Theres also the complicated perception of Blackness within the Latinx community. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Hair cuffs have been traditionally worn by African American women for decades as part of their unique hairstyles such as braids and dreadlocks. I hate this assertion, because there is nothing inherently wrong with how white people look with dreads. Ethiopians, Kenyans, ancient Greeks and ancient Egyptians woredreadlocks for various reasons. The contacts with the rest of the world influenced the Nordic extremely. So, what should we do if we still want to wear hair cuffs but dont want to appropriate someone elses culture? The old, pre-Christian, Nordic society was definitely not static. Hair is just hair. Hair bonds, that is. In conclusion, Hair cuffs are a fascinating example of how fashion accessories can gain traction over time thanks to shifts in culture or society at large. Moore-Karim says she ultimately knows that she cant stop people from wearing braids, but if they are going to do it, she urges one thing: Dont change the names or purposely unacknowledge its Black roots and history. 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. Despite its controversy around cultural appropriation, hair cuffs are not going anywhere soon as they remain a popular trend in womens style/ fashion magazines, runways, and social media. She could disappear into the anonymity that white privilege provides, even after all of the controversy she created. But be careful when threading the line between showing appreciation and respect for a foreign culture versus picking and choosing elements of it for a laugh. Not making a blanket decision right now about how I express all those things with my hair feels like the right decision for me. They hope that the viewer will bring all of his original associations with the image to the artist's new context, be it a painting, a sculpture, a collage, a combine, or an entire installation. Its beautiful because the black women who have chosen to wear their hair natural are beautiful. It is therefore important to consider the potential impact of wearing them on communities before making a decision. Ive had many conversations with her about the difference between appropriation and appreciation, in ways that a five year old can understand. and avoid shutting down. We're asking you to join our membership program so we can become fully financially sustainable (and you'll get cool perks too!) To fully understand its consequences, though, we need to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself. It was a way of living - and you decided how you should live it. Dreadlocks were worn by holy men of the Hindu religion, replicating the hair of the Indian god Shiva. Hindu babies are adorned with simple silver anklets and typically, a girl child continues to wear anklets while boys grow out of it. On The Cultural Appropriation Of Natural Hair | HuffPost Voices It's hypocrisy. The earliest evidence of henna application appears to have been mentioned in Egypt and in the earliest Hindu Vedic ritual books. Different regions and communities of India have varied versions of the mangalsutra or taali. Hair rings, also known as hair cuffs or hair hoops, are decorative hair accessories that are worn around the base of a ponytail or bun. Cultural appropriation is a hotly debated topic in todays society. It is widely used in South Asian countries India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh as well as the Middle East and Africa. It seems to have fallen into the unfortunate pit that is new age spiritual hipster living. It is worn like a crown of individual artistic expression and uniqueness, when the fact of the matter is, the designs that we have been placing on our hands and feet are a symbolic representation to awakening the inner light, an ode to the sun. Hair cuffs were initially used as a way to hold hair in place, especially during formal occasions. Celts weresaid to have hair like snakes. Appropriation. Its a conversation point thats never far from the headlines, but in the last few weeks, the world has been gifted with not one but two high-profile instances of aforementioned outrage. The main thing that frustrates me is the discrediting of the influence that a certain practice brings, says Moore-Karim. Nose rings didnt originate in India; they were brought to the region by the Middle East, thanks to the Mughal Emperors. "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 conclusion, the debate around hair cuffs and cultural appropriation is complex and nuanced. naming teams after animals, plants, or noncultural concepts. 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. The days of Abercrombie and Fitch ads lauding androgynous, white women as the perfect body shape are slowly slipping away. Trans & GNC 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. Fashion and music thrive when they are influenced by a wide range of styles. The term "cultural appropriation" is bandied about a lot these days largely when a fashion line or a famous person plays into a look or accessory that had its origins in another culture and. Ultimately, whether you wear ethnic-inspired jewelry or not- what matters most is remaining respectful toward others backgrounds- appreciating diversity without erasing individuality altogether! There is a special significance for each variation. Okay, lets start with the obvious and overt cultural appropriation. For rastas they symbolise a spiritual journey, but theyve been worn by African Maasai warriors and even have biblical roots. 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. Over the years, the racial microaggressions that offend and upset us have mutated, but they are aggressions all the same. This is a sacred thread of love and goodwill worn by married women as a symbol of their marriage. Natural hair has once again become a big business and the business is finally staying in the community. Feminism 101 Terms like ", Many Latinas are challenging this idea of, But even with positive changes happening, anti-Blackness still exists, and there are many Latinx women who are wary to accept their African roots. Hair cuffs have a long history in many cultures. Those Sosa braids were my introduction to protective styling. Once they were cut off I was initially ecstatic. In conclusion, hair cuffs are a beautiful expression of traditional hairstyling found throughout diverse cultures globally. 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. Feb 21, 2020, 8:52 AM Hair rings, coils, and cuffs originated in cultures throughout Africa. Depending on region and community, bangles are made out of differing materials glass, silver, conch, or shell. 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. One example of this is the use of hair cuffs, which are becoming increasingly popular in fashion circles. Over the years, the racial microaggressions that offend and upset us have mutated, but they are aggressions all the same. Hair cuffs were popularized in mainstream fashion during the 90s hip-hop era where it was widely used for the same purpose; but it was primarily designed with an understanding of its origin and purpose originating firmly from Black culture. It is styled differently, depending on what part of India you hail from the Rajasthanis wear a Maang Tikka, otherwise known as the Bor, that has a simple round tikka at the forehead, while in a Muslim wedding, the Jhumar Tikka that is placed on the side of the head. Are Hair Cuffs Cultural Appropriation? According to Professor Negrn-Muntane, finding connections and sharing both the difficult and beautiful aspects of each others cultures can create a stronger sense of unity across communities. 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. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. Hair cuffs were initially used as a way to hold hair in place, especially during formal occasions. Regardless of the different textures of our hair or the amount of melanin in our skin, Im sure we can all agree on one thing black is beautiful all by itself. Aarti Olivia Dubey is a first generation Southasian Singaporean. The new favorite Indian accessory we have seen in plenty of in stores. Being a socially awkward introvert, she prefers to put her thoughts into writing while observing the world. A forehead close-up of a person wearing a bindi. Cultural appropriation is a term that has gained increasing attention in recent years, and refers to the adoption of elements from a culture that are not ones own without respect for its meaning or context. Some wear it on a yellow thread, others on a thick gold chain, yet others have black beads strung together with two vatis representing the union of two strung at the end. By wearing these accessories without understanding their history, significance and cultural context it defeats the purpose of traditional customs as well as spreads offensive messages regarding other races identities through tokenizing their appearance. This way, everyone can enjoy the beauty brought by creative hairstyling without encroaching on other cultures traditions. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. If youre genuinely interested in learning about their cultural importance and are willing to do research, its possible to wear hair cuffs in a way that is respectful. Historically, the tradition seems to have originated in the 5th-6th century A.D. It is time we look at this from an economic and cultural standpoint. In Native American culture, they were used in ceremonial hairstyles. Fuck Dav Ze, obviously, but as someone who I suppose falls into the negress category Id like to delve deeper into the history behind this look. "It's a little unsettling to see someone who doesn't want to associate themselves as someone of color, of African descent, who still finds some utilization out of our cultural practice," says, And it's also important to acknowledge that the perception of non-Black women who choose to wear braids is different. Photo Credit: Flickr userJosh Rodriguezvia Creative Commons. And, often the taali is elaborately crafted with representations of the family deity Shiva, goddess Sri, the tulsi (basil plant), or the emblems of Vishnu. Bond-building treatments like those from Olaplex and K18 have been all the rage for a minute among those looking to, Even though Im a beauty girl to the core, Ive always been very low maintenance when it comes to hair products. 10 Trends That Are Actually Cultural Appropriation - Bustle In my eyes, its not that serious. 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. View So when we talk about dreadlocks belonging to black culture, that is something of an overstatement. Part of HuffPost Black Voices. As an Indian woman, I dont know where to start with the appropriation of Indian culture. Obviously, shampoo and conditi, We thought wed left the big, bouncy blow-dry in the 90s, but the look has made a comeback lately and its all thanks to TikTok. Without it we wouldnt have jazz, Tex-Mex or even Christmas trees (look it up). It can offend people when people do this without making it clear . One can confidently say that wearing hair cuffs does not automatically represent appropriation if done with respect and without any ulterior negative motives attached. As black women move away from the tedious processes involved with making their hair look more like the images of beauty forcefully portrayed in the media, we should applaud those efforts. A place for the curious to ask questions about black people. Were so glad you asked. Learning about the origins and proper usage of cultural traditions while creating fashionable trends should be crucial as it can lead to both respect toward cultures we borrow from and a better understanding about our own choices hence moving towards more inclusive society rather than contributing to shallow appropriation which belittles various communities. Not fun to get singled out in dance class, I can vouch for that! Personally? These cultural appropriation scandals can often feel driven by people who are so left wing they've gone right. 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. Natural hair is beautiful not because another culture has sanctioned it. The band No Doubt made waves on the radio and MTV when I was a teenager, and bindis became the new cool accessory thanks to Gwen Stefani. Men flocked to her show to catch a glance at her despite the caricatures of her buxom body drawn and distributed all over Europe. Beauty Appreciation or Appropriation? The Cultural Divide. Anklets are also viewed as a symbol of femininity, coquettishness, eroticism, and dance. Actually, lets start with the age-old fight over so-called good vs. bad hair. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? At only 4 feet 10 inches tall, Baartmans curvaceous body was the source of ridicule, laughter and silent lust. They adorn braids, twists and even free-flowing locks with effortless style. 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. The United States has a legacy of demanding assimilation from black women. I am not the best at draping a saree, but I do appreciate the place it has in my life as an Indian woman. 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? Appreciate any culture you want as long as it not physically harming people or animals. 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. Anti-Blackness has been ingrained in most Latin American cultures that have a history of European colonization, which enslaved indigenous communities in the 15th century and brought African slaves to the Central and South America, and the Caribbean. They speak volumes about personal expression and provide insight into how people use style choices to express themselves alongside their connection with cultural identities! Would it be okay for a white child to wear hair cuffs over some plaits? 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 belonged to someone in Asia. As long as we do not dismiss cultural significance while adopting styles, it should be fine to add our flavor to attractive accessories like hair cuffs. The rituals and symbolism of South Asian culture are beautiful. Please enter your username or email address. Actually, let's start with the age-old fight over so-called good vs. bad hair. While the reaction to his new look was mostly negative, it was nothing compared to the one seen inthatnow-viral video confrontation, filmed at San Francisco State University. The most sacred symbol in Hinduism. Indians wore rings on the nostril and septum way before it got fashionable. The reason this is uttered so often is because of the power it has to modify your pace of heart should you feel uneasy. The natural texture of black hair has been described with terms with negative connotations over the years such as nappy and kinky. How profit is distributed in profit and loss appropriation account.docx, Why do we need continuing appropriation.docx, What is the difference between Finance Bill and Appropriation Bill.docx, Unformatted text preview: permission from the owner is quite simply a form of theft . There are hardly any visible Afro-Latinx people in the public sphere. identity. According to Oxford, the definition of cultural appropriation is "the taking over of creative or artistic forms, themes, or practices by one cultural group from another." The latest company to come under fire for doing just that was Asos. Black people are not homogenous. 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. She loves animals to a fault and is a happy fur-mommy to three dogs and two cats. This was done as a way of expressing art, heritage, and establishing social status within communities. While some may view it as a form of respect and appreciation, others may view it as an act of exploitation. 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. Are you simply admiring how they look on others or do they hold deeper significance for you? These hefty accessories are meant to accentuate the rhythm of dance and to appreciate the complex footwork for the forms of Indian dance. Rachel Dolezal is by no means alone in her desire to emulate and imitate the black culture. But I will say beads are also fine but whatever you choice, make sure it's not damaging to her hair and. The embracing, blending and opening of cultures can help aid understanding, and drive creativity. As stated in a article The wearing of beads and hair ornaments on braids, remain an unmistakably African tradition, upheld by black womenand men in many instancesacross continents. However, I just feel it should have been done without Dolezal on the marquis. Rather than waste time pinpointing the cause of this contention (slavery), Id rather discuss the renaissance that has taken place over the last few years of black women falling back in love with their natural hair. It doesnt bother me when I see white people with dreadlocks. During my time of study for both dances, it was not uncommon for a non-Indian to take interest in learning the dance forms. However, it is important to remember that cultural appropriation can have serious consequences for communities and should be avoided whenever possible. the Australian who got into trouble for his Yellamma tattoo, What Happens to Immigrant Families When Theyre Detained Will Horrify You, Want to Come Out As Polyamorous to Your Parents, But Not Sure Where to Start? 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. Look at it this way: When you have been colonized, had your finery stolen, and your identity poked fun at, cultural appropriation is not just personal; it points to a bigger picture. If you are in attendance of an Indian function that stipulates Indian ethnic attire. That black people have felt the pressure to change their hair since slavery and colonialism (potato and lye burned our hair straight, grease slicked it down), and that when we do wear our hair in natural styles are told that they are unprofessional, smell of patchouli oil or weedor inappropriate might not mean a lot in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement in some peoples eyes, but in my opinion we need to fight these microaggressions as hard as we can, as they ultimately all point to the pervasiveness of racism in our society. There are many hairstyles black women and girls wear that directly correlate with their identity and culture, but mainstream media often doesn't seem to recognize it -- and bashes them when they do. This was cultural appropriation at work. There is limited scientific evidence to, Short answer: Does Calquence cause hair loss? She was criticised for incorporating Indian cultural and religious practices into the video for the Coldplay collaboration Hymn for the Weekend. Rachel Dolezal has taken this appropriation to another level. Today, when so many peers wear one, its not considered a problem. Of course, telling someone they cannot do something on the grounds of arbitrary notions of race is always going to provoke a strong emotional response the comments under articles on the topic saying things like, You are honestly going to deny people freedom of expression based on the colour of their skin? reveal as much. The issue of hair may never die in our community. 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. If a white person wears hair cuffs, is it cultural appropriation? Until I looked in a mirror and saw the short tufts of my afro sticking up, very brown and very foreign. The 2013 poster campaign Were a Culture, Not a Costumeby Ohio University highlighted how problematic it is to view someone elses culture as make believe. It can lead to misunderstandings and tensions between cultures, as well as reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating inequality. Is it cultural appropriation if I, as a white woman, wear hair - Quora Cultural appropriation refers to the act of taking elements of a culture that is not ones own, often without understanding or respecting the context in which they originated. by Emily Cottontop October 19, 2022 in News Stories, Culture 12 Dear white girls before Culture vultures, Urban Outfitters have ya'll out here spending a grip on appropriated accessories let me put you on game real quick! It is important to show respect by acknowledging cultural origins and seek alternatives if using again would lead towards appropriation. As a braider, it's definitely my duty to clear out all of that right away.. The politics of hair, particularly in the black community, is a touchy subject. choosing body art . Exploring the Debate, How to Save Music Videos from YouTube: Downloading Services, Screen Recording and More, Welcome Your Guests in Style: Entryway Tile Ideas for a Stylish, How to Play Music on Jetson Hoverboard: A Step-by-Step Guide, Exploring Julia Stiles Career as a Dancer: From Beginner to Accomplished Performer, How to pick out the proper payroll software for your enterprise, Security Tips For Every Web Developer Should Follow, Elevate your e-commerce business by enhancing packaging, Top 15 Decentralized Autonomous Organization Companies, 10 Must-Have Skills for Any Web Developer (Latest Guide 2023), Does Chobani Have Live Cultures? It is worn with a blouse the length of a crop top and a petticoat used to help tuck in the pleats of the saree in order to hold it in place. 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. The ignorance and mild bullying-type behaviour that I faced due to my dreadlocks was hugely influential in my decision to chop them off in my second year of high school. Id take a seat in front of them on the sand and cross my legs, and in my best broken Spanish, Id try to ask for what I wanted.