texture it is a bold statement. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Racial Justice 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 entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. 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. To fully understand its consequences, though, we need to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself. Puerto Rican braider, There is no clear-cut rule to Latinas wearing protective styles. You see, the problem with culture appropriation is that certain parts of a culture are first mocked then mimicked; it sends a message that our bodies, music, clothing and language are all coveted but we are not. Yes, chlorine can bleach hair by stripping away, Short Answer: Does Cat Hair Grow Back? When I learned the South Indian dance form known as Bharatanatyam, I wore thick anklets with bells known as the Saalangai, and when I picked up the Northern Indian dance form known as Kathak, I wore thicker anklets with bells known as the Ghungroo. I had dreadlocks from ages eight to 13 or 14, after my mum decided shed had enough of my screaming and crying every time she went to do my hair and gave me an ultimatum. Today, when so many peers wear one, its not considered a problem. The issue of hair may never die in our community. To even place it on this list feels wrong, but it has been accessorized and thus needs to be addressed. Diving into the lyrics, Grande fumbles again at the line between appropriation and appreciation. She's five. It is considered a symbol of Indian femininity and sensuality. The politics of hair, particularly in the black community, is a touchy subject. Can Latinas Wear Braids Without Backlash? While some may view it as a positive celebration of their culture, others may feel that it is a form of exploitation. She holds a Masters in Psychotherapy with a focus on contemplative psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. It is still considered the primary piece of clothing in India even in modern wardrobes like mine and the tradition of draping one has been going strong for the past 6000 years. This has sparked debate over whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of cultural appropriation. It is also important to evaluate the impact of wearing hair cuffs on cultural appropriation. The use of jewelry on braids is not unique only in black culture; Native Americans also celebrate tribal markings through scout beads, while Turkish girls incorporate gold chains onto their traditional wrap bun hairstyle called Dassah. So there are similar patterns across different cultures all over the world which show how such cultural elements have become common and practiced in many places. Seek artist collaborations or compensations when applicable, avoid simplifying complex histories into one tokenistic trend particularly culturally nuanced examples such as hair cuffs which warrants historical significance among Black women in its sophisticated hair styling practices. Plus, I loved how it looked. My identity, my politics, my community, and my sense of self is a work in progress. You can upgrade a ponytail or braided look by intricately looping hair in and out of the rings with a crochet hook. One of our first destinations was always Sosa beach, an hour and a half drive from my grandparents' house in Santiago. The design really depends upon the family traditions. It is the representation of the three sacred Vedic scriptures Rig, Yajur, and Sama. It would be advisable to get a hand with how to wear one properly since it takes some effort. Can Latinas Wear Braids Without Backlash? - Refinery29 She is a plus size fashion blogger, body positive advocate, and feminist. I hope the organization is successful in its fight against anti-braiding laws and other worthy causes surrounding natural hair. Is it ever okay for someone outside of that culture to wear hair cuffs? He often discusses how his love of black music gave him and the black community a common ground during a time when it was largely believed they were fundamentally different. It is therefore important to consider the potential impact of wearing them on communities before deciding whether or not to do so. Used thoughtfully within ones own hairstyle is very different than trying to recreate styles that have particular cultural contexts like cornrows. So what do you think? I did it to commemorate my very first trip to the homeland. Also, they are a very handy guide for dance teachers to figure out who is not dancing coherently to the rhythm. When I got old enough, I learned to straighten my hair myself, and I did so without question for a decade. Over 200 years ago, Saartjie Baartman, a black woman living in 19th-century Europe from southwestern Africa, was paraded around as a freak show exhibit named, Hottentot Venus. In Native American culture, they were used in ceremonial hairstyles. Nor is anything else. However, if you obtained them from an artisan who has knowledge and respect for their historical meaning, then the legitimacy of using them as an accessory increases. So, to answer my original question: Can I as a light-skinned Latina, with a looser curl pattern, a deep understanding of and allyship with my Black peers, and a complicated relationship with my cultures Afro roots and my personal Afro identity wear braids? It started with immersing into someone elses culture and ended with him becoming more socially aware, more politically engaged. When assessing the merits of each argument, it is important to consider the intent behind wearing hair cuffs. I often asked my parents if I could keep the style until the first day of school to show the plaits off to my other classmates. Please enter your username or email address. While it is popularly known as decorative material, Henna paste was used in ancient civilization to provide comfort in diseases related to blood circulation and body aches, with a cooling de-stressing effect on nerves and muscles. This has sparked debate over whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of cultural appropriation. choosing body art . There is a reason beyond ease that points to why most of my black friends dont wear their hair naturally, choosing straight, long weaves and relaxer over their natural helix curls. I do not take issue with the nose ring as much, but I do not like the bridal nose ring being exported as yet another fun fashion accessory. Hair cuffs are small metal bands, often studded or engraved with intricate designs, placed around braids or dreadlocks to add embellishment to hairstyles. Just as I was allowed to wear a bindi to that club night out in south London a few years back before I got woke, just as my best mate donned a headdress for a fancy dress party without realising that, according to one Native American writer, it constitutes to the denigration of restricted symbols, and just as each Halloween theres still at least one news story about someone or in last years case, many people wearing blackface. I couldnt be more tired of this shit. As noted in the previous post non-Blacks/African Americans who do this hairstyle are seen as trendy and cool, whereas Blacks/African Americans are seen as dirty and bad. While they may seem like a harmless accessory, their origins and cultural significance should not be ignored. Why might wearing hair cuffs be considered cultural appropriation? Answer (1 of 21): So you want to look like thisat a Viking cosplay? I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. "Certain types of hair are also associated with so-called 'low-status racial groups,' and therefore, that serves to identify a person as a particular race." Depending on region and community, bangles are made out of differing materials glass, silver, conch, or shell. So when we talk about dreadlocks belonging to black culture, that is something of an overstatement. They adorn braids, twists and even free-flowing locks with effortless style. Without it we wouldnt have jazz, Tex-Mex or even Christmas trees (look it up). Id find a black run business to buy them from obviously.