It is understandable that acculturation happens; a lot of us live in a merry existence of a myriad of cultures. Hell cut them off and move on to a new trend or just wash his hair but our social problems will still exist. But we now depend 100% on reader support to keep going. Im becoming more comfortable inhabiting a fluid, complicated space. It is a testament to how quickly and easily afro hair can dread that within a few months what once were braids became dreadlocks, the puffy regrowth twisted with oils as it should have been. Lets go through a list ten of the most widely appropriated South Asian accessories and what they really mean. Per the Oxford English Dictionary, cultural appropriation is "the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. 11 of the Most Culturally Appropriated South Asian Accessories - And recently shes been talking a lot about how she loves the look of hair cuffs in dreads/braids. 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. For decades, celebrities have been called out for appropriating Black hairstyles. Although I hated the tugging and pulling, I knew that Id love the outcome. 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. If it's decorations, it doesn't have to be cuffs. We're asking you to join our membership program so we can become fully financially sustainable (and you'll get cool perks too!) As put by Syreeta McFadden inThe Guardian, a fashion magazine would celebrate Kylie Jenners side cornrows as a bold statement and simultaneously regard darker-skinned women donning the same style with lesser esteem. Nose rings didnt originate in India; they were brought to the region by the Middle East, thanks to the Mughal Emperors. Some have diamond pendants while others have coral beads. While some may view it as a positive celebration of their culture, others may feel that it is a form of exploitation. Beauty Appreciation or Appropriation? The Cultural Divide. 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. Feb 21, 2020, 8:52 AM Hair rings, coils, and cuffs originated in cultures throughout Africa. Natural hair has once again become a big business and the business is finally staying in the community. We keep this symbol close to our being because it centers us and beckons us to perhaps utter a prayer (most Hindu prayers begin with the Aum). K18 is tha, The name is Bond. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. If Everyday Feminism has been useful to you, please take one minute to keep us alive. 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. Historically, deciding exactly what culture is hasn't been easy. During my time of study for both dances, it was not uncommon for a non-Indian to take interest in learning the dance forms. It feels like nobody can escape the label of cultural appropriator. 3 Hairstylists on Braids, Cultural Appropriation and Media's Erasure of Answer (1 of 21): So you want to look like thisat a Viking cosplay? Questioning the chaos of calling out cultural appropriation Without it we wouldnt have jazz, Tex-Mex or even Christmas trees (look it up). This TikTok-Famous Mask Revived My Dry, Frizz-Prone Hair. Now, it seems that a more voluptuous look is suddenly more desirable. Cultural Appropriation is a Concern If someone is wearing them out of a genuine appreciation for the culture, then it could be argued that it is not an act of cultural appropriation. naming teams after animals, plants, or noncultural concepts. If youve read my article about the Australian who got into trouble for his Yellamma tattoo on his calf, you are then well aware that tattoos are not taboo for us, but the placement and imagery play an important part. Eurocentric beauty ideals still live on today. 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? 2. 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? I hope the organization is successful in its fight against anti-braiding laws and other worthy causes surrounding natural hair. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Rachel Dolezal has taken this appropriation to another level. Can Latinas Wear Braids Without Backlash? - Refinery29 However, if someone is wearing them simply because they are fashionable, then it could be argued that it is an act of exploitation. Which Hairstyles Are Cultural Appropriation? Here's - Femestella I am not the best at draping a saree, but I do appreciate the place it has in my life as an Indian woman. The irony should not be lost on her that black women are demeaned in the business world and the military for wearing natural hair and a white woman is given top billing for bringing awareness to a cause that supports black women wearing their hair naturally. I feel extremely uncomfortable at the idea of limiting anyone to a certain set of behaviours and styles because of their skin colour. The answer is that Im figuring it out. This is nothing new. Hair cuffs have a long history in many cultures. In conclusion, wearing culturally significant accessories such as hair cuffs is acceptable provided you take conscious measures not to disrespect someones religion or beliefs- much like how you respect someones religious faith or personal lifestyle choice-you cannot ridicule anothers heritage by casually borrowing elements from it whilst making light of its value system. Are you simply admiring how they look on others or do they hold deeper significance for you? It is widely used in South Asian countries India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh as well as the Middle East and Africa. While some may view it as a form of respect and appreciation, others may view it as an act of exploitation. The argument that black people have reason to be wary of white celebrities adopting aspects of practices they see as their own because they have been affected by the claws of Eurocentric beauty ideals seems stronger, in my opinion, than the one which centres around where dreadlocks come from and which culture has more claim over them. And while the culture behind the trend may not initially belong to all those who use this accessory, appreciation is essential for respecting other peoples heritage/culture when engaging them. Those Sosa braids were my introduction to protective styling. 3. in this context, the pressure to have straight hair) as a black person. Bleached hair has lost much of its, individuals incorporate these hair accessories into their own hairstyles, Does Chlorine Bleach Hair? 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. Amandla Stenberg made a valid point when she said I wish America loved black people as much as it loves black culture.. This was cultural appropriation at work. Step 4: Ask yourself why you want to wear them. In Native American culture, they were used in ceremonial hairstyles. 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. The foot is regarded in Hinduism as the humblest and most impure part of the body since it touches the ground first. Cookie Notice If Dolezal truly wanted to help, then she should first understand the message her presence sends. While many individuals who use decorative hair cuff accessories admire their appearance for what they bring to the style industry, its important to acknowledge that this trend has raised concerns about cultural appropriation. View Why You Should Think Twice Before Wearing This Type Of Hair Jewelry Their origin can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece. It doesnt bother me when I see white people with dreadlocks. 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. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. So while this is a fun option for the West, it is an imposition on some in the East. However, there have been instances of people being accused of cultural insensitivity for wearing them. The old, pre-Christian, Nordic society was definitely not static. It, Short answer: Does castor oil grow beard hair? 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. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. Lip injections, waist trainers and implants have all been implemented in a quest to recreate the classic black womans frame. Hair cuffs have a long history in many cultures. Just like how Dia de Los Muertos sugar skulls, catrinas, and ofrendas are part of a very important Mexican festival. Appropriation artists want the viewer to recognize the images they copy. I, Were calling it now: Youll want to cut bangs ASAP after watching Daisy Jones & The Six, the Amazon Prime miniseries based on the enormous, Why This Detangling Hairbrush Is The Only One Ill Ever Use. Its Important to Respect Other Cultures Actually, let's start with the age-old fight over so-called good vs. bad hair. 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. Ultimately, it is important to remember that cultural appropriation can have serious consequences for communities. 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. Still, in my opinion she was much ado about nothing; that is, until she decided to engage in her latest theft of black culture. 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. It can offend people when people do this without making it clear . 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. 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. 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. The accessories have since been worn and celebrated in cultures throughout the world for centuries. A black bindi is worn in parts of South India by unmarried girls, while married women wear a red bindi. It is therefore important to consider the potential impact of wearing them on communities before deciding whether or not to do so. The Bindi, also known as the Pottu (a red vermillion dot) or a tilak (a vertical marking), is placed on the center of the forehead between the eyebrows, which is known as the third eye, referring to the point of higher consciousness. The design really depends upon the family traditions. On The Cultural Appropriation Of Natural Hair | HuffPost Voices I have had the bindi placed upon my forehead since infancy. They have become popular in recent years as a way to add a decorative touch to hairstyles, but some people have raised concerns that they may be seen as cultural appropriation. Required fields are marked *. Puerto Rican braider, There is no clear-cut rule to Latinas wearing protective styles. 3 Quora User Fabric Artist Author has 5.9K answers and 2.3M answer views Updated 8 mo Related I did it to commemorate my very first trip to the homeland. The tradition of wearing a toe ring has dated back to the Ramayana a Hindu epic poem where Sita tosses her toe ring after getting abducted by Ravana in the hopes that it would help her husband Lord Rama during his rescue mission. Can Latinas Wear Braids Without Backlash? Theres also the complicated perception of Blackness within the Latinx community. While they may seem like a harmless accessory, their origins and cultural significance should not be ignored. One of our first destinations was always Sosa beach, an hour and a half drive from my grandparents' house in Santiago. At only 4 feet 10 inches tall, Baartmans curvaceous body was the source of ridicule, laughter and silent lust. They practiced along with us and were respectful about it, while taking great care of the anklets (you are ordered to do so) and learned to tie it appropriately. Over the years, the racial microaggressions that offend and upset us have mutated, but they are aggressions all the same. This was done as a way of expressing art, heritage, and establishing social status within communities. Gold anklets are strictly forbidden in Hinduism because Gold symbolizes Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, and we do not place God at our feet. I couldnt be more tired of this shit. Despite the fact that naturally straight hair is not as adaptable for braids, the women were called beautiful and cutting-edge. But as you have read, I value and understand their significance enough to be able to inform you that these are not of mere aesthetic value. Welcome to Beauty In A Tik, where each week we put TikToks viral beauty hacks and innovative trends to the test. 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. Being a socially awkward introvert, she prefers to put her thoughts into writing while observing the world. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. She was criticised for incorporating Indian cultural and religious practices into the video for the Coldplay collaboration Hymn for the Weekend. 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. A forehead close-up of a person wearing a bindi. I do not wear these accessories often due to the nature of my work life and personal reasons surrounding female obedience lets just say I do not work well with authority! They are placed by the groom onto the brides feet during the Hindu wedding ceremony. It's hypocrisy. In many cases, it seems that it's not so much about someone's race, but rather their intent and the language they use to discuss their style. One trend that has caught some backlash in recent years is hair cuffs. One can confidently say that wearing hair cuffs does not automatically represent appropriation if done with respect and without any ulterior negative motives attached. 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. Cultural appropriation: What is it and what does it mean? Being responsible towards issues of cultural appropriation requires acknowledging historical contributions from different perspectives within broader social stakes. wearing a bindi as a trend. Dreadlocks were worn by holy men of the Hindu religion, replicating the hair of the Indian god Shiva. By making them an exclusively black style, we are oversimplifying the rich and complex history of a hairstyle which has had religious and political significance to different groups around the world. Either you can shave your afro off like mine or you can have dreads, she said, and proceeded to braid my hair unevenly, leaving one small plait sticking out at the front. The main thing that frustrates me is the discrediting of the influence that a certain practice brings, says Moore-Karim. Yes, cat hair does grow back. Let hairstyles keep reflecting diversity in cultures such as African American hairstyles made unique through bodily adornments like uniquely designed accessories such as hair cuff made popular amongst Black women globally. These microaggressions ranged from young boys telling me I looked like a man to people insisting that all dreadlocks were unclean. Learningabout chemical hair straightener that could make my hair look white eventually provided solace. The women in my family have been wearing nose rings all their lives. Please enter your username or email address. 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. 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. Full Document. For many of us, the oppression is far from over, and we still exist within marginalized communities. Except when its not with dreadlocks, there are ongoing discussions over whether white people should feel able to lock their hair. In conclusion, it is essential to acknowledge how ethnic aesthetics throughout history have been appropriated purposely by mainstream western culture groups in ways such as ignoring its roots or mimicry making minorities look petty when they ask them to give due credit regarding ideas taken on these customs. Is it cultural appropriation if I, as a white woman, wear hair - Quora There is no doubt (no pun intended) in my mind that thispattern has probably been repeating itself for decades long before I was born since the West has always shown a keen interest in South Asian clothing and accessories. Indian women have been adorning their arms with bangles since ancient civilization. Cultural Appropriation Unmasked: "Fairy Locks" and the Truth of Celtic Why do artists use appropriation? 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. and avoid shutting down. The use of hair cuffs by non-black individuals perpetuates a harmful narrative that black peoples natural hairstyles are unprofessional and undesirable while making it exotic when used by other races who could choose between those hairstyle options but do not naturally possess them. The rituals and symbolism of South Asian culture are beautiful. Are hair rings cultural appropriation? - Hair FAQs Answered! The issue of hair may never die in our community. Not appropriation. She loves animals to a fault and is a happy fur-mommy to three dogs and two cats. Hair cuffs were originally worn by people from different cultures and ethnicities throughout West Africa to signify social status and traditions within their respective tribes- specifically Fulani women have worn them ceremoniously for centuries. While I have no idea as to whether Justin Bieber, who in the past few weeks now famously (or perhaps infamously) has decided to twist his peroxide-blonde mane into a head full of dreads, knows about the sufferings black people have gone through with their hair, too much of this conversation has focused around whether or not white people should be allowed to dread their hair. Your email address will not be published. The embracing, blending and opening of cultures can help aid understanding, and drive creativity. This is a sacred thread of love and goodwill worn by married women as a symbol of their marriage. Used thoughtfully within ones own hairstyle is very different than trying to recreate styles that have particular cultural contexts like cornrows. In the 1979 movie, "10," Bo Derek, ran down a beach with her hair braided in cornrows. It can be anything really, any type of hair jewelry that will stay in her hair. As an Indian woman, I dont know where to start with the appropriation of Indian culture. Cornrows, or what I affectionately refer to as doo doo plaits, have become a new trend known as boxer braids adopted by white celebrities. The Cultural Appropriation of Natural Hair. 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. As more black women return to natural hairstyles, the economic impact is undeniable. Your email address will not be published. However, its important to know. 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. 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. Cultural Appropriation Definition and Examples - What is Cultural It is the representation of the three sacred Vedic scriptures Rig, Yajur, and Sama. The earliest evidence of henna application appears to have been mentioned in Egypt and in the earliest Hindu Vedic ritual books. choosing body art . It is offensive, but I have read it one too many times. However, the impact of whiteness benefiting from aspects of culture that are historically black is not to be dismissed. 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. Today, hair cuffs continue to be prevalent among those who appreciate unique accessories that add character to their style. The Tikka is the ornately jeweled part of the accessory that is placed onto the forehead. My mother, aunts, cousins and a few friends have all divorced their flat irons and have been chemical-free for quite some time. You can upgrade a ponytail or braided look by intricately looping hair in and out of the rings with a crochet hook. However, I just feel it should have been done without Dolezal on the marquis. This feels a lot more personal than the rest of the accessories mentioned. This has sparked debate over whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of cultural appropriation. Hair cuffs are an incredibly popular hair accessory. To even place it on this list feels wrong, but it has been accessorized and thus needs to be addressed. The origin of hair cuffs can be traced back to African tribal culture where women would adorn their hair with jewelry as a symbol of status and beauty. Weave in rings to take your hairstyle up a notch - Insider Heres looking at you, Madonna. A newlywed bride from parts of North India and Punjab, for example, is expected to wear a full set of bangles known as the Chuda for the first two weeks of marriage. Cultural appropriation takes place when members of a majority group adopt cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way. Acknowledging is key when borrowing from other cultures if your intent bears no malice; sharing honors the legacy while building relationships by showing appreciation for other cultures differences instead of homogenizing them. Racial Justice It is a different story, however, when a tourist thinks its fun to purchase these anklets and parade them with no knowledge of its use or history. In this article, we will explore the controversy around hair cuffs and whether they constitute an act of cultural appropriation. This way, everyone can enjoy the beauty brought by creative hairstyling without encroaching on other cultures traditions. They adorn braids, twists and even free-flowing locks with effortless style. This could undermine the efforts of those who are trying to raise awareness of cultural appropriation and its potential impacts on communities. Hair cuffs were initially used as a way to hold hair in place, especially during formal occasions. Thank you! 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. Today, when so many peers wear one, its not considered a problem. As she says, "There's more to gain from recognizing each other's stories, and the ways that might create awareness and complexity through all of our experiences and how we relate to other people.. Those beach braids lasted for weeks, which gave me a break from those tedious salon trips. 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.
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