I looooove the yarn box braid style. I would love to get a wig and install the yarn on it. I am a white, Middle Eastern woman and I am forever fascinated by every culture in the world. I just don't want to be viewed negatively upon society.
Would you consider this to be cultural appropriation and inappropriate if I was to have this hair for a party?
This is what I want to do to my hair.
It is offensive and cultural appropriation
Do it.
Select gender and age to cast your vote:
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I am a white, Middle Eastern woman. I would love to do this hairstyle on a wig to wear to an event. Is it inappropriate?
Okay, well, as a black woman, I'm going to give you my perspective.
No one really cares if you wear African hairstyles. What's annoying is when any one who is not of African/black decent wears the hairstyle and claims they came up with it. Or when they were the hairstyle to an event that typically would not allow a black person to wear it. Like if I wear dreads and have to put them up but if you wear dreads and you don't have to put them up, there would be a problem.
So... short answer is no, there's nothing wrong with you wearing that hairstyle regardless of your skin color. Wearing it to an event should be fine. We don't really care. Just make sure that you aren't claiming it as your own idea when it isn't since that's really what cultural appropriation is.
Though, I have to point out, the first photo is not box braids. Those are dreads and from the looks of them, they look like faux ones. If you're going to wear a hairstyle from another culture, at least know what it is. Nothing is worse than doing something from another culture and the calling it by the wrong name. That's disrespectful and a sign of ignorance.
I figured that’s what happened. I wasn’t calling you ignorant but just warning you that you may want to call it what it is in case someone decides to jump on you for it. There are petty people like that.
I don't mean this in anyway racist, But, As a black woman, why do you treat braids / dreads as 'exclusively your culture'? The way you say things like 'We dont care', As if black people are the authority on whether or not this is okay?
For example, I live on a small island that has a strong history of Celtic / Vikings. Despite being white, Both cultures have dreads and braids deeply ingrained into our heritage. In mythology, almost all the male gods of the ancient times on my island wore dreads, and the women mostly braids, Despite all being white.
I'm not saying 'White people did it first or anything, I whole heartedly know and accept African's have been wearing them for a long time, But to imply white people aren't allowed them in our culture, ''Just make sure that you aren't claiming it as your own idea when it isn't'', Seems very unfair, And degrading to our own ancestors.
I don't mean this beefy or offensive or anything, honestly, Just sharing knowledge :P
@Riggers Because these specific braids in these photos are from black culture. Braiding in and of itself is not an African thing, but box braids are. My great grandmother was a Cherokee native American, and she always had her hair braids, but they were not box braids. I also never said anywhere that white cultures do not have braids. I said 'African hairstyles' which, again, in this case, are box braids. Vikings did not invent box braids or dreads. The first physical discovery of dreads came from Egyptian mummies. Dreads are believed to have originated from Egypt (an African country) and there's even mention of it in India from one of their Hindi gods (Shiva I think but not sure), though it wasn't a hairstyle worn by most Indians.
Unless Vikings invented weaves and the yarn technique (which they did not), my assessment is correct.
I am not talking about invention, I am talking about the basis of it being cultural. I'm very very well aware dreads originated in Ancient egypt, Thus making them an aspect of Egyptian culture, You know what else Egyptians invented? Makeup... Does this mean everytime anyone ever wears makeup they are culturally appropriating Egypt? Ofcourse not. That would be ridiculous, Just because Egypt did it first, Dosen't mean others can't too. And it dosen't mean it can't also be part of another culture.
My point is, One culture cannot ''claim'' the only true usage of a 'thing', Because they did it first. Other socities / civilizations can do it too, And over time it will become part of their culture too.
Invention and culture do not go hand in hand.
'Cultural appropriation' Does not mean wearing / using something another culture invented / used freely, It means using them for the sole purpose of mockery / disrespect.
Styling hair, Something every human being has, In a certain way is not.
@Riggers Box braids are part of black culture because they are designed specifically for black hair texture. It's really not that difficult to understand lol, I think you just want argue. I just explained that they came from black culture and they are a black design because they are designed specifically for black hair. Part of the reason white people or Asians cannot use yarn in their actual hair is because their hair is not coarse enough to hold on to the actual yarn. It will literally slip out. I should know considering my hair texture is not coarse since I have native in me, and it always slides out, therefore, I cannot get them unless it's tied into a wig in a specific manner.
It's not complicated lol. Stop trying to start an argument where there is none lol. Culture is absolutely a thing and that includes hair styles. Literally never even said no one of other cultures can't wear, just have an appreciation of it's origins and why it even exists. Duh.
If people say something about "cultural appropriation" you can tell them that Middle Eastern cultures, such as the ancient Egyptians and Assyrians, had dreads and box braids as well. Look at their sculptures and writings. The Vikings, Native Americans, the Greeks, the Romans, the Spanish, Aboriginals, and the Chinese have also box braided their hair. Don't just take my word for it: "Hair braiding has a long history, dating back at least 5000 years. It has been a big part of many cultures all around the world including Asia, Africa, the Americas, Egypt and even Europe. For instance, in Africa hair braiding can be traced back as far as 3500 B. C. There, it was a social event among women." - http://janiceparlor.com/hair-braiding-history/
Do it. Fuck those "cultural appropriation" hoes. they'll prolly dye their hair blonde at some point. besides if i remember right, vikings and germaic tribes wore dreds. So if they accuse you, just accuse them right back. "Umm, that was our hairstyle, first."
Straight hair isn't a white people hairstyle lmao. I'm Mexican and have straight hair. And so do Asians. However this hairstyle is tied to black culture. You can't compare the two and it doesn't "belong to the world". Mariachi doesn't belong to the world and neither do native American dances. Same thing applies to the hairstyle
@Annaannaannaannaan19 I never said straight hair is a "white" hairstyle, I don't believe in any of that. I meant that as an example of "things you can do that don't conform to the general idea of what your culture/race is supposed to do/be".
In your example, Mariachis are recognized by UNESCO as world heritage, as are many native American traditions. They belong to the humanity in the same sense that the Pyramids do. Humans have always shared objects, artworks, costumes, traditions, songs, dances, stories. That's how culture develops and grows. Back to your example of Mariachi, didn't that style develop precisely from the mixture between european and amerindian musical influences?
It's okay to do that. You can do whatever you want with your hair. Some black people might not agree with it, since some have been treated rudly for these styles like called "ghetto" or "unprofessional", but saw other races where the style and be praised. And also culture appropriation can refer to one claiming to have created or came up with the style. Overall it's your hair and you can do whatever you want. But I'd probably advise you to look at how white women look with certian braid styles, or women with certian hair textures, just so you can get a feel of how you might look in it.
Ehh. I'm not sure it would be all that cool. I can't speak for black people, being white myself. But I do think it's questionable that you'd only want it for one night, and for a party/event. Cultural appropriation kind of is all about taking/wearing things because it looks "cool" and "edgy", the same things that the people who belong to that specific culture get mocked/harassed for. So I can't say I wholeheartedly believe you when you say you're fascinated by all cultures, when you only want to do this to a wig and wear it for only one night. Like it seems like you're just doing it because you want to look cool.
I’m not even black, and I really do think you should stay away from that hairstyle. I mean... you do realize that those types of styles were made for their specific hair texture right? It’s stylishness is not why it’s apart of black culture. It helps them grow and maintain their hair. And when other non whites copy the styles... it look stupid because they don’t have the hair for it and they don’t keep it up the way they should, generally speaking based off what I have seen. But please, do you. Just don’t half ass it.
You sound like you truly appreciate and love the style, so I definitely think it's cultural appreciation, not appropriation. It only becomes an issue if you take credit for it, ignore the cultural background of the style or if you have something against people from that culture wearing (e. g. believing it looks better on white girls or something). I say go for it! :)
Go for it! Actually, many cultures have had that hairstyle.
And to be honest... just remember that pretty much everyone these days wears the same kind of clothes rather than traditional clothes. Some culture came up with it and others adopted it, yet no one cares. And that's how it should be - wear the clothes and hair that you like, no matter where you're from.
My friend did a DNA analysis. It was really interesting - I doubt anyone alive these days isn't of mixed origin. So why do we hold on to it so much?
There is no such thing as "cultural appropriation". Think about some of the most pivotal cultural aspects of certain cultures. It's all been adopted at least in part from somewhere else. British tea is Indian, dreadlocks are Old Kingdom Egyptian (who were more middle Eastern than black) fireworks on their independence holiday in the United states are Chinese. Everything is a blend of cultures. And that's a good thing. No one advances in a vacuum. The more connections we have, the more ideas are shared. The more ideas are shared then the faster we progress as a species.
I feel like people don't know what cultural appropriation is anymore. Now if you were doing this and then calling it something else or claiming that you created it, that would be problematic and cultural appropriation. But I don't really see anything wrong with what you want to do.
But then again she'd also be doing it on a wig, and only wear it for a party/event... kinda makes me question whether she really appreciates the cultural aspect of it or if she just wants it for one night for the sake of looking cool. Comes off as half-assed and disingenuous.
@lumos the wig part made me hesitant, but her hair type may not be able to handle the style. There's a lot of pulling and tension and with finer textures of hair, braids and extensions tend to slip out. So that could be why. At least that's what I told myself the reasoning was.
I mean yeah, it would defo be a long-term commitment if she did it to her own hair and it would require more serious consideration. For me, it's more about the "wearing it to an event" part... would she ever dare wear it on a normal day while going grocery shopping?
@lumos ahh, I get what you're saying. Is she making it into a costume by making a wig out of it and wearing it to this event? I see where you're coming from. That does raise an eyebrow.
How different is it than wearing a shiny shirt, temporary hair dye, high fashion makeup, or a corset to an event, club, or party but not while grocery shopping/everyday? I don't really have a dog in this race, I'm just curious to see where y'all draw the line, and how you arrive at your conclusions.
@Sixgun77 because of the cultural aspect of it. A shiny shirt doesn't belong to a culture, but these types of braids do. And the whole point of cultural appropriation is randomly taking things you think look "cool" or "edgy", things you'd want to wear to a party or photo shoot or some other special/cool occasion. But oftentimes these things that get appropriated, in this case potentially this type of hairstyle, are things that people who belong to that culture get mocked for. They get told it's unattractive, ugly, smelly, ratty, disgusting, ghetto, every insult you can come up with under the sun. But then when a person of another culture takes that thing, suddenly they're praised for it because it's cool and exotic and different. See how it's pretty problematic in that sense?
The reason why I want to put it on a wig is simply because I will be swimming earlier that day before the party and I want to see how it looks on me before I commit
I feel like it is mean to tell someone they can't because its based on a different race then your own, to me if it was in my culture to wear something like this and I saw a different colored person doing it I would think that it was cool that that person respects my culture and wants to be a part of it. I really don't see they problem
You might be called out for culture appropriation by some people but as a black person i don't really care they are just braids and i hate all the culture appropriation stuff. But I've heard that its hard for non black people to wear those because of the type of hair.
"I just don't want to be viewed negatively upon society."
Yeah... You got to stop caring so much about this. Your skin colour and background should not dictate what you should or shouldn't wear or how you have or not have your hair like.
Do that hairstyle and let the those who are offended be offended.
Personally, I don't see anything wrong with wanting to rock this hairstyle but we're living in a different time where people are too sensitive. You shouldn't worry about this because life is too short to care about what people think. You're not getting the most out of life if you're not enjoying it.
It's hair, since when has hair become a topic of cultural appropriation or has been found offensive? Just because it's different? If it had been hair like majority of the girls then it wouldn't be offensive but just because yours is different it would be? That sounds like bs to me to be honest. Girl you look gorgeous. You slay the hair, that blue lipstick, the outfit, everything. And you're really pretty too! Forget what people think and do you :)
Well, outside of this instance, black people's hair has been a contentious issue for generations. Even now in some countries, black people are not allowed to wear their hair how they want in schools. You'd be surprised 😄. Seems so irrelevant on the surface
Aftereffects of colonialism. The oppressive rules in schools and companies, that had been imposed by the colonisers, remained and kept on being enforced by the Africans themselves, because they had been indoctrinated.
In America nobody gets offended unless a white person does it. Your even close to looking middle eastern and you should be okay. Even if you were white most people don't care enough to give you shit. Those black women getting offended that you see and hear about on tv when a white person wears a weave or dreadlocks are in the minority. I am middle eastern and blond and white. Most middle eastern people are actually labeled as caucasian white. We just tend to have a different look that's all.
I'm more of a people's opinions matter. Sometimes though what you think will be unexcepted may not draw as much criticism as you think. I have a hard time deciding if I would like the dread locks on you. I think you should try it but not to make a statement at your party😏
I don’t believe in cultural appropriation with most things, but I’m gonna have to say that black hairstyles like this are off limits, especially if you need a wig to do so. It would be like a totally white, Caucasian guy wearing a turban and other Indian garments when he’s not Indian. Like the Prime Minister of Canada, and I assume you know how people reacted to that. My vote is no, sorry.
putting the WHOLE argument aside: can your hair handle it? Long box braids like those can be heavy and the hair type you have can have an impact if it will even work. white girl's hair (a lot more silky) doesn't handle the grip that a black girl's hair (more coarse) can handle. also, look in the mirror. do you think it will be flattering for your face? i know that sounds weird, but sometimes hair styles can work with your face and against. eg. i CANNOT pull off short blunt cut :(
What kind of event is this? It all depends really. It is appropriation but I kinda feel like if you aren't using it as a part of a costume, and you are doing the hairstyle in honor of the culture it came from and not trying to "make it your own" I think its okay
Well, being "White" doesn't make it cultural appropriation if you wear it.. What makes it cultural appropriation is if you exploit it.. Now initially I don't think there's anything wrong wit wearin a hairstyle you admire from another culture you may also admire.. But at the same time it sounds like you are usin it for a custome.. Which is suspect...
First of all, nearly every culture has appropriated a part of another culture.
Second, black people didn't invent dreads. We see dreads on Greek statues, Egyptian hieroglyphs and Scandinavian art.
Vikings and Spartans would be in battle so often that they had no time to trim their hair. The longer the hair the longer they survived battle and the longer thier dreads. This showed that they had seen many battles and had survived them. It was a status symbol.
Okay, I get where you're coming from and how certain people will look down on you for using that style. Since you're not doing the hairstyle to "fit in", what would other people's opinions matter. In order for this world to continue we HAVE to use other people's culture, it's a must!
You're still going to find some people looking at strange, making comments, but look past that because you know why you want to wear that hairstyle.
Basically, haters gone to hate, but gurl you do you!
its beautiful! Go for it, with a lovely face like yours you can pretty much pull off anything hairstyle-wise. Don't let anyone tell you what you can and can't do with your own hair.
The key idea of cultural appropriation, is using a piece of a culture while simultaneously excluding or disliking/hating that culture at the same time.
As long as u aren't racist or discriminatory toward people of African descent, then go ahead and wear that hairstyle!
You will probably get called out for cultural appropriation, but as long as you are not using/exploiting a culture that u dislike the people of, then you're not appropriating.
You should definitely do it, it's great and I especially like the last one's colour... You should wear this hairstyles if you like it, don't care about anyone else's opinions, nobody owns a hairstyle. If anyone has a problem with it then it's their problem, not yours... Do what you love...
Well you see the pictures are of BLACK women... honestly many people would see it as cultural appropriation. Also, it’s not even cute and probably wouldn’t look right either. I do believe you have the right to wear what you want. However, someone like me would receive a lot of flack from wearing that same hairstyle.
Cultural appropriation means to wear / act / dress in a way that mimics another culture in a way that mocks them or shows no respect for they way did it or the customs behind it.
If OP wore dreads and then painted her face black that would be appropriation, if she just wore dreads.. thats well.. her just wearing dreads..
Dreads / braids exist in white culture too ya know?
@Riggers and it looks ridiculous in white culture... just like it’s seen as ghetto and unprofessional amongst black women in men it should be the same amongst white women and men.
@Riggers damn near everybody. You do realize that several black women have been turned away from jobs or forced to wear a different hairstyle because it’s seen as “ghetto and unprofessional” happened to me before. No I’m not racist as fuck. I’m staying my point.
I'm a black woman and I do not find this offensive. People should be able to where hair style because they like them. You will get some people who say it is appropriation. It's appreciation. People can't tell the difference these days m it's not like you are claiming the style as something brand new better worn on you.
I'm black and although its not my favorite type of hairstyle I think you will look fine and exotic.
But people may judge you unfortunately and look at you weird (both white and black people).
I think the main thing though is that a lot of black women want credit for the hairstyles they create. So as long as you credit black women they shouldn't hate.
Me personally I dont care its just a hairstyle and there is more important things to worry about in this world.
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Anonymous
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I'm black and I think it's okay because you somewhat understand and know the culture of the hairstyle you want. I suggest going to a black owned salon to do this hair to at least give back to the community you are borrowning this style from. I hope you update us on how it turns out, good luck! x
Do you go to a white salon if you're getting a sew in weave or wig from? You said give back to the community you're borrowing from. She's not borrowing a hairstyle, she's simply embracing the culture. Just like when black women wear wigs or sew ins, relax their hair so it's straight instead of curly. I'm west African by the way and wear sew in wigs, weaves and have relaxed hair does not mean i go to a white person because i'm "borrowing the hairstyle" no offense. I do agree she should go to a black salon because they will do it better but some white people are also good at box braids
@taylor1098 Except straight hair is not a hairstyle.. It's just natural for "White" people... Plus, it's because of cultural assimilation that many "Black" women straighten they hair.. I think what she sayin is right..
@JDavid25 No, we don't naturally have straight hair, we don't naturally have blonde hair, we don't naturally have Brazilian or indian or malaysian hair which are the best hairs for wigs and weaves. So do you now expect me to go to an indian, malaysian or brazillian when i buy a wig or sew in to do my hair because i'm borrowing their style
@taylor1098 There's no hairstyle to borrow... That's how they hair naturally grows.. You are buyin hair that they voluntary sold off.. Or however the process works.. Box braids, and artificial dreads are actually hairstyles that were developed.. Also there are "Black" people wit straight hair, and blonde hair... Straight hair is a genetic trait.. Although very recessive to "Black" people, there's a very very slim chance we could to have it.. There's no culture in straight hair.. LOL..
@JDavid25 Tell me one black person that naturally has black hair who is fully black and not albino. It is their hair because it is from their culture you just can't accept the fact that black people too borrow from other cultures too which is the truth. keep living in a bubble and be ignorant about other cultures of life. The Egyptians started all these hairstyles that black people claim they own and most people who get offended with cultural appropriation are black americans and not Africans who live in africa because we dont care and you're embracing our culture. does not mean i require you to come to nigeria, ghana, cameroon to come and make your hair. And they do it better there than black owned saloons in the USA. If you want to keep being ignorant and think everyone should give you guys props for everything that will forever be your downfall. allow people embrace other cultures and move on from it' it's not like she's disrespecting anyone.
@JDavid25 neither is there a culture in box braids LOL because if a person is white and they want to braid their hair that way that's what they want to do. You're just so uneducated about hair , you're just a typical person who wants to be offended about everything and i'm blocking you because you're dumb as shit and ignorant as hell
@taylor1098 Why do people always block me when they disagree wit me.. Wow you guys have no grace in debatin.. Also you call me uneducated and assume things about me... Riigghhtt..
We need to rid us of these pathetic tribalists who are obsessed with pride and possession. These things are animals no different from the authoritarians. Best part is how these very same individuals who suffer from pride and jealousy, they end up being killed by the very same types of individuals. It's cyclical. They are obsessed losers. Only a loser and useless idiot would cry over something that doesn't belong to him like a pathetic undeveloped child. Grow up.
Firstly, is yarn box braid style is indeed an afro culture tho?
Second, personally i still can't understand whats the fuss of cultural appropriation as long as u dont makin fun of particular culture in ur fashion statement..
If you're doing it because you think it is funny then it probably is offensive. If you think you look good with this hairstyle then probably not. There is no way to know what everyone's reactions will be. Assuming that everyone would be offended could be just as offensive as wearing the wig...
It really depends. If it's a costume party, don't do it. If it's a normal party, I don't see anything wrong, but it's garanteed that someone will. It's hard not to offend someone these days.
Cultural appropriation doesn't really exist, it's just something made up because there were some stupid kids who didn't white people wearing or using anything from another race
Some people will say it's cultural appropriation because some people will always find fault with what others do. It's your hair so I think you should be able to do what you want with it.
I think she looks good go for it. And there a difference between making fun of someone’s culture and trying to impress there culture or aleast part of it.
Girl do whatever the f you wanna do if that makes you happy. Why would it be innapropriate, you're not hurting anybody do whatver you wanna do to your hair or body it ain't anybody's business
Its not cultural appropriation its just a freaking hair style. People are too over sensitive these days. And besides wouldn't you be showing appreciation towards the culture by choosing the style?
Your body, your hair, your choice. If some overly sensitive "PC" sheeple take issue with it, that is their problem, and as such they will have to deal with it. If they voice their displeasure, they should be told to mind their own business.
Home > Fashion & Beauty > Polls > I am a white, Middle Eastern woman. I would love to do this hairstyle on a wig to wear to an event. Is it inappropriate?
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