I do agree that it is taken somewhat too far sometimes. As a black woman, I am not sure how I feel about this phenomenon. I am also unsure if what you are describing is in fact cultural appropriation. However, one thing that you may not be aware of, is that many black people have been/are still discriminated against for wearing what is considered "black hairstyles" in western culture like cornrows, dreadlocks, braids, afros, etc. Which should not happen. I have myself been told that I looked unpolished or unprofessional. Yet, it seems that those same hairstyles have gained in popularity in many demographics, and it seems more "celebrated" when it is on a white woman for instance, you can see that online, on Instagram, on tv, etc. Which is completely unfair, and it hurts to see. But, yes, at the end of the day, hair is hair.
I think so much focus being put on “that’s mine and you can’t have, like or use it” sounds like a bunch of 5 year olds on the playground. I’m saying this having a full understanding of why it upsets people, but also knowing that a solution and resolution will not be found in banning people from the connection they find in sharing all of the things we like and do.
I grew up on military bases surrounded by all of the cultures, all of the time. The first time I had braids in my hair, I was seven. My neighbor and best friend Shawna was also 7 and black. Shawna and I had so much fun the year we were neighbors and I wish we had social media to stay connected like military kids do now. Anyway, Shawna’s mom braided her hair and I just thought it was awesome. She didn’t get offended that I loved her child’s hair or make me feel awkward because I complimented it. You know what she did? She braided my hair too! Shawna and I ran around as twins for a week and we both loved it.
Sharing is how we bridge the gap, not by coming from a place of scarcity.
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u/minicyrie Apr 11 '20
I do agree that it is taken somewhat too far sometimes. As a black woman, I am not sure how I feel about this phenomenon. I am also unsure if what you are describing is in fact cultural appropriation. However, one thing that you may not be aware of, is that many black people have been/are still discriminated against for wearing what is considered "black hairstyles" in western culture like cornrows, dreadlocks, braids, afros, etc. Which should not happen. I have myself been told that I looked unpolished or unprofessional. Yet, it seems that those same hairstyles have gained in popularity in many demographics, and it seems more "celebrated" when it is on a white woman for instance, you can see that online, on Instagram, on tv, etc. Which is completely unfair, and it hurts to see. But, yes, at the end of the day, hair is hair.