are hair cuffs cultural appropriation

recently shes been talking a lot about how she loves the look of hair cuffs in dreads/braids. 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. The politics of hair, particularly in the black community, is a touchy subject. I did it to commemorate my very first trip to the homeland. 10 Trends That Are Actually Cultural Appropriation - Bustle This act of unconscious disrespect leads towards offence disrepects whole cultures this could be seen as harmful appropriation rather than appreciation. Heres looking at you, Madonna. Over time, the trend spread worldwide becoming adopted by different cultures and worn in various forms. Henna tattoos have become just as commonplace as bindis within the Western culture. 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. When brides are married off without their consent (yes, it still happens), Mehendi is an unfortunate sign of patriarchy submission to the unwanted matrimony, a possession of the feminine body. TikToks DIY Leave-In Conditioner Outperforms My Expensive 14 Bob Haircut Trends That Are Everywhere This Year. 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. These hefty accessories are meant to accentuate the rhythm of dance and to appreciate the complex footwork for the forms of Indian dance. However, have you ever thought about the origins of these accessories? All who buy into it are insane. On The Cultural Appropriation Of Natural Hair | HuffPost Voices 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. Thankfully the uproar from ASOS consumers made the company remove the selection on bindis. 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. 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 . It is one part out of the five signs of marital status of an Indian woman. For every black-owned business like Root & Fleurish, there is a beauty supply store operating in our communities and owned by people who look nothing like the primary patrons.We dont need outside influences to endorse or even acquiesce our culture; it is ours and its time we own it. 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. Hair is a big topic in the black community. 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. I hate this assertion, because there is nothing inherently wrong with how white people look with dreads. Hair is just hair. The thing about wearing one is that the look is considered unfinished if you do not accessorize with at least bangles and a bindi. I hope the organization is successful in its fight against anti-braiding laws and other worthy causes surrounding natural hair. It is therefore important to consider the potential impact of wearing them on communities before making a decision. Are hair rings cultural appropriation? - Hair FAQs Answered! Cultural Appropriation Unmasked: "Fairy Locks" and the Truth of Celtic 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. The United States has a legacy of demanding assimilation from black women. So while this is a fun option for the West, it is an imposition on some in the East. The old, pre-Christian, Nordic society was definitely not static. Since there is a shortage of traditional mehendi artists, using plastic cones makes the application of henna easier and more accessible. 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. naming teams after animals, plants, or noncultural concepts. Hair cuffs provided an extra layer of adornment to these styles without compromising the cultural significance or authenticity. Anklets are also viewed as a symbol of femininity, coquettishness, eroticism, and dance. Privacy Policy. Learningabout chemical hair straightener that could make my hair look white eventually provided solace. If you straighten it you want to be white, if you retain your natural hair texture it is a bold statement. Yes it is cultural appropriation. it remains fashionable to wear and accessorize your braids and dreads with these gorgeous little pieces of jewelry. It can lead to misunderstandings and tensions between cultures, as well as reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating inequality. Please enter your username or email address. For rastas they symbolise a spiritual journey, but theyve been worn by African Maasai warriors and even have biblical roots. Those beach braids lasted for weeks, which gave me a break from those tedious salon trips. in this context, the pressure to have straight hair) as a black person. I feel it is a celebratory time now that black women are starting to mirror the images of powerful, black heroines of the past. Are you simply admiring how they look on others or do they hold deeper significance for you? 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. However, if youre only wearing them because they look cool without considering how their significance may be appropriated, then you probably should not don them. Hair cuffs were first used by African tribal women as symbolic jewelry to adorn their braids and dreads during traditional ceremonies. Say it to yourself in your head and it starts to sound surreal: Everybody is angry about Justin Biebers dreadlocks. Admittedly, they didnt look good but are they racist? It is considered a symbol of Indian femininity and sensuality. Would it be okay for a white child to wear hair cuffs over some plaits? 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. 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. South Asian women across the world and from all walks of life wear them at home, during an occasion, while in attendance of prayer, or at the workplace. 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. Minorities face much bigger problems than appropriation and when there are real issues that need to be addressed, you know, like systemic racism and police brutality, I really cant be bothered discussing Biebers dreadlocks. Over the years, the racial microaggressions that offend and upset us have mutated, but they are aggressions all the same. Experimentation and borrowing is not a crime. Yes, hair loss is a potential side, Short answer: Does body hair keep you warm? If you sport one as a pendant, bangle, bracelet, or a tattoo (be mindful of its placement) and are a practicing Hindu, While I am deeply appreciative of tattoo culture, it would be advisable to get these tattoos only if they hold a deep significance to you. Are Hair Cuffs Cultural Appropriation? The issue of hair may never die in our community. Its Important to Respect Other Cultures It can be anything really, any type of hair jewelry that will stay in her hair. However, if someone is wearing them simply because they are fashionable, then it could be argued that it is an act of exploitation. Then it dawned on me. But we now depend 100% on reader support to keep going. There is so much history steeped in this and it is unfortunate that this thing of beauty has been commodified into a sticker set. 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. 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. 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. 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 Tikka is the ornately jeweled part of the accessory that is placed onto the forehead. This way, everyone can enjoy the beauty brought by creative hairstyling without encroaching on other cultures traditions. 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. One trend that has caught some backlash in recent years is hair cuffs. Their origin can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece. 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. One of the most pervasive offenses is when white celebrities wear Black hairstyles like Bantu knots and call them other names like twisted mini buns, erasing these styles origin and integral roles within Black beauty culture. Step 2: Consider where you got your hair cuffs from. According to Professor Negrn-Muntane, finding connections and sharing both the difficult and beautiful aspects of each others cultures can create a stronger sense of unity across communities. 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. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. 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. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. 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. Were so glad you asked. 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. 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. 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. Policing people and telling them what they can and can't do with their hair feels draconian and dull. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. 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. Hair cuffs have a long history in many cultures. It started with immersing into someone elses culture and ended with him becoming more socially aware, more politically engaged. These looks are often deemed unacceptable or "trendy" until they are worn by white women -- but we want to set the record straight. We have a duty to fight cultural appropriation by calling it out when we see it. If you purchased your hair cuffs from a store or online without researching their origins, chances are they were made without consideration for cultural significance. The earliest evidence of henna application appears to have been mentioned in Egypt and in the earliest Hindu Vedic ritual books. 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. One needs to understand the context of the adoption and also learn about its origins before using any cultural aesthetics as fashion statements. 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. While some may view it as a form of respect and appreciation, others may view it as an act of exploitation. Click to learn more, 11 of the Most Culturally Appropriated South Asian Accessories And What They Really Mean. At only 4 feet 10 inches tall, Baartmans curvaceous body was the source of ridicule, laughter and silent lust. There is no doubt (no pun intended) in my mind that thispattern has probably been repeating itself for decades long before I was born since the West has always shown a keen interest in South Asian clothing and accessories. Of course they are allowed. 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. Policing people and telling them what they can and cant do with their hair feels draconian and dull. 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. Which was why I was defiant in school when I was told to remove my nose ring after piercing my nose at fifteen. They have been used for centuries in Africa and India, but more recently they have become fashionable in Western countries. This is nothing new. Historically, the tradition seems to have originated in the 5th-6th century A.D. Respect Our Roots: A Brief History Of Our Braids | Essence They have become popular in recent years as a way to add a decorative touch to hairstyles, but some people have raised concerns that they may be seen as cultural appropriation. Racism 101 Asked And Answered: Why And When Is It Offensive For - LAist Lost your password? These Latinas' allyships with Black communities are only limited to their hair. Exploring the Life and Legacy of the Ancient Greek Mathematician, Are Fairlife Protein Shakes Healthy? It is the representation of three worlds Earth, the Atmosphere, and Heaven. 2. This phenomenon is particularly apparent in the fashion industry, where certain trends have become synonymous with specific cultures or ethnic groups. The women in my family have been wearing nose rings all their lives. 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. 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. For the price of a single lunch out, you can help save us. They have been used for centuries in Africa and India, but more recently they have become fashionable in Western countries. Unravelling the disturbing theory behind Ghiblis Totoro, Five ads that took body-shaming to a whole new level, Five of the most explicit anime films ever, decided to twist his peroxide-blonde mane, she would cut off white student Cory Goldsteins dreadlocks. My peers had no clue as to what the significance of the bindi was and given that I used to get strange stares when I did wear them before No Doubts popularity; I felt uneasy about the immediate mass appeal for it. 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?. If someones appropriates said specific style along with wearing the Nigerian Fulani braids associated with theirs by using jewellery pieces such as cowrie shells or beads (which in turn represents wealth.) Diving into the lyrics, Grande fumbles again at the line between appropriation and appreciation. 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. Hair Cuffs Have Roots in African Culture Until I looked in a mirror and saw the short tufts of my afro sticking up, very brown and very foreign. These microaggressions ranged from young boys telling me I looked like a man to people insisting that all dreadlocks were unclean. Every year, we reach over 6.5 million people around the world with our intersectional feminist articles and webinars. There has long existed a civil war in the black community with hair and skin tone at the center of the fight. It is time we look at this from an economic and cultural standpoint. 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. Im becoming more comfortable inhabiting a fluid, complicated space. Like the paayal, infants are gifted with bangles. Its beautiful because the black women who have chosen to wear their hair natural are beautiful. But I will say beads are also fine but whatever you choice, make sure it's not damaging to her hair and. If you are in attendance of an Indian function that stipulates Indian ethnic attire. As a braider, it's definitely my duty to clear out all of that right away.. Celebrities like the Kardashian ladies have made millions of dollars surgically enhancing their bodies to appear curvier and blacker. 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. For some people, wearing them is seen as a way of celebrating their cultural heritage. No such thing as cultural appropriation. With the rise of hair accessories in recent years, hair cuffs have become a trendy addition to many hairstyles. 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. Fail to do this (and worse, profit off of it), and you are likely guilty of cultural appropriation. 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. Questioning the chaos of calling out cultural appropriation Not only does it make you look incredibly bitter, but it only increases cultural and racial division, of which we dont need any more on this inexplicably divided earth. A bride-to-be typically wears an intricately embellished Maang Tikka. For example, YouTube user Dav Ze asked the pertinent question: lolz why the dude didnt killed that negress right there?. This style of nose ring is specifically for the South Asian bride. 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. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. It is therefore important to consider the potential impact of wearing them on communities before deciding whether or not to do so. 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. Although I hated the tugging and pulling, I knew that Id love the outcome. The rituals and symbolism of South Asian culture are beautiful. These cultural appropriation scandals can often feel driven by people who are so left wing they've gone right. When considering whether to wear hair cuffs, it is important to weigh up the potential pros and cons. This was cultural appropriation at work. So, what should we do if we still want to wear hair cuffs but dont want to appropriate someone elses culture? 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. Hair cuffs were popularized in mainstream fashion during the 90s hip-hop era where it was widely used for the same purpose; but it was primarily designed with an understanding of its origin and purpose originating firmly from Black culture. However, one in four, "Characteristics like hair are racially charged," Negrn-Muntaner adds. 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. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. Different regions and communities of India have varied versions of the mangalsutra or taali. 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. 4.Hair Jewelry Practice Is Not Exclusive To The Black Culture However, it wasnt until the early 90s that hair cuffs experienced a resurgence in popularity. Hair bonds, that is. This has sparked debate over whether wearing hair cuffs is an act of cultural appropriation. My mother, aunts, cousins and a few friends have all divorced their flat irons and have been chemical-free for quite some time. 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. 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. Not appropriation. LGBTQIA, Used by hundreds of universities, non-profits, and businesses. 3. 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. Depending on region and community, bangles are made out of differing materials glass, silver, conch, or shell. I can remember my mother spending hours on my little sisters hair ensuring that it was properly moisturized and maintained. Is it ever okay for someone outside of that culture to wear hair cuffs? She loves animals to a fault and is a happy fur-mommy to three dogs and two cats. Unlike cultural appropriation, strategic anti-essentialism can be practiced by both minority cultures and majority cultures. Hair cuffs are a fashion accessory that have been around for centuries. Cultural appropriation takes place when members of a majority group adopt cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way. 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. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. 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. 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. 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. This feels a lot more personal than the rest of the accessories mentioned. Yes, cat hair does grow back. Natural hair has once again become a big business and the business is finally staying in the community. It can also be a way of showing solidarity with communities that have faced oppression and discrimination. If a white person wears hair cuffs, is it cultural appropriation? As more black women return to natural hairstyles, the economic impact is undeniable. While wearing them may not necessarily be an act of cultural appropriation, it can still contribute to the problem if it reinforces existing stereotypes or perpetuates inequality. Men sport the tilak after a prayer or religious occasion. When considering the debate around hair cuffs and cultural appropriation, it is important to recognize the complexity of the issue. Even Beyonc has been accused of culturally appropriating. 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. my little sister (5) adores black hair and styles. Back home in Queens, my mother would take me to the. Also, some of us dont have a choice in the matter. For women, these designs are drawn on the palm, back of the hand, and on feet, to contrast with the lighter skin on these surfaces, which naturally contain less of the pigment melanin. For decades, celebrities have been called out for appropriating Black hairstyles. When I got old enough, I learned to straighten my hair myself, and I did so without question for a decade. Hindu babies are adorned with simple silver anklets and typically, a girl child continues to wear anklets while boys grow out of it. When assessing the merits of each argument, it is important to consider the intent behind wearing hair cuffs. 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. Hair cuffs were initially used as a way to hold hair in place, especially during formal occasions. Feb 21, 2020, 8:52 AM Hair rings, coils, and cuffs originated in cultures throughout Africa. As an Indian woman, I dont know where to start with the appropriation of Indian culture. While many individuals who use decorative hair cuff accessories admire their appearance for what they bring to the style industry, its important to acknowledge that this trend has raised concerns about cultural appropriation. The ring is typically made out of silver and worn in pairs on the second toe of both feet. It seems that people always credit a celebrity as opposed to crediting the actual history, she says.

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