In my eyes, its not that serious. 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. It only becomes cultural appropriation when an element of culture is adopted from a marginalized group without respect for its cultural meaning or significance or with the purpose of exploiting the culture Not making a blanket decision right now about how I express all those things with my hair feels like the right decision for me. 3 Hairstylists on Braids, Cultural Appropriation and Media's Erasure of 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. The phrase originated in the 1980s in. But we now depend 100% on reader support to keep going. Here are some frequently asked questions about hair cuffs and cultural appropriation: What is cultural appropriation? These microaggressions ranged from young boys telling me I looked like a man to people insisting that all dreadlocks were unclean. Photo Credit: Flickr userNick Grayvia Creative Commons. 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. It is the sound of the conch at prayer. 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. Dear Beloved Reader, we're going to be real with you. The politics of hair, particularly in the black community, is a touchy subject. Course Hero is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university. It is widely used in South Asian countries India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh as well as the Middle East and Africa. There is so much history steeped in this and it is unfortunate that this thing of beauty has been commodified into a sticker set. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. 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. It would be advisable to get a hand with how to wear one properly since it takes some effort. Back home in Queens, my mother would take me to the. Like the bangle, the saree and textile weaving culture have been mentioned from the days of the Indus civilization. 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. 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. Exploring the Benefits of Probiotics in Greek Yogurt, Who Invented the Pythagoras Theorem? Also known as the Bichiya or Metti, it is often seen on the feet of married women. 4.Hair Jewelry Practice Is Not Exclusive To The Black Culture Theres also the complicated perception of Blackness within the Latinx community. It is the representation of the three sacred Vedic scriptures Rig, Yajur, and Sama. 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. 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. The answer to this question depends on the individual and their intent. Hair cuffs were initially used as a way to hold hair in place, especially during formal occasions. Minorities face much bigger problems than appropriation and when there are real issues that need to be addressed, you know, like systemic racism and police brutality, I really cant be bothered discussing Biebers dreadlocks. Why You Should Think Twice Before Wearing This Type Of Hair Jewelry Hair cuffs are not a new trend they have been used by different cultures for centuries. 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. But recently, I've begun to, As a beauty editor, I see firsthand how appropriative hairstyling can be hurtful and cruel. Countries across Asia and beyond are mired in a history of oppression. Why do artists use appropriation? 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. Of course they are allowed. Appropriation occurs when elements from a marginalized culture are taken by those in positions of power without permission or compensation. While some may view wearing them as a sign of respect and appreciation, others may view it as an act of exploitation. These actions now fall under many names: cultural assimilation, appropriation, appreciation. She could disappear into the anonymity that white privilege provides, even after all of the controversy she created. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. However, one in four, "Characteristics like hair are racially charged," Negrn-Muntaner adds. For rastas they symbolise a spiritual journey, but theyve been worn by African Maasai warriors and even have biblical roots. 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. 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. Fail to do this (and worse, profit off of it), and you are likely guilty of 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. For example, YouTube user Dav Ze asked the pertinent question: lolz why the dude didnt killed that negress right there?. Eurocentric beauty ideals still live on today. A place for the curious to ask questions about black people. 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. Its beautiful because the black women who have chosen to wear their hair natural are beautiful. Used thoughtfully within ones own hairstyle is very different than trying to recreate styles that have particular cultural contexts like cornrows. 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. identity. 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. Weave in rings to take your hairstyle up a notch - Insider 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. 1. These Latinas' allyships with Black communities are only limited to their hair. There are people who aren't doing it on purpose, says Guingui. Thats not to say that just because youre not wearing a certain hairstyle, you cant learn about it. Thankfully the uproar from ASOS consumers made the company remove the selection on bindis. This has sparked debate over whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of cultural appropriation. It doesnt bother me when I see white people with dreadlocks. "America turned free people into 'niggers,' and to everyone's surprise, we created new forms of beautiful expression out of that pain. 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. Little did I know, I would see history repeat itself over and over (and over) again until it came to a point where it got annoying to see yet another celebrity wearing bindi/s to music festivals. They have been used for centuries in Africa and India, but more recently they have become fashionable in Western countries. 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. Policing people and telling them what they can and cant do with their hair feels draconian and dull. The old, pre-Christian, Nordic society was definitely not static. 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. The ring is typically made out of silver and worn in pairs on the second toe of both feet. View 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 organization BraidOn put out a message through her Facebook page announcing Rachel Dolezals involvement attempting to reassure raised eyebrows that Dolezal made it clear that her intentions in joining the rally and movement are to assist and support [Isis] Brantley Unfortunately, the message has been diluted by Dolezals presence because it communicates that black women need her presence to highlight this important cause that only impacts black women. Exploring the Debate: Are Hair Cuffs Cultural Appropriation? You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. It can lead to misunderstandings and tensions between cultures, as well as reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating inequality. 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. A saree is typically six yards long, and there are countless of textiles and draping methods that vary according to the region you hail from. "I think it all depends on intention," says . 2. With the rise of hair accessories in recent years, hair cuffs have become a trendy addition to many hairstyles. Body Policing Police: Because Your Body Belongs to You! There has long existed a civil war in the black community with hair and skin tone at the center of the fight. 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. 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. Father, writer, poet socially conscious. 5. 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. Actually, lets start with the age-old fight over so-called good vs. bad hair. It can be seen as a form of exploitation or disrespect, particularly when the elements being appropriated are closely tied to a specific groups cultural identity. 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. This is deeper than hair; its about history. Like this post? 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. Step 4: Ask yourself why you want to wear them. Originally published on Wear Your Voice Magazine and republished here with their permission. Today, when so many peers wear one, its not considered a problem. If a white person wears hair cuffs, is it cultural appropriation? On the plus side, wearing them can be a way of expressing pride in ones culture and heritage. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When considering whether to wear hair cuffs, it is important to weigh up the potential pros and cons. 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. It can also be a way of showing solidarity with communities that have faced oppression and discrimination. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. What you can do is support our art, culture, and music. One trend that has caught some backlash in recent years is hair cuffs. The History of Hair Cuffs: A Culture-Specific Accessory Hair cuffs are a fashion accessory that have been around for centuries. Cultural Appropriation is a Concern sports teams with offensive and inappropriate names. 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. 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. Photo Credit: Flickr userJosh Rodriguezvia Creative Commons. It was a way of living - and you decided how you should live it. 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. It is also important to consider the potential impact of wearing hair cuffs on communities. Lost your password? 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. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Feminism 101 Appropriation. We have opulence, grandeur, and a rich culture that evokes thoughts such as mysticism and exoticism., When I wear the bindi, it makes me conservative and traditional, but if Vanessa Hudgens wears a bindi, its cool?. All who buy into it are insane. They adorn braids, twists and even free-flowing locks with effortless style. These hefty accessories are meant to accentuate the rhythm of dance and to appreciate the complex footwork for the forms of Indian dance. It seems that people always credit a celebrity as opposed to crediting the actual history, she says. As more black women return to natural hairstyles, the economic impact is undeniable. 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. Also, some of us dont have a choice in the matter. 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. 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? 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. There were, Id always find the braiders sitting underneath the palm trees, seeking shade from the sun.

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