are hair cuffs cultural appropriation

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. 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. Experimentation and borrowing is not a crime. Over the years, the racial microaggressions that offend and upset us have mutated, but they are aggressions all the same. GO AHEAD!! I am not the best at draping a saree, but I do appreciate the place it has in my life as an Indian woman. 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. There is limited scientific evidence to, Short answer: Does Calquence cause hair loss? They have been used for centuries in Africa and India, but more recently they have become fashionable in Western countries. 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. We have a duty to fight cultural appropriation by calling it out when we see it. 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. But I will say beads are also fine but whatever you choice, make sure it's not damaging to her hair and. Your email address will not be published. Aarti Olivia Dubey is a first generation Southasian Singaporean. Theres so much more to black culture than hairstyles. Those beach braids lasted for weeks, which gave me a break from those tedious salon trips. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.". TikToks DIY Leave-In Conditioner Outperforms My Expensive 14 Bob Haircut Trends That Are Everywhere This Year. 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. It doesnt absolve her actions, but it could go someway towardsexplaining them. recently shes been talking a lot about how she loves the look of hair cuffs in dreads/braids. A place for the curious to ask questions about black people. This has sparked debate over whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of cultural appropriation. 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. These cultural appropriation scandals can often feel driven by people who are so left wing theyve gone right. Dreadlocks are actually a prime example of an element of one culture mixing with many others. Some people feel that when non-black individuals incorporate these hair accessories into their own hairstyles without considering or acknowledging its origin from black culture; it negates black peoples unique stylistic history and represents injustice towards them. Except when its not with dreadlocks, there are ongoing discussions over whether white people should feel able to lock their hair. 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. It is the representation of three worlds Earth, the Atmosphere, and Heaven. Photo Credit: Flickr userJosh Rodriguezvia Creative Commons. 3. By being respectful isnt just something superficial but engenders sensitivity toward others life experiences that have brought inspiration/historical significance into our lives daily. 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. 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. Hair cuffs are a fashion accessory that have been around for centuries. Today, they remain an integral part of black hairstyles culture. It was during this time that hair cuffs also gained popularity and were seen on both men and women. 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! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress sports teams with offensive and inappropriate names. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Hair cuffs are not a new trend they have been used by different cultures for centuries. Learning about the origins and proper usage of cultural traditions while creating fashionable trends should be crucial as it can lead to both respect toward cultures we borrow from and a better understanding about our own choices hence moving towards more inclusive society rather than contributing to shallow appropriation which belittles various communities. As a braider, it's definitely my duty to clear out all of that right away.. There are many Latinx people who dont acknowledge their Afro roots. 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. This could undermine the efforts of those who are trying to raise awareness of cultural appropriation and its potential impacts on communities. My mother, aunts, cousins and a few friends have all divorced their flat irons and have been chemical-free for quite some time. Nor is anything else. It is therefore important to consider the potential impact of wearing them on communities before making a decision. As black women move away from the tedious processes involved with making their hair look more like the images of beauty forcefully portrayed in the media, we should applaud those efforts. While they may seem like a harmless accessory, their origins and cultural significance should not be ignored. In Native American culture, they were used in ceremonial hairstyles. 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. Originally published on Wear Your Voice Magazine and republished here with their permission. As noted in the previous post non-Blacks/African Americans who do this hairstyle are seen as trendy and cool, whereas Blacks/African Americans are seen as dirty and bad. The Cultural Appropriation of Natural Hair. and our 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. Cultural appropriation does not exist, therefore hair cuffs, whatever that is, is not cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation takes place when members of a majority group adopt cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way. A bride-to-be typically wears an intricately embellished Maang Tikka. By understanding the history behind them, you can better appreciate their significance. K18 is tha, The name is Bond. Despite the fact that naturally straight hair is not as adaptable for braids, the women were called beautiful and cutting-edge. She was criticised for incorporating Indian cultural and religious practices into the video for the Coldplay collaboration Hymn for the Weekend. Yes, chlorine can bleach hair by stripping away, Short Answer: Does Cat Hair Grow Back? Course Hero is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. 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. 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. Naturally, I was sent to detention for disobedience, even though this is a mark of my culture. Plus, I loved how it looked. 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. Actually, lets start with the age-old fight over so-called good vs. bad hair. I had dreadlocks from ages eight to 13 or 14, after my mum decided shed had enough of my screaming and crying every time she went to do my hair and gave me an ultimatum. 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. Even Beyonc has been accused of culturally appropriating. Since I am a North Indian married to a South Indian (our cultures could not be any more different), it has been interesting to see the differences in which we pick out fabrics and styles. No such thing as cultural appropriation. Feb 21, 2020, 8:52 AM Hair rings, coils, and cuffs originated in cultures throughout Africa. It is understandable that acculturation happens; a lot of us live in a merry existence of a myriad of cultures. Shes posing. The Tikka is the ornately jeweled part of the accessory that is placed onto the forehead. 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. in my wardrobe. For example, YouTube user Dav Ze asked the pertinent question: lolz why the dude didnt killed that negress right there?. 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. That black people have felt the pressure to change their hair since slavery and colonialism (potato and lye burned our hair straight, grease slicked it down), and that when we do wear our hair in natural styles are told that they are unprofessional, smell of patchouli oil or weedor inappropriate might not mean a lot in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement in some peoples eyes, but in my opinion we need to fight these microaggressions as hard as we can, as they ultimately all point to the pervasiveness of racism in our society. 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. Hair cuffs are an incredibly popular hair accessory. According to the market research firm Mintel, sales of styling products increased 26.8% from 2013 to 2015 but sales of relaxers have dropped over 18% in the same time frame due to the transition to natural hair. Please enter your username or email address. However, the appropriation of the Mangalsutra does not happen in Asia as much, but the pretty black beaded necklace has captured the eyes of many in the West. 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. Hairstyles could bring communities together, especially between those of color. So when I see someone wearing it on their tie-dye camisole or sarong during a resort vacation, you can imagine how it feels. Ultimately, whether you wear ethnic-inspired jewelry or not- what matters most is remaining respectful toward others backgrounds- appreciating diversity without erasing individuality altogether! Until I looked in a mirror and saw the short tufts of my afro sticking up, very brown and very foreign. When considering the debate around hair cuffs and cultural appropriation, it is important to recognize the complexity of the issue. 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. The women in my family have been wearing nose rings all their lives. It's hypocrisy. 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. Hell cut them off and move on to a new trend or just wash his hair but our social problems will still exist. 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. 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. Is it ever okay for someone outside of that culture to wear hair cuffs? Still, in my opinion she was much ado about nothing; that is, until she decided to engage in her latest theft of black culture. The issue of hair may never die in our community. The old, pre-Christian, Nordic society was definitely not static. There are people who aren't doing it on purpose, says Guingui. Cultural appropriation is a hotly debated topic in todays society. But we now depend 100% on reader support to keep going. I feel it is a celebratory time now that black women are starting to mirror the images of powerful, black heroines of the past. 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. Hair cuffs were initially used as a way to hold hair in place, especially during formal occasions. 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. There, the three of us would run amuck. Not fun to get singled out in dance class, I can vouch for that! 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. Being responsible towards issues of cultural appropriation requires acknowledging historical contributions from different perspectives within broader social stakes. 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 embracing, blending and opening of cultures can help aid understanding, and drive creativity. Today, when so many peers wear one, its not considered a problem. However, one in four, "Characteristics like hair are racially charged," Negrn-Muntaner adds. Appropriation. 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. On the plus side, wearing them can be a way of expressing pride in ones culture and heritage. Appropriation artists want the viewer to recognize the images they copy. Theres also the complicated perception of Blackness within the Latinx community. The thing about wearing one is that the look is considered unfinished if you do not accessorize with at least bangles and a bindi. Those Sosa braids were my introduction to protective styling. Different regions and communities of India have varied versions of the mangalsutra or taali. The most sacred symbol in Hinduism. 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. The politics of hair, particularly in the black community, is a touchy subject. Whenever a client mispronounces a style or calls it by the wrong name, stylists have a role in correcting them so that they leave with more context and knowledge. Indians wore rings on the nostril and septum way before it got fashionable. But be careful when threading the line between showing appreciation and respect for a foreign culture versus picking and choosing elements of it for a laugh. This is a sacred thread of love and goodwill worn by married women as a symbol of their marriage. The phrase originated in the 1980s in. In my eyes, its not that serious. There are brands that work to create culturally curated hair accessories that represent different cultures without diminishing their exclusivity or history. If it's decorations, it doesn't have to be cuffs. 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. I feel extremely uncomfortable at the idea of limiting anyone to a certain set of behaviours and styles because of their skin colour. It is the representation of the holy Hindu trinity of Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Yes, body hair can help to, Short answer: Does bleached hair need protein? I did it to commemorate my very first trip to the homeland. ", "To really be able to appreciate these hairstyles, we must educate ourselves on the origin. We do, however, wear them for religious or festive occasions. ], 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]. The history around black hair is extensive and laden with racial tension. She loves animals to a fault and is a happy fur-mommy to three dogs and two cats. Just like in any other religion, we keep some things closer to our heart and spirit. While some may view it as a positive celebration of their culture, others may feel that it is a form of exploitation. 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. This was particularly evident within African American culture in the United States. In conclusion, the debate around hair cuffs and cultural appropriation is complex and nuanced. Lets go through a list ten of the most widely appropriated South Asian accessories and what they really mean. In conclusion, hair cuffs are a beautiful expression of traditional hairstyling found throughout diverse cultures globally. Dear White Girls These Appropriated $14.00 "Metal Hair Cuff Sets" From Urban Outfitters Are Actually $2.00 At The Beauty Supply! Policing people and telling them what they can and cant do with their hair feels draconian and dull. In summary, simply the willingness to educate oneself shows that one wants to use other cultures accessories with love rather than disrespectfully embodying another cultures hairstyle or textile as our own. There is a special significance for each variation. Actually, let's start with the age-old fight over so-called good vs. bad hair. For many of us, the oppression is far from over, and we still exist within marginalized communities. Ive had many conversations with her about the difference between appropriation and appreciation, in ways that a five year old can understand. 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. If everyone reading this only gave $12, we could raise enough money for the entire year in just one day. Click to learn more, 11 of the Most Culturally Appropriated South Asian Accessories And What They Really Mean. I couldnt be more tired of this shit. 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. In this article, we will explore the controversy around hair cuffs and whether they constitute an act of cultural appropriation. Every year, we reach over 6.5 million people around the world with our intersectional feminist articles and webinars. Part of HuffPost Black Voices. 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. 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. 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. 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. It is also important to evaluate the impact of wearing hair cuffs on cultural appropriation. 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. Anything outside this normative framework becomes exoticized thanks to similar microaggressions enforced upon particular traits implying anything not European looking might turn ugly. To fully understand its consequences, though, we need to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself. 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 can offend people when people do this without making it clear . 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. 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? 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. Im becoming more comfortable inhabiting a fluid, complicated space. Fashion and music thrive when they are influenced by a wide range of styles. While it has been traditionally expected that married women wear bangles, it is no longer imposed upon us. Father, writer, poet socially conscious. This is why the act of "dreading" hair among non-Blacks/African Americans is often appropriation. Hair cuffs are small metal bands, often studded or engraved with intricate designs, placed around braids or dreadlocks to add embellishment to hairstyles. Why do artists use appropriation? 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? Exploring the Debate, How to Save Music Videos from YouTube: Downloading Services, Screen Recording and More, Welcome Your Guests in Style: Entryway Tile Ideas for a Stylish, How to Play Music on Jetson Hoverboard: A Step-by-Step Guide, Exploring Julia Stiles Career as a Dancer: From Beginner to Accomplished Performer, How to pick out the proper payroll software for your enterprise, Security Tips For Every Web Developer Should Follow, Elevate your e-commerce business by enhancing packaging, Top 15 Decentralized Autonomous Organization Companies, 10 Must-Have Skills for Any Web Developer (Latest Guide 2023), Does Chobani Have Live Cultures? 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. We're an independent feminist media site led entirely by people of color. Are you simply admiring how they look on others or do they hold deeper significance for you? Of course they are allowed. Today, hair cuffs continue to be prevalent among those who appreciate unique accessories that add character to their style. It can be anything really, any type of hair jewelry that will stay in her hair. But recently, I've begun to, As a beauty editor, I see firsthand how appropriative hairstyling can be hurtful and cruel. 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. 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. "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. Hair bonds, that is. It was a way of living - and you decided how you should live it. 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. 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. It doesnt bother me when I see white people with dreadlocks. 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. Step 2: Consider where you got your hair cuffs from. Per the Oxford English Dictionary, cultural appropriation is "the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. Full Document. Amplifying Black voices through news that matters. This is nothing new. This phenomenon is particularly apparent in the fashion industry, where certain trends have become synonymous with specific cultures or ethnic groups. 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. 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. which theme is most likely conveyed in this passage,

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