Is it wrong for a white girl to have box braids?

[Anonymous]

So I've been wanting to get box braids for a long time. I'm white. I feel that if I get them I will get accused of appropriating black culture. That's not my intention at all. I think the style is absolutely beautiful and I get bored of my hair fast. I don't want to dye it or constantly be using heat on it. My hair doesn't get greasy often so that's not a problem. Would it be wrong of me to get them? And if it's not, could y'all give me some tips on keeping it looking good?

[Anonymous]

Couple of things:
1) Other race people telling you this is not cultural appropriation... is really not the same thing as someone of that culture saying, you know what, this is or isn't cultural appropriation to me. I mean, it's like me telling the traffic cop that I don't believe I was speeding because I don't want a ticket, and I don't want to take any responsibility for my actions. Another race doesn't want it to be portrayed as cultural appropriation because they may feel that that this is unfair to them ironically, so keep that in mind as you read some of the comments whether you truly care about that or not should you have future discussions or questions on the topic.
2. HOWEVER, I will say, that it's just hair. It can be completely cut off, it can grow, every race just about has every color and mixture, and uses wigs, weaves, braids, curls, and everything else. If you wear box braids wear them, but wear them with the knowledge that some may take offense, but at least it sounds like, you at least have an inkling why that is, and you just will deal with it, how you deal with it.

[xXiTacoXx]

It might not be you intention, but it will be hella offensive. It's a big ass hit to the tit when white people wear hairstyles black people are usually shamed for. You'll probably hear shit like the mess you see in the comments about going for it and ignoring "SJW's" and how it's "reverse racism" for Black POC to have a problem with it, but those comments are wrong. Don't do it.
www.huffingtonpost.com/.../its-a-slap-in-the-face-when-white-women-wear-black-hairstyles_us_55c0c153e4b0b23e3ce3f27b

[SteppingOnRoses]

the problem is you also see black people dying their hair blonde and somehow that isn't cultural appropriation...

in th global era almost everyone apropriates something... i think it should rather be caled sharing cultures than appropriation.

some people tend to only see the bad side of things.. as long as she is not mistreating anyone. i dont think there should be a problem with it...

[xXiTacoXx]

There are fully black people with naturally blonde hair so that as an argument is already invalid. When there is a very political and cultural reason behind a style, and you want to wear because it has only just become "cute" and "trendy" is why there is a problem. When black women and girls get bashed for wearing those hairstyles, but now it's all cool because a white girl is wearing it is why there's a problem. You can't compare a hair color anyone can naturally have to culturally appropriating a hairstyle with meaning behind it.

[SteppingOnRoses]

why should it b a problem? it is not like she is doing it to mock them. in fact she likes it or she wouldn't wear it...

I understand the sensitivity... but i find it more beautiful to be able to share different experiences... to breach barriers... but that's me...

[xXiTacoXx]

I'm okay with sharing cultures, but there are thing which even I think should, and should not be done when sharing. I hope she does her research behind the style, and why my people would have a problem with it before making a decision, and if she does choose to go through with it I hope she'll be okay with the dragging that will follow suit.

[SteppingOnRoses]

I get that too. I wonder why is it still a problem though? I have an idea, but I'm not sure.

[xXiTacoXx]

I stated the problem in my first reply. White women and Non-Black POC are starting to do and wear things Black women have been doing and been bashed for since forever, but it's all okay now since women who aren't Black are doing it. Why are things cute, trendy, quirky, and alternative when White and Non-Black POC do them, but when Black women were doing them before it was cool it was all ratchet, ghetto, ugly, and more.

[SteppingOnRoses]

can't it be because the times are a changing?

i get what u mean...

but people are also more accepting these days... in a way.

[SteppingOnRoses]

of course i won't deny that what white people do tends to be somthing most people tend to want to immitate. it's stupid in a way.

i wish we could look at each other less like strangers and more as all human. but there is still some way to go.

[xXiTacoXx]

It's not because times are changing because people still bash Black women for it and have never stopped. It's only because we've become a trend that people are only okay with it on someone who isn't black.

[imcomingforu]

@SteppingOnRoses I hope u know that many black people r born with blond hair and blue eyes and that white people don't own blond hair and blue eyes also I hope u know other ethnic groups have blond hair and blue eyes please do your research before you start making dumb claims

[SteppingOnRoses]

i dont think so. but some call that cultural appropriation.

however, with the globalization era, almost everyone does some cultural apropriation at some level.

The thing is some cultures tend to be sensitive about it. Try not to be disrespectful. Other than that, I think box braids are ok for you to wear...

[TheFlak38]

Why would you want such a hairstyle when your culture has has much better ones?
immodell.net/.../...yles-hairstyles-fancy-lMgW.jpg

www.polyvore.com/.../img-thing

www.propricheski.ru/.../...g-hairstyles-2011-3.jpg

[AleDeEurope]

Stop listening to the racists. What you're doing is not cultural appropriation. If you wanna do it, then do it.

[RealityChic]

First things first i'm Black, for future reference. I don't think it's cultural appropriation because its a hairstyle i don't think we have staked claim on braids.
I mean you do you. End of the day it's your hair and you should wear and try out new looks if you want to.

[ImATragedyNow]

I think it would be okay to get them they look cool and if someone might accused you of appropriating black culture it's stupid I mean some people that are black make there hair look like a style that would be natural for someone who is another race you just do you

[Anonymous]

Honestly I have them they are uncomfortable at first but mine have been in for 5 days still look good as new. I have gotten tons of compliments from ALL races. Yes some may have a problem I’m aware and I don’t mean to offend but nobody has said anything negative to me yet.

My best friend, whom happens to be a beautiful amazing black woman, works at a barber shop begged me to let her box braid my hair. It’s what she wanted not me but I was down to support her as she needs pictures of her work for her portfolio. She stated she honestly believes hair is hair and people should be allowed to express themselves however they feel as long as they are not being hateful or mocking with it. This came straight from her, not me before anyone tries to come at me.

Moral of the story not all have a problem some do nobody will ever have everyone supporting their decisions so you just have to decide for yourself

[Astoriana]

I've heard that some people might find it so. And you're right, box braids are beautiful: but you're not going to have the right hair texture to pull it off. I don't even know the boxed hair would stay in.

[GayHowellMeme]

No... I think I want some to be honest.
She loooooks so pretty in them :o

[Khaleesi91]

I had braids before & got a ton of compliments on them. Do what you like :)

[Anonymous]

Lol white women who do this look trashy as fuck. I don't fuck with them. They might like braids but for the sake of human-kind never wear braids, they don't suite you guys.

[JustRollTheDice]

I think it's fine and I know a lot of white girls that have gotten corn rows

[OldS0ul]

Box braids aren't cornrows

[lovelyhoneybones]

No, it is not. If you want box braids, get you some box braids. Some people are just idiots.

[JCT666]

Wrong? No. But white girls look disgusting with braids.

[Anonymous]

don't worry about that bullcrap "cultural appropriation" stuff. u do your hair how u like. If anyone has a problem with it because of your skin color, they're the f*cking racist. It probably would look good on you so no reason to shy away from it.

[imcomingforu]

bro if someone from that race or community is telling u it's not good that means that it's not good stop trying to steal our stuff like u guys have already stole so much from us and now u want to steal our culture too

[Anonymous]

I have no problem with it but the SJW's will lose their shit

[Anonymous]

More like a mockery. You can duplicate but you can imitate like the real deal.

[Anonymous]

You mean corn rows? Yeah I have seen some white girls with them

[Opinion Owner]

It may look ghetto to some people though so you might get looks but if you don't act it then don't worry about it

[existing_not_living]

Box braids are NOT cornrows. Two very different things.

[Opinion Owner]

@existing_not_living oh then maybe you can pull it off and see how it goes, at least you can change it back if you get bad comments

[hasdrubal164]

nah its racistt aff

[Anonymous]

no it is not wrong you can get it

[Anonymous]

Wrong no just odd