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. For a Hindu, a tattoo of the Aum, Sanskrit scriptures, or an image of a God/Goddess serves as a sign of devotion or has a protective quality. 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. 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). It refers to the taking of elements from one culture by another, often with little or no understanding of the cultural context from which it originated. This phenomenon is particularly apparent in the fashion industry, where certain trends have become synonymous with specific cultures or ethnic groups. Dear White Girls These Appropriated $14.00 "Metal Hair Cuff Sets" From Urban Outfitters Are Actually $2.00 At The Beauty Supply! The politics of hair, particularly in the black community, is a touchy subject. Back home in Queens, my mother would take me to the. in this context, the pressure to have straight hair) as a black person. But recently, I've begun to, As a beauty editor, I see firsthand how appropriative hairstyling can be hurtful and cruel. So if you are not a person of color, I would caution you against wearing this for an Indianized look I dont even know what that term is supposed to mean. It can be argued that over time, cultural appropriation has become more prevalent in our society than ever before. Some have diamond pendants while others have coral beads. The center part of your hair is known as the Maang and is an important feature for married or soon-to-be married Indian women. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Black people are not homogenous. During the Victorian era, hair jewelry became incredibly popular across Europe and North America. Appropriation occurs when elements from a marginalized culture are taken by those in positions of power without permission or compensation. Whether or not wearing hair rings is considered cultural appropriation depends on the context in which they are worn and the intentions of the person wearing them. 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's not just a hairstyle. "Peoples fear comes from them not owning their identity.". For those who may not know, the Cambridge Dictionary defines cultural appropriation (I'll refer to it here as CA for brevity) as "the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not. 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. Depending on region and community, bangles are made out of differing materials glass, silver, conch, or shell. 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. If a white person wears hair cuffs, is it cultural appropriation? Why do artists use appropriation? There is limited scientific evidence to, Short answer: Does Calquence cause hair loss? Some hairstylists believe that the responsibility also lies with professional hairstylists. Okay, let's start with the obvious and overt cultural appropriation. It would be advisable to get a hand with how to wear one properly since it takes some effort. So while this is a fun option for the West, it is an imposition on some in the East. The thing about wearing one is that the look is considered unfinished if you do not accessorize with at least bangles and a bindi. Privacy Policy. Then it dawned on me. 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. They speak volumes about personal expression and provide insight into how people use style choices to express themselves alongside their connection with cultural identities! In the same way that black people using a computer or cell phone could be considered cultural appropriation . For example, if someone is wearing hair rings that are traditionally associated with a culture that is not their own, without any understanding or appreciation of the cultural significance of the accessory, it could be seen as cultural appropriation. Cultural Appropriation Definition and Examples - What is Cultural She was criticised for incorporating Indian cultural and religious practices into the video for the Coldplay collaboration Hymn for the Weekend. Lets go through a list ten of the most widely appropriated South Asian accessories and what they really mean. With the rise of hair accessories in recent years, hair cuffs have become a trendy addition to many hairstyles. Please share to your friends: Short answer: Does chlorine bleach hair? 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? While not everything done is inspired by a culture to appropriate off it, you might want to get some research done before you try something on to make sure you dont come across as racially insensitive. Gold anklets are strictly forbidden in Hinduism because Gold symbolizes Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, and we do not place God at our feet. Their origin can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece. It is only hair, FFS. 2. However, its important to know. 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. A place for the curious to ask questions about black people. The rest of the five have been mentioned in the article toe rings, bangles, nose ring, and kumkum (vermillion powder worn at the Maan just before the forehead). It is widely used in South Asian countries India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh as well as the Middle East and Africa. When I got old enough, I learned to straighten my hair myself, and I did so without question for a decade. One of the most pervasive offenses is when white celebrities wear Black hairstyles like Bantu knots and call them other names like twisted mini buns, erasing these styles origin and integral roles within Black beauty culture. The History of Hair Cuffs: A Culture-Specific Accessory Hair cuffs are a fashion accessory that have been around for centuries. The foot is regarded in Hinduism as the humblest and most impure part of the body since it touches the ground first. 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. By being respectful isnt just something superficial but engenders sensitivity toward others life experiences that have brought inspiration/historical significance into our lives daily. Its beautiful because the black women who have chosen to wear their hair natural are beautiful. GO AHEAD!! Like the Bindi and Maang Tikka, they have variations that hold special significance. Like the paayal, infants are gifted with bangles. Heres looking at you, Madonna. my little sister (5) adores black hair and styles. sports teams with offensive and inappropriate names. It is a custom for the bride-to-be to be gifted sarees from her family, and I have an array of 25 sarees (I kid you not!) And even thatis considered too simple! Indian women have been adorning their arms with bangles since ancient civilization. Can Latinas Wear Braids Without Backlash? My mother, aunts, cousins and a few friends have all divorced their flat irons and have been chemical-free for quite some time. For more information, please see our The Truth, Tips, and Stats You Need to Know [Expert Guide], 5 Surprising Facts About Cat Hair Growth: What You Need to Know [Does Cat Hair Grow Back? These cultural appropriation scandals can often feel driven by people who are so left wing they've gone right. ", "To really be able to appreciate these hairstyles, we must educate ourselves on the origin. It was a way of living - and you decided how you should live it. Not fun to get singled out in dance class, I can vouch for that! Anklets are also viewed as a symbol of femininity, coquettishness, eroticism, and dance. Hair Cuffs Have Roots in African Culture In this article, we will explore the controversy around hair cuffs and whether they constitute an act of cultural appropriation. Historically, the tradition seems to have originated in the 5th-6th century A.D. Nor is anything else. "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." 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. Its Important to Respect Other Cultures The design really depends upon the family traditions. The women in my family have been wearing nose rings all their lives. If Everyday Feminism has been useful to you, please take one minute to keep us alive. Without it we wouldnt have jazz, Tex-Mex or even Christmas trees (look it up). Cultural appropriation takes place when members of a majority group adopt cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way. It is considered compulsory in some parts of India to wear the thread as a married woman due to its symbolism. Here are the top 5 facts to know about hair cuffs and cultural appropriation. 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. 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! The history around black hair is extensive and laden with racial tension. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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 contacts with the rest of the world influenced the Nordic extremely. Just like in any other religion, we keep some things closer to our heart and spirit. By understanding the history behind them, you can better appreciate their significance. There are hardly any visible Afro-Latinx people in the public sphere. 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. 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. Hair is a big topic in the black community. If you straighten it you want to be white, if you retain your natural hair texture it is a bold statement. 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. Also, they are a very handy guide for dance teachers to figure out who is not dancing coherently to the rhythm. 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. "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. 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. Men sport the tilak after a prayer or religious occasion. 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. Like this post? It is understandable that acculturation happens; a lot of us live in a merry existence of a myriad of cultures. The only thing more depressing than the video is the comments section below it. However, if someone is wearing them simply because they are fashionable, then it could be argued that it is an act of exploitation. On the plus side, wearing them can be a way of expressing pride in ones culture and heritage. 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. 5. 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. Being responsible towards issues of cultural appropriation requires acknowledging historical contributions from different perspectives within broader social stakes. 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. LGBTQIA, Used by hundreds of universities, non-profits, and businesses. 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. 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. Plus, I loved how it looked. Dressing up and accessorizing is supposed to be fun so lets make sure we have fun together without hurting anyone elses sentiments along the way. The answer to this question depends on the individual and their intent. This is nothing new. There are many Latinx people who dont acknowledge their Afro roots. I enjoy seeing thick afros like the one worn by civil-rights activist, Angela Davis or natural locks like the ones proudly sported by author and Nobel Laureate, Dr. Toni Morrison. Were so glad you asked. Dear White Girls These Appropriated $14.00 "Metal Hair Cuff Sets" From Fail to do this (and worse, profit off of it), and you are likely guilty of cultural appropriation. This is the epitome of appropriation and privilege. 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. Sound Off: 7 Rings and the Curious Case of Cultural Appropriation Not that it matters, but as a man, I rather enjoy this nostalgic return to embracing natural hair. View I did it to commemorate my very first trip to the homeland. However, it is important to remember that cultural appropriation can have serious consequences for communities and should be avoided whenever possible. 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. 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. That means that at any moment Dolezal could abandon her blackness and leave it on the side of the road. 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. Photo Credit: Flickr userNick Grayvia Creative Commons. Locks of hair from loved ones were often turned into items like brooches or pendants, which would subsequently be worn by family members as a sentimental keepsake. When considering the debate around hair cuffs and cultural appropriation, it is important to recognize the complexity of the issue. This way, everyone can enjoy the beauty brought by creative hairstyling without encroaching on other cultures traditions. 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. For many of us, the oppression is far from over, and we still exist within marginalized communities. It can lead to misunderstandings and tensions between cultures, as well as reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating inequality. There, the three of us would run amuck. Hair Cuffs Are Here To Stay 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! Thankfully the uproar from ASOS consumers made the company remove the selection on bindis. Any way you slice it, the definition is vague in too many areas to judge the legality. The ring is typically made out of silver and worn in pairs on the second toe of both feet. One trend that has caught some backlash in recent years is hair cuffs. Stories that matter delivered to your inbox. Hair cuffs were first used by African tribal women as symbolic jewelry to adorn their braids and dreads during traditional ceremonies. She could disappear into the anonymity that white privilege provides, even after all of the controversy she created. 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. Rachel Dolezal has taken this appropriation to another level. Theres so much more to black culture than hairstyles. If you are unsure whether or not a particular accessory or item of clothing may be seen as cultural appropriation, it can be helpful to do some research and consider the perspective of those who may be affected by your choice to wear it. Photo Credit: Flickr userJosh Rodriguezvia Creative Commons. Try These 5 Tips , The Glorification of Masculinity in the Queer Dating Scene Is Totally a Thing But No One Seems to Want to Talk About It, 5 Reasons Why Animal Rights Are A Feminist Issue, My Tattoos Arent an Invitation for Harassment So Please Stop Tatcalling Me, If Asian Women Hit On White Guys the Way White Guys Hit On Asian Women, 4 Things We Need to Stop Teaching Boys to Avoid Nurturing Their Sexual Entitlement, What Walking Through Life With Thunder Thighs is Really Like, Here are 12 Trans Folks Whose Transformative Work You Should Know About, Here Are 5 Cultural Appropriating Outfits Its Time to Retire for Good. This could undermine the efforts of those who are trying to raise awareness of cultural appropriation and its potential impacts on communities. Which was why I was defiant in school when I was told to remove my nose ring after piercing my nose at fifteen. Ultimately, whether you wear ethnic-inspired jewelry or not- what matters most is remaining respectful toward others backgrounds- appreciating diversity without erasing individuality altogether! Yes it is cultural appropriation. Racism 101 Asked And Answered: Why And When Is It Offensive For - LAist Along with fellow hair stylist and BraidOn founder, Isis Brantley, Dolezal participated in what was billed a BraidOn Economic Liberty March & Rally.. Concave Layers Are Going Viral On TikTok HereR Springs Top Hair Color Trends Are Straight Out Of NYC (& T Unpacking The Many Layers Of The Big Chop & What It How ADHD Makes Natural Hair Care Hard For Black Women. 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. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. They have become One needs to understand the context of the adoption and also learn about its origins before using any cultural aesthetics as fashion statements. 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. 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. While hair accessories themselves are nothing new or inherently problematic, the use of hair cuffs by non-black individuals has been called out as an example of cultural appropriation. It is important to show respect by acknowledging cultural origins and seek alternatives if using again would lead towards appropriation. So what do you think? Father, writer, poet socially conscious. 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.