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. 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. One such trend that has sparked controversy and debate in recent times is hair cuffs. Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of aspects of one culture by another culture without proper understanding, acknowledgment or respect towards its original context or meaning. 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. 11 of the Most Culturally Appropriated South Asian Accessories - And There is an open hook at the back to make it easy for removal when it is in need of a polish or if the feet require a thorough cleansing. Policing people and telling them what they can and can't do with their hair feels draconian and dull. Are Hair Cuffs Cultural Appropriation? Exploring the Debate If you are in attendance of an Indian function that stipulates Indian ethnic attire. View If it's decorations, it doesn't have to be cuffs. The accessories have since been worn and celebrated in cultures throughout the world for centuries. I am unable to wear them due to nerve injuries on both feet, but I did have them on for the duration of my wedding ceremony. 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. Thank you! Fail to do this (and worse, profit off of it), and you are likely guilty of cultural appropriation. The answer to this question depends on the individual and their intent. Just like in any other religion, we keep some things closer to our heart and spirit. When I got old enough, I learned to straighten my hair myself, and I did so without question for a decade. another term invented by the far left to divide people and promote anger. She is a plus size fashion blogger, body positive advocate, and feminist. 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. It is widely used in South Asian countries India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh as well as the Middle East and Africa. 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! Furthermore, another issue lies in the fact that much like many mainstream beauty trends popularized by Black people such as cornrows/Bantu knots on white models on runways only became trendy days ago after being sidelined despite being common amongst them for ages showcasing how beauty standards relating race historically focuses predominantly on Eurocentric features mainly blond curly long hair etc. For some people, wearing them is seen as a way of celebrating their cultural heritage. Some hairstylists believe that the responsibility also lies with professional hairstylists. The phrase originated in the 1980s in. Course Hero is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university. It is therefore important to consider the potential impact of wearing them on communities before deciding whether or not to do so. This was done as a way of expressing art, heritage, and establishing social status within communities. What Is Cultural Appropriation? | Britannica 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. Amplifying Black voices through news that matters. Certainly, getting my hair braided also benefited my dad. 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. If someone is wearing hair cuffs out of a genuine appreciation for the culture from which they originate, then it could be argued that it is not an act of cultural appropriation. Yes, chlorine can bleach hair by stripping away, Short Answer: Does Cat Hair Grow Back? If Dolezal truly wanted to help, then she should first understand the message her presence sends. 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. 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). 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. Lets go through a list ten of the most widely appropriated South Asian accessories and what they really mean. 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. 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. Respect Our Roots: A Brief History Of Our Braids | Essence However, for others, it can be seen as disrespectful or even offensive. 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. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. The United States has a legacy of demanding assimilation from black women. The video, which now has more than3.5m views, shows a black student asking if she can have some scissors to cut off the white guys dreads, saying he is not allowed to wear his hair that way because dreadlocks belong to black culture. It feels like nobody can escape the label of cultural appropriator. Shes posing. Appropriation occurs when elements from a marginalized culture are taken by those in positions of power without permission or compensation. The design really depends upon the family traditions. 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. These actions now fall under many names: cultural assimilation, appropriation, appreciation. If you straighten it you want to be white, if you retain your natural hair texture it is a bold statement. It is considered a symbol of Indian femininity and sensuality. It is important to show respect by acknowledging cultural origins and seek alternatives if using again would lead towards appropriation. 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. 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. There is limited scientific evidence to, Short answer: Does Calquence cause hair loss? 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. While there are more individuals who take it upon themselves to get educated about these details, there still exist the many who think it is exciting to dress up like us for the fun of it and water down or commercialize significant symbols. When borrowing from other cultures traditions or practices like wearing hair cuffs, its crucial to respect those cultures rich history by understanding where trends come from in order not to invalidate or diminish other races experiences completely. Hair cuffs provided an extra layer of adornment to these styles without compromising the cultural significance or authenticity. Except when its not with dreadlocks, there are ongoing discussions over whether white people should feel able to lock their hair. Naturally, I was sent to detention for disobedience, even though this is a mark of my culture. There are many Latinx people who dont acknowledge their Afro roots. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Click to learn more, 11 of the Most Culturally Appropriated South Asian Accessories And What They Really Mean. It, Short answer: Does castor oil grow beard hair? Of course they are allowed. 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. Natural hair has once again become a big business and the business is finally staying in the community. Since my mother wasn't able to join our trips because of her work schedule, my dad needed a low-maintenance way to keep my hair from getting extremely knotted. The issue here is not the use of the plant; it is the convenient fashioning that inadvertently erases the cultural significance of this ritual that is a bother. 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 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. For decades, celebrities have been called out for appropriating Black hairstyles. In pop culture, you have probably seen the likes of Iggy Azalea and Selena Gomez wear them for music videos and performances. However, have you ever thought about the origins of these accessories? A bride-to-be typically wears an intricately embellished Maang Tikka. I hate this assertion, because there is nothing inherently wrong with how white people look with dreads. Dear White Girls These Appropriated $14.00 "Metal Hair Cuff Sets" From Urban Outfitters Are Actually $2.00 At The Beauty Supply! TikToks DIY Leave-In Conditioner Outperforms My Expensive 14 Bob Haircut Trends That Are Everywhere This Year. Brides wear a nose ring that extend with a chain, and some rural parts of India wear larger nose rings as a sign of marital status or affluence. 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. There are brands that work to create culturally curated hair accessories that represent different cultures without diminishing their exclusivity or history. So when we talk about dreadlocks belonging to black culture, that is something of an overstatement. This was cultural appropriation at work. As such, they became widely adopted throughout the African American community as a symbol of pride in heritage and identity. Were so glad you asked. 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. During the Victorian era, hair jewelry became incredibly popular across Europe and North America. It is the representation of the holy Hindu trinity of Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is also important to consider the potential impact of wearing hair cuffs on communities. Comparing blackface and white people having dreadlocks might seem extreme, but it helps to simplify this discussion. I feel extremely uncomfortable at the idea of limiting anyone to a certain set of behaviours and styles because of their skin colour. Countries across Asia and beyond are mired in a history of oppression. There were, Id always find the braiders sitting underneath the palm trees, seeking shade from the sun. 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. Cultural Appropriation is a Concern That means that at any moment Dolezal could abandon her blackness and leave it on the side of the road. One of our first destinations was always Sosa beach, an hour and a half drive from my grandparents' house in Santiago. The hairstyling technique known as braiding had been practiced for generations within this community and involved creating intricate patterns with braids or twists using synthetic extensions. it remains fashionable to wear and accessorize your braids and dreads with these gorgeous little pieces of jewelry. No such thing as cultural appropriation. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to decide whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of cultural appropriation or a sign of appreciation. 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. There are hardly any visible Afro-Latinx people in the public sphere. Personally? 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. These Latinas' allyships with Black communities are only limited to their hair. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. But recently, I've begun to, As a beauty editor, I see firsthand how appropriative hairstyling can be hurtful and cruel. Here are the top 5 facts to know about hair cuffs and cultural appropriation. "Cultural appropriation is an issue because of the history of systematic destruction and exploitation of Black culture," Day said. Cornrows, or what I affectionately refer to as doo doo plaits, have become a new trend known as boxer braids adopted by white celebrities. 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. I did it to commemorate my very first trip to the homeland. Are you simply admiring how they look on others or do they hold deeper significance for you? In these cases, wearing braids does feel a lot like hurtful cultural appropriation and that self-denial ultimately harms both Latinx and Black women. 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? Its always best to ask why is this significant to your appearance if youre not from that specific culture wherein it originated; appropriately acknowledge its origin properly when you use them accordingly, which may require research beyond basic internet searches into their historical meaning and significance into why these items hold value within certain cultures including linguistic barriers particularly for indigenous peoples who make up significant parts of non-English speaking populations around the world. We're asking you to join our membership program so we can become fully financially sustainable (and you'll get cool perks too!) Diving into the lyrics, Grande fumbles again at the line between appropriation and appreciation. Theyve garnered attention across various subcultures such as punk rockers, goths, and hippies proving that theres no universal style when it comes to fashion accessories. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. 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. Men sport the tilak after a prayer or religious occasion. Through this scene, she. So when I see someone wearing it on their tie-dye camisole or sarong during a resort vacation, you can imagine how it feels. ", Growing up, my father took my brother and me on an annual summer vacation to the Dominican Republic to visit family. Feb 21, 2020, 8:52 AM Hair rings, coils, and cuffs originated in cultures throughout Africa. Hair cuffs are an incredibly popular hair accessory. Until I looked in a mirror and saw the short tufts of my afro sticking up, very brown and very foreign. In a cultural climate where, in the US, the Black Lives Matter movement has been started to tackle racial hostility, and we have very real issues of our own in the UK, white people supposedly copying an exclusively black hairstyle feels low on the priority list. What tires us, however, is the misinterpretation, misrepresentation, and disregard of South Asian culture. Fashion and music thrive when they are influenced by a wide range of styles. As an Indian woman, I dont know where to start with the appropriation of Indian culture. Like the bangle, the saree and textile weaving culture have been mentioned from the days of the Indus civilization. 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. Plus, I loved how it looked. As a braider, it's definitely my duty to clear out all of that right away.. The main thing that frustrates me is the discrediting of the influence that a certain practice brings, says Moore-Karim. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. By being respectful isnt just something superficial but engenders sensitivity toward others life experiences that have brought inspiration/historical significance into our lives daily. For many of us, the oppression is far from over, and we still exist within marginalized communities. Yes, hair loss is a potential side, Short answer: Does body hair keep you warm? Photo Credit: Flickr userJosh Rodriguezvia Creative Commons. "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. This can lead to tension between those who see it as a sign of appreciation and those who view it as disrespectful. Show due respect to particular traditional objects while expressing admiration through compensatory measures when fitting excluding harmful stereotype playbacks. 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. This has sparked debate over whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of 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. Policing people and telling them what they can and cant do with their hair feels draconian and dull. Racial Justice 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.

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