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. While some may view wearing them as a sign of respect and appreciation, others may view it as an act of exploitation. One such trend that has sparked controversy and debate in recent times is hair cuffs. Dreadlocks were worn by holy men of the Hindu religion, replicating the hair of the Indian god Shiva. Fail to do this (and worse, profit off of it), and you are likely guilty of cultural appropriation. It is the representation of the three sacred Vedic scriptures Rig, Yajur, and Sama. Shes posing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Father, writer, poet socially conscious. 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. When I got old enough, I learned to straighten my hair myself, and I did so without question for a decade. She's five. 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. Then it dawned on me. And how can we navigate this issue without offending anyone? However, it is important to remember that cultural appropriation can have serious consequences for communities and should be avoided whenever possible. 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. It started with immersing into someone elses culture and ended with him becoming more socially aware, more politically engaged. another term invented by the far left to divide people and promote anger. Indians wore rings on the nostril and septum way before it got fashionable. Thats not to say that just because youre not wearing a certain hairstyle, you cant learn about it. Nor is anything else. Its necessary to understand the culture behind the items you want to use, respect their roots, and credit them where appropriate instead of appropriating it without proper understanding which can lead to erasure. 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. 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. 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. Think Youve Got Trans Down, But Still Feel Confused About Non-Binary? Heres the 101 Youve Been Looking For, 7 Reasons Why White People Should Not Wear Black Hairstyles, Separating Out Gender Identity from Gender Expression, 4 Lies About School Dress Codes That Cover Up Their Oppressive Effects, 5 Things to Do (And Not Do) to Support Someone with Depression, If you are getting married to a South Asian, If you attend an Indian festival/ritual and have a vermillion dot placed on you as a sign of welcoming ones guest, If youre getting married to a South Asian, If you are part of a South Asian bride/grooms wedding entourage, When it is not a bridal nose ring being worn as a fashion accessory (the other styles are just fine), If your culture wears them as an accessory like us, If you are an Indian dancer or a South Asian bride, If you are in attendance of a Hindu friends matrimonial functions and the dress code is Indian ethnic but be sure to check with your host first. 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. Are hair straighteners allowed in carry on. Although not all Indian women follow these rules of color for bindis today, it holds a special significance. These actions now fall under many names: cultural assimilation, appropriation, appreciation. So when I see someone wearing it on their tie-dye camisole or sarong during a resort vacation, you can imagine how it feels. Also, they are a very handy guide for dance teachers to figure out who is not dancing coherently to the rhythm. Their origin can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece. | Why might wearing hair cuffs be considered cultural appropriation? 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. It is still considered the primary piece of clothing in India even in modern wardrobes like mine and the tradition of draping one has been going strong for the past 6000 years. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? This has led to a heated debate about whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of cultural appropriation or a sign of appreciation. Every year, we reach over 6.5 million people around the world with our intersectional feminist articles and webinars. 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. If youre a fashion lover, you might be familiar with hair cuffs the tiny jewelry pieces that embellish your braids and dreadlocks making them more stylish and trendy. Feb 21, 2020, 8:52 AM Hair rings, coils, and cuffs originated in cultures throughout Africa. The women in my family have been wearing nose rings all their lives. Used thoughtfully within ones own hairstyle is very different than trying to recreate styles that have particular cultural contexts like cornrows. Privacy Policy. It can offend people when people do this without making it clear . Just like how Dia de Los Muertos sugar skulls, catrinas, and ofrendas are part of a very important Mexican festival. Photo Credit: Flickr userNick Grayvia Creative Commons. During the Victorian era, The phrase originated in the 1980s in. 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. Hair cuffs have a long history in many cultures. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Is it ever okay for someone outside of that culture to wear hair cuffs? 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. Hair cuffs were initially used as a way to hold hair in place, especially during formal occasions. The answer to this question depends on the individual and their intent. 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!) Without it we wouldnt have jazz, Tex-Mex or even Christmas trees (look it up). 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. For the price of a single lunch out, you can help save us. Today, hair cuffs continue to be prevalent among those who appreciate unique accessories that add character to their style. Dear White Girls These Appropriated $14.00 "Metal Hair Cuff Sets" From Urban Outfitters Are Actually $2.00 At The Beauty Supply! Today, when so many peers wear one, its not considered a problem. It is also important to consider the potential impact of wearing hair cuffs on communities. 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. And even thatis considered too simple! View 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. Why You Should Think Twice Before Wearing This Type Of Hair Jewelry I feel extremely uncomfortable at the idea of limiting someone to a certain set of behaviours and styles because of their skin colour. There are many Latinx people who dont acknowledge their Afro roots. It is therefore important to consider the potential impact of wearing them on communities before making a decision. 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? So while this is a fun option for the West, it is an imposition on some in the East. Scan this QR code to download the app now. If youre a Beauty In A Tik r, I knew I had to review MONDAY Haircare when it popped up on my TikTok For You page not once, not twice, but three times within an hour. 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. it remains fashionable to wear and accessorize your braids and dreads with these gorgeous little pieces of jewelry. However, there have been instances of people being accused of cultural insensitivity for wearing them. I couldnt be more tired of this shit. These cultural appropriation scandals can often feel driven by people who are so left wing they've gone right. 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. These looks are often deemed unacceptable or "trendy" until they are worn by white women -- but we want to set the record straight. For example, YouTube user Dav Ze asked the pertinent question: lolz why the dude didnt killed that negress right there?. Unlike Dolezal, black women are not able to simply take out their braids when they are done being black. Being responsible towards issues of cultural appropriation requires acknowledging historical contributions from different perspectives within broader social stakes. 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. On the plus side, wearing them can be a way of expressing pride in ones culture and heritage. 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. It feels like nobody can escape the label of cultural appropriator. But what exactly does that mean? 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. Why the Conversation About Cultural Appropriation Needs to Go Further 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. 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. 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). She loves animals to a fault and is a happy fur-mommy to three dogs and two cats. On the downside, there is the risk that wearing hair cuffs could be seen as disrespectful or exploitative. The only thing more depressing than the video is the comments section below it. 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. 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. Hair cuffs have been traditionally worn by African American women for decades as part of their unique hairstyles such as braids and dreadlocks. 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 . When I learned the South Indian dance form known as Bharatanatyam, I wore thick anklets with bells known as the Saalangai, and when I picked up the Northern Indian dance form known as Kathak, I wore thicker anklets with bells known as the Ghungroo. Can Latinas Wear Braids Without Backlash? - Refinery29 While it has been traditionally expected that married women wear bangles, it is no longer imposed upon us. 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. ], Unlock the Secret to a Fuller Beard: How Castor Oil Can Help [Proven Tips and Stats], Preventing Hair Loss: My Experience with Calquence [Useful Tips and Statistics], Stay Cozy and Informed: How Body Hair Affects Your Temperature [The Science Behind It], 5 Essential Protein Treatments for Bleached Hair: How to Keep Your Locks Healthy [Expert Tips]. 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. Lets go through a list ten of the most widely appropriated South Asian accessories and what they really mean. Yes, body hair can help to, Short answer: Does bleached hair need protein? 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress The, Whats new in hair color right now? 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. Not fun to get singled out in dance class, I can vouch for that! Hairstyles could bring communities together, especially between those of color. 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. There are hardly any visible Afro-Latinx people in the public sphere. 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. Theres also the complicated perception of Blackness within the Latinx community. 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. and avoid shutting down. 8 Times Black Hairstyles Have Been Culturally Appropriated The politics of hair, particularly in the black community, is a touchy subject. Until I looked in a mirror and saw the short tufts of my afro sticking up, very brown and very foreign. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. Ethiopians, Kenyans, ancient Greeks and ancient Egyptians woredreadlocks for various reasons. If you need to flag this entry as abusive. This style of nose ring is specifically for the South Asian bride. Dear Beloved Reader, we're going to be real with you. Just like in any other religion, we keep some things closer to our heart and spirit. 1. Photo Credit: Flickr userFatimavia Creative Commons. Recently, Rachel Dolezal , the white woman who infamously posed as a black woman in 2015, lent her name, face and talent to a Braiding Demonstration in Dallas, Texas hosted by the organization BraidOn. Thankfully the uproar from ASOS consumers made the company remove the selection on bindis. 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! She was criticised for incorporating Indian cultural and religious practices into the video for the Coldplay collaboration Hymn for the Weekend. On the other hand, if someone is wearing hair rings that are inspired by a variety of cultural influences, and they are doing so with respect and an understanding of the cultural significance of the accessory, it may not be seen as cultural appropriation. The history around black hair is extensive and laden with racial tension. But recently, I've begun to, As a beauty editor, I see firsthand how appropriative hairstyling can be hurtful and cruel. Exploring the Benefits of Probiotics in Greek Yogurt, Who Invented the Pythagoras Theorem? 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. Except when its not with dreadlocks, there are ongoing discussions over whether white people should feel able to lock their hair. Hindu babies are adorned with simple silver anklets and typically, a girl child continues to wear anklets while boys grow out of it. 3 Hairstylists on Braids, Cultural Appropriation and Media's Erasure of 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. 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. I get it. Their origin can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece. Racism 101 Asked And Answered: Why And When Is It Offensive For - LAist Theres so much more to black culture than hairstyles. Hair Cuffs Have Roots in African Culture Please share to your friends: Short answer: Does chlorine bleach hair? Hair cuffs are not a new trend they have been used by different cultures for centuries. It is the sound of the conch at prayer. She holds a Masters in Psychotherapy with a focus on contemplative psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. However, the impact of whiteness benefiting from aspects of culture that are historically black is not to be dismissed. In the 1979 movie, "10," Bo Derek, ran down a beach with her hair braided in cornrows. 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. The most sacred symbol in Hinduism. 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. 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. Originally published on Wear Your Voice Magazine and republished here with their permission. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. 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. Lip injections, waist trainers and implants have all been implemented in a quest to recreate the classic black womans frame. This was cultural appropriation at work. But when did we decide to lambast an individual for exploring cultures other than their own? I have had the bindi placed upon my forehead since infancy. A bride-to-be typically wears an intricately embellished Maang Tikka. I feel extremely uncomfortable at the idea of limiting anyone to a certain set of behaviours and styles because of their skin colour. Rachel Dolezal has taken this appropriation to another level. The issue arises when the line between inspiration and appropriation is blurred because elements have been taken out of context or without due involvement from representatives from the culture itself. Along with fellow hair stylist and BraidOn founder, Isis Brantley, Dolezal participated in what was billed a BraidOn Economic Liberty March & Rally.. Diving into the lyrics, Grande fumbles again at the line between appropriation and appreciation. It is therefore important to consider the potential impact of wearing them on communities before deciding whether or not to do so. Rachel Dolezal is by no means alone in her desire to emulate and imitate the black culture. Id find a black run business to buy them from obviously. Cultural appropriation does not exist, therefore hair cuffs, whatever that is, is not cultural appropriation. This act of unconscious disrespect leads towards offence disrepects whole cultures this could be seen as harmful appropriation rather than appreciation. Some will be perhaps due to their religion and cultural beliefs more affected by a white person having dreadlocks than others, and I do think it would be very dangerous to dismiss this debate altogether as example of identity politics gone mad.