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For those of you wh, Every once in a while, a brand gets so big, so fast that you dont even remember what it was like before Sephora stores and salons carried it. Weave in rings to take your hairstyle up a notch - Insider 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 the salon, my curls became pelo lacio or straight hair a sign of a put-together, proper Latina, at least according to all the other women there. Fail to do this (and worse, profit off of it), and you are likely guilty of cultural appropriation. Now, it seems that a more voluptuous look is suddenly more desirable. Cultural Appropriation Unmasked: "Fairy Locks" and the Truth of Celtic 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. The history around black hair is extensive and laden with racial tension. On the one hand, some people argue that wearing them is a sign of respect and appreciation for the culture from which they originate. Which was why I was defiant in school when I was told to remove my nose ring after piercing my nose at fifteen. And up until very recently in both the white and black community, the main reason I heard bandied around as to why white people shouldnt wear dreadlocks was because they look bad not because of any kind of knowledge or understanding of Rastafarianism which is arguably the culture that dreadlocks are most synonymous with, at least in the UK. Hair cuffs provided an extra layer of adornment to these styles without compromising the cultural significance or authenticity. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And many conversations about racism because of course if 5 year old black kids can experience it then 5 year old white kids can learn about it. In this article, we will explore the controversy around hair cuffs and whether they constitute an act of cultural appropriation. Those Sosa braids were my introduction to protective styling. It is time we look at this from an economic and cultural standpoint. Like the paayal, infants are gifted with bangles. 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 It is the representation of the three sacred Vedic scriptures Rig, Yajur, and Sama. The Tikka is the ornately jeweled part of the accessory that is placed onto the forehead. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The women in my family have been wearing nose rings all their lives. Actually, let's start with the age-old fight over so-called good vs. bad hair. I have had the bindi placed upon my forehead since infancy. When considering the debate around hair cuffs and cultural appropriation, it is important to recognize the complexity of the issue. Celts weresaid to have hair like snakes. A place for the curious to ask questions about black people. Historically, the Afro-Latinx community has faced erasure in both U.S. and Latinx media, which tend to favor Latinas with lighter skin and long, straight hair (think Jennifer Lopez and Sofia Vergara). So while this is a fun option for the West, it is an imposition on some in the East. Hell cut them off and move on to a new trend or just wash his hair but our social problems will still exist. PDF An Introduction to What I Hear When You Say - Pbs Its beautiful because the black women who have chosen to wear their hair natural are beautiful. Are Hair Cuffs Cultural Appropriation? Exploring the Debate However, some people argue that wearing hair cuffs as someone from a different cultural background could be considered cultural appropriation. 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. We do, however, wear them for religious or festive occasions. 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. If Dolezal truly wanted to help, then she should first understand the message her presence sends. Yes, chlorine can bleach hair by stripping away, Short Answer: Does Cat Hair Grow Back? Back home in Queens, my mother would take me to the. Dreadlocks were worn by holy men of the Hindu religion, replicating the hair of the Indian god Shiva. Are Hair Cuffs Cultural Appropriation? Sound Off: 7 Rings and the Curious Case of Cultural Appropriation These cultural appropriation scandals can often feel driven by people who are so left wing they've gone right. Cultural appropriation refers to the act of taking elements of a culture that is not ones own, often without understanding or respecting the context in which they originated. I often asked my parents if I could keep the style until the first day of school to show the plaits off to my other classmates. Why might wearing hair cuffs be considered cultural appropriation? In India, Mehendi is typically applied during festivals such as Diwali and during weddings. Indian women have been adorning their arms with bangles since ancient civilization. Unlike Dolezal, black women are not able to simply take out their braids when they are done being black. Trans & GNC Hair cuffs are small metal bands, often studded or engraved with intricate designs, placed around braids or dreadlocks to add embellishment to hairstyles. 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. It started with immersing into someone elses culture and ended with him becoming more socially aware, more politically engaged. Then it dawned on me. 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. The Cultural Appropriation of Natural Hair. There is so much history steeped in this and it is unfortunate that this thing of beauty has been commodified into a sticker set. It is the representation of three worlds Earth, the Atmosphere, and Heaven. In a society that continues to prioritize, I think about cutting all my 4C hair off every wash day, reads an anonymous post from one Reddit user who identifies as a Black woman with ADHD. Beauty Appreciation or Appropriation? The Cultural Divide. 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. 2. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. Feb 21, 2020, 8:52 AM Hair rings, coils, and cuffs originated in cultures throughout Africa. One can confidently say that wearing hair cuffs does not automatically represent appropriation if done with respect and without any ulterior negative motives attached. She could disappear into the anonymity that white privilege provides, even after all of the controversy she created. If you are in attendance of an Indian function that stipulates Indian ethnic attire. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. 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. 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. Although I hated the tugging and pulling, I knew that Id love the outcome. You can upgrade a ponytail or braided look by intricately looping hair in and out of the rings with a crochet hook. The Aum is used everywhere now and not as it should be. 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! Not making a blanket decision right now about how I express all those things with my hair feels like the right decision for me. 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. "Cultural appropriation is an issue because of the history of systematic destruction and exploitation of Black culture," Day said. The main thing that frustrates me is the discrediting of the influence that a certain practice brings, says Moore-Karim. Anything outside this normative framework becomes exoticized thanks to similar microaggressions enforced upon particular traits implying anything not European looking might turn ugly. 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. Step 4: Ask yourself why you want to wear them. For many of us, the oppression is far from over, and we still exist within marginalized communities. 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. A black bindi is worn in parts of South India by unmarried girls, while married women wear a red bindi. She was criticised for incorporating Indian cultural and religious practices into the video for the Coldplay collaboration Hymn for the Weekend. Please enter your username or email address. Exploring the Debate: Are Hair Cuffs Cultural Appropriation? 11 of the Most Culturally Appropriated South Asian Accessories - And On the downside, there is the risk that wearing hair cuffs could be seen as disrespectful or exploitative. Full Document. 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. Photo Credit: Flickr userFatimavia Creative Commons. 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 doesnt absolve her actions, but it could go someway towardsexplaining them. View Hair cuffs are an incredibly popular hair accessory. They have been used for centuries in Africa and India, but more recently they have become fashionable in Western countries. 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. What tires us, however, is the misinterpretation, misrepresentation, and disregard of South Asian culture. This is nothing new. The accessories have since been worn and celebrated in cultures throughout the world for centuries. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Respect Our Roots: A Brief History Of Our Braids | Essence 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. Here are the top 5 facts to know about hair cuffs and cultural appropriation. As long as we do not dismiss cultural significance while adopting styles, it should be fine to add our flavor to attractive accessories like hair cuffs. 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?. This is why the act of "dreading" hair among non-Blacks/African Americans is often appropriation. Part of HuffPost Black Voices. As the conversation around cultural appropriation continues to gain momentum, its important that we all take a step back and assess our own choices when it comes to fashion and beauty. I get it. By embracing these accessories with an acknowledgment of their origins into our lives respectfully implies that we can admire black peoples exclusive stylistic history in a way which enhances diversity rather than causes friction or offense amongst different groups everywhere! Certainly, getting my hair braided also benefited my dad. Like the Bindi and Maang Tikka, they have variations that hold special significance. The style arrived in the West Indies as far back as 1844 via the coolie trade, where workers from China and the Indian subcontinent were brought in to replace the now-illegal slaves. By understanding the history behind them, you can better appreciate their significance. So, what should we do if we still want to wear hair cuffs but dont want to appropriate someone elses culture? 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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. This is the epitome of appropriation and privilege. Which Hairstyles Are Cultural Appropriation? Here's - Femestella Let hairstyles keep reflecting diversity in cultures such as African American hairstyles made unique through bodily adornments like uniquely designed accessories such as hair cuff made popular amongst Black women globally. Fashion and music thrive when they are influenced by a wide range of styles. 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. in this context, the pressure to have straight hair) as a black person. This phenomenon is particularly apparent in the fashion industry, where certain trends have become synonymous with specific cultures or ethnic groups. ", Growing up, my father took my brother and me on an annual summer vacation to the Dominican Republic to visit family. Natural hair has once again become a big business and the business is finally staying in the community. Hair Cuffs Have Roots in African Culture This is deeper than hair; its about history. It is considered a symbol of Indian femininity and sensuality. In these cases, wearing braids does feel a lot like hurtful cultural appropriation and that self-denial ultimately harms both Latinx and Black women. LGBTQIA, Used by hundreds of universities, non-profits, and businesses. For example, in West African culture, hair adornments such as cuffs served as a way to show social status and were often passed down through generations. ], 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]. If you are not from that culture or region but admire a particular cultural item with an embossed history, it is essential that you educate yourself about its context and significance within that culture; be open for discussions and transparency. Feminism 101 But when did we decide to lambast an individual for exploring cultures other than their own? Historically, the tradition seems to have originated in the 5th-6th century A.D. Cultural Appropriation Definition and Examples - What is Cultural choosing body art . Cultural appropriation is when a tradition, such as clothing or a hairstyle, is taken from a culture and used in a different way. Bleached hair has lost much of its, individuals incorporate these hair accessories into their own hairstyles, Does Chlorine Bleach Hair? If you need to flag this entry as abusive. Required fields are marked *. 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). Are you simply admiring how they look on others or do they hold deeper significance for you? View By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. naming teams after animals, plants, or noncultural concepts. and our Being responsible towards issues of cultural appropriation requires acknowledging historical contributions from different perspectives within broader social stakes. Policing people and telling them what they can and cant do with their hair feels draconian and dull. 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Theres a whole spectrum of shade options, which can make planning for your, Our hair and our identities are intimately linked, and for Black women in particular, that connection runs deep. 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. 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 widely used in South Asian countries India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh as well as the Middle East and Africa. While some may view wearing them as a sign of respect and appreciation, others may view it as an act of exploitation. There has long existed a civil war in the black community with hair and skin tone at the center of the fight. 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. GO AHEAD!! She loves animals to a fault and is a happy fur-mommy to three dogs and two cats. I Tried The Internets Most Hyped Hair Brand & Here Are My Honest K18 Just Launched A Hair Oil & R29 Editors Tried It First. The History of Hair Cuffs: A Culture-Specific Accessory Hair cuffs are a fashion accessory that have been around for centuries. This is a sacred thread of love and goodwill worn by married women as a symbol of their marriage. One trend that has caught some backlash in recent years is hair cuffs. It is therefore important to consider the potential impact of wearing them on communities before making a decision. Henna tattoos have become just as commonplace as bindis within the Western culture. 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. However, one in four, "Characteristics like hair are racially charged," Negrn-Muntaner adds. Hair cuffs have been traditionally worn by African American women for decades as part of their unique hairstyles such as braids and dreadlocks. Depending on region and community, bangles are made out of differing materials glass, silver, conch, or shell. 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. The rituals and symbolism of South Asian culture are beautiful. Obviously, shampoo and conditi, We thought wed left the big, bouncy blow-dry in the 90s, but the look has made a comeback lately and its all thanks to TikTok. Wearing hair cuffs has become a trend statement that is now followed by many regardless of their race or ethnicity. Please mind where you place them on your body. K18 is tha, The name is Bond. This has sparked debate over whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of cultural appropriation. If Everyday Feminism has been useful to you, please take one minute to keep us alive. The old, pre-Christian, Nordic society was definitely not static. Indians wore rings on the nostril and septum way before it got fashionable. As an Indian woman, I dont know where to start with the appropriation of Indian culture. However, the impact of whiteness benefiting from aspects of culture that are historically black is not to be dismissed. 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. Hair cuffs have a long history in many cultures. This was done as a way of expressing art, heritage, and establishing social status within communities. Why the Conversation About Cultural Appropriation Needs to Go Further When Non-Black Minorities Adopt Black Style, Is It Still Appropriation 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. 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. Heres looking at you, Madonna. 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. On the other hand, there are those who believe that it is a form of cultural appropriation and should not be done without the permission of the community from which it originates. And what are their implications in terms of cultural appropriation? Thankfully the uproar from ASOS consumers made the company remove the selection on bindis. What you can do is support our art, culture, and music. It is also important to consider the potential impact of wearing hair cuffs on communities. Course Hero is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university. Men sport the tilak after a prayer or religious occasion. We're asking you to join our membership program so we can become fully financially sustainable (and you'll get cool perks too!) 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. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising.