
So I'm getting braids. Like full head. Like tiny braids. Like ya know.
And a friend of mine said that it is not ok since I am not black.
Would you consider a white girl getting braids cultural appropriation?

That is utterly not a cultural appropriation. I think we need to understand the difference between cultural appropriation, acculturation, and cultural imperialism,
Let me use this question to define and explain cultural appropriation.
Is it appropriate for an individual, organisation, or people of a cultural group to exploit a practice, norm, ritual, artifact, symbol, or heritage that belongs to, is owned by, or attributed to another cultural group?
Pay attention to the word "exploit" as indicates appropriation has been committed. The attributes of the exploitation include:
1. not acknowledging the origin of that which is been appropriated
2. not giving credit to the people who own the 'cultural product' (practice, ritual, etc.)
3. making money from the cultural product either by selling it, or through publicity, or use of it that result to some commercial gain
If someone of another culture privately consumes the cultural product (braid hairstyle), it is not cultural appropriation. If a white lady gets a cornrow hairstyle, it is not cultural appropriation because it's a private consumption.
However, cultural appropriation occurred where the booty-dance move called twerking gained popularity in the entertainment industry 10 years or so ago. Music artists, video directors, choreographers, and media benefited from twerking dance without acknowledging its West African origin.
Similarly, Shakira's World Cup 2010 song -Waka Waka- was quickly criticised for cultural appropriation by Cameroonians, who felt their iconic beats and dance have been exploited with no acknowledgement of its origin.
Acculturation (AC) and cultural imperialism (CI) are sometimes mistaken for cultural appropriation.
AC is where an individual learns or acquires the practices, norm, and/valued of another culture. If you decide to embrace the culture beyond a braid hairdo, that’s acculturation. You have people in other parts of the world who prefer eating McDonald's over indigenous meals, or who give up their accent for a British or American.
Some are ditching their indigenous cultural heritage, dressing, and identity for the West's. That is acculturation.
CI is a phenomenon where a cultural group intentionally or unintentionally "imposes" its culture on another cultural group, such that the latter's culture disappears or becomes less prominent.
First of all, "cultural appropriation" is just made up BS to try to make white people feel guilty
Secondly, black people didn't invent hair braids. My Celtic ancestors braided their hair HUNDREDS possibly THOUSANDS of years before they even knew black people even existed. It was also a big part of their culture.

It is a big issue in the Kpop/Korean rap music scene right. Lot of Korean and Chinese singers Kpop singers getting braids and dreadlocks. Some people are anti and some pro. This is one of the artists. He's a sweetie but he got slammed pretty hard on it. www.digitalmusicnews.com/.../...kai_dreadlocks.jpg
No, but my mom always tells me that “Caucasian” hair types cannot hold braids like “Black” hair types can! Honestly if use black people can wear weaves which replicate a “Caucasian” hair type, there really isn’t much wrong with vice versa! Although, there are exceptions!
And adding onto this, it is JUST. A. HAIRSTYLE. It isn’t cultural appropriation for wearing your hair a certain way! Some people are far to sensitive about that. Case in point, you want goddess braids, get goddess braids! You want small triangle braids get them! It’s your hair, your money 🥰😭❤️
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Oh for fuck's sake. Cultural appropriation is one of the dumbest things I can think of. People who talk about it are dimwits looking for shit to complain about. They are haters. Cultural cross pollination has been normal since the beginning of time.
If you want braids, you go ahead and get them.
I see it as having the benefits of a hairstyle, a style of dressing or a way of life when those that it originally came from were locked up, turned down for jobs, kicked out of school / communities and were killed for wearing / living. By a group of people and their generations who only see it as avenues to make money and in turn sell it back to the originators for top dollar; while taking credit for creating a culture or trend that was never yours to begin with.
I honestly don’t really care. If it looks good on you, go for it. Just know that a lot of other black people don’t share this opinion and you will probably get called out on it at some point unfortunately. I think people people take the whole cultural appropriation issue way too far.
Is it cultural appropriation if you put Indian or European hair that’s not yours (extensions) in your head? All cultures use things that originated in another culture both for profit and style. Braids aren’t an exception.
We’re all human guys. We may come from different countries but we’re all from the same planet. Stop squabbling over things so petty.
Blacks stole braids from the ancient Greeks.
I think you're good, Sistah-gurl.
If Caucasians invented pants, would that mean that blacks and Asians could not wear pants?
I don't give a duck what anyone says, anyone can do whatever they want to their hair and overall appearance, regardless of race or gender or anything. Saying braids are race exclusive is obnoxious and a subtle form of race segregation. A mere hairstyle has nothing to do with race, people just need to look at the bigger picture and get over it already.
Yes.
Just like Tacos are only for Mexicans and pizza is only for Italians.
And sushi is only for Japanese people.
By the way you are not allowed to use the antibiotics - (except if you are from Scotland)
As a matter of fact if you are not from England you should not speak English. You will have to invent your own language.
Not really, I used to braid my sisters hair (all 4 of them) during the 70's & 80's though admittedly not not to the extent in the photo.
It appears that 'cultural appropriation' is another of those handles that some thin skinned people are using - do you think they'd accuse a team of draft horses of 'cultural appropriation' if they came across them with braided manes & tails?
Your freind is a dumbass the egyptians had dreads and braids. With her logic black girls can't straigten there hair because they're appropriating white culture.
Dont worry about do what makes you happy, this appropriation shit was created to segregate us even more... to bring out the hatred... i say what better way to express that we are all connected
It's best to get them and see who complains so you know who not to talk to.
Anyone who complains that things are cultural appropriation are either easily offerened (and thus aren't worth pleasing) or have a fragile ego and are looking for a way to claim moral superiority.
So what? Do blacks wear Jean's? Do blacks drive cars? Do blacks use phones? Cameras? That's cultural appropriation since pretty much everything blacks use is made by whites...
You can do what you want and if someone says you can't just because you're not black they're racist
And also they don’t look good lol look at the pic in my comment. Dutch braids are prettier.
Cultural appropriation isn't even a bad thing.
Braids have been around at least as far back as ancient Greece and Egypt. They've probably been around about as long as there have been humans. Your friend is an idiot.
Nope. But, certain styles are for separate hair for a reason. Box braids works with thicker hair styles, fairer hair with break or lead to bad edges. While everyone can do what they want, the after effects might come back to bite yo
Do you mean corn rows? I don’t find them attractive. Why don’t you get Dutch braids? It’s Dutch braids. Must prettier.
Dutch braids are much prettier
Don’t waste you time on cornrows lol
I got braids a while back and i see nothing wrong with it. I'll probably get them again when my hair grows out. Mine didn't look very good just because my mom did them with yarn. They take a very long time to get "put in" and taken out

All culture is appropriated thats how they grow and improve. Take good bits of other cultures and remove the bad bits from your own.
At least that was the argument that I heard was the case for multiculturalism but I guess consistency is hard for the people who cry about this sort of stuff.
Wear the braids it's fine no matter what race you are.
I wear my natural hair, which most people don't like. If I wear African American hairstyles as a black female people are going to think poorly of me.
Since you are white, you can wear whatever black hairstyle you want and people won't see you as ghetto trash, or poor like they would view me.
I don't have a traditional job so I don't have to have weave and I'm not interested in dating thank god.
Yes. Braids are worn by black people to make their hair more manageable, and they have historically been derided for it. I can see why it would be hurtful for black people to see white people try make it fashionable.
@Guanfei she asked if it is cultural appropriation.
Cultural appropriation is defined as the adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture. This can be controversial when members of a dominant culture appropriate from disadvantaged minority cultures.
From a literal, definitive standpoint she is culturally appropriating black culture.
Everyone can have their own opinion as to whether or not it's a good or bad thing.
So no, I'm not a fucking nutcase. Not am I hurt.
You proved it was bullshit as soon as you started talking about "dominant culture" and "disadvantaged minority cultures".
From there, you just sound like a SJW spitting his crap about how white are bad and how they should just be white, while anyone else can take, speak, or wear whatever they want.
Let me explain you a simple concept. If you think something is bad, it's bad for everyone. If you make exceptions, you're just giving privileges.
Either it's bad for everyone, or it's not bad at all. Choose.
Nope, that's just an excuse to justify being able to do whatever you want will telling other people they can't do the same. Nothing else.
Again, if someone wearing her hair in a certain way makes you cry, then you're just the problem. If you allow yourself to wear anything and forbid someone else to do the same, you're setting a privilege. Simple as that.
Equality isn't just when it's convenient for you. It's for everything.
@Guanfei cultural appropriation describes a feeling that minorities experience when their culture is used for fashion by others when they have been chastised for it themselves. Dominating cultures don't want to be told "no".
For example, I would be teased for wearing a bindi or called "dothead" etc. But then at music festivals girls in skimpy clothing and glittery bindis. It feels like a slap in the face. Will I go up to them and slap em? No. Will I cry? No. But I notice the hypocrisy.
I'm not arguing with you, I'm not negotiating, it's not a debate. I'm telling you, as simply as possible: either you consider something bad, and it's bad for everyone, or you don't consider it bad at all.
Make exceptions, and it becomes a privilege. That's it. You can twist it however you want, as soon as you tell me it's ok for one group to do it, but not ok for another, that's a privilege.
So, be honest and openly admit that you have something against white people, then your opinion becomes discrimination, and therefore you have no right to pretend you want equality, since you're not equality treating everyone.
To sum it up, again: it's bad for everyone, or it's not bad at all. Choose.
I just have common sense. Something that you obviously lack of. That, or you're just looking for excuses to express your racism openly while claiming you have the right.
In any case, when you'll stop trying to justify the different treatments you give people according to their color, maybe we'll talk.
@Guanfei you aren't interested in having a discussion. You want to speak at me. Eh typical entitled douche lord but don't for one moment think you are any more correct, or smart, or superior to me.
At the end of the day you have resorted to offensive language and irrelevant arguments to fuel your poorly thought out point.
Boy bye.
True, I'm not interested in having a discussion with someone who is trying to justify treating people differently according to their color. As long as you'll keep doing that, there won't be any discussion. Now if you excuse me, I have better things to do, like... anything, in fact, is better than enduring that crap.
Cultural appropriation isn´t necessarily bad. It´s all about intentions. Cultural traits have been appropriated from one culture to another all the way through the history of mankind. It´s not a bad thing.
cultural appropriation isn't real. It's a myth used by the left to spread hatred of whites. Historically, white men used braids before black people ever did. Did blacks culturally appropriate it from them? You'll never hear a leftist admit to that. lol. Don't believe any racist bs that tells you what you can or can't wear based on the color of your skin.
Yes, but so fucking what?
Anyone who thinks cultural appropriation is offensive is a fucking retard and should kill themselves, because EVERY fucking aspect of our modern society was borrowed from another culture.
the only bad thing about braids is you might end up with an irritated scalp if you leave them in too long... also another name for them here is french platts... kinda suggests they are exclusively African doesn't it?
I wasn't aware braids were 'Black exclusive', hell I don't remember certain hairstyles being culture exclusive.
If cultural appropriation was truly illegal, it just invites cultural stagnation, a terrible situation to be in.
Like weave braids, box braids type? Yes, I guess. People are usually angry because you as a white girl gets praised for shit like that (ex. Kim k) while black women get trashed for it. We get called ghetto and whatever else.
I wouldn’t if I was white coming from a really white family. I mean, you have to appreciate the black culture and let them do them. No black citizen ever likes a white person “copying their style”. Thats just wrong and makes them think that yous are just wannabes...
I think that skin colour shouldn't dictate your hair style. It's your hair and choice after all. If I'm not convincing enough think about people with blond hair and black skin.
It's fine. You do you. Black people are allowed to imitate white people if they want and vice versa. Nothing wrong with it.
Well i'm not black so I can't answer this correctly, however, I think everyone should be able to do whatever they want (within reason) and I dont care as long as it doesn't bother me
No, it's not. That would be like saying blacks shouldn't be allowed to wear their hair strait. Also, braids are about as old as history and come from backgrounds all over. It's never been just a black thing.
Black girls are getting weaves all the time to have straight hair. Is is culturally inappropriate for them to have straight blond hair? I don’t think so. It’s a double standard. Go for it girl!
I don't ascribe to that logic - Do what you wish - Only line I draw would be something of highly religious or societal symbolism that is viewed as sacred by the person
I don't think there's anything wrong with it. Braids, dreadlocks, afros... They look good on people of all races.
Don't listen to your friend. Get those braids.
Not at all, people nowadays try all kind of stuff for the sake of aesthetic and style alone. Black girls straighten their hair too and dye it blond or any other colour so it's nothing to worry about.
Cultural appropriation doesn't exist.
What you are referring to is 'cultural gatekeeping'. A term to describe members of a culture that gatekeep their culture and support cultural segregation under the guise of 'tolerance'.
black girls did not invent braids. i'm pretty sure white people did. white men had braids before black women.
Culture is meant to be shared and enjoyed, not hoarded and segregated.
There's no such thing as cultural appropriation. I've had cornrows before and got many compliments on them. Do what you like
Your friend sounds mentally retarded. Tell them I said that.
I don't see the issue. If you think it looks good, who cares about cultural appropriation? I swear people get offended over anything now!
I'll admit I do not see many white women with their hair braided, but when I do, it doesn't bother me!
No. That's stupid. That's like saying black girls straightening their hair is cultural appropriation of white girls whose hair is naturally more straight.
Asian usually have hair straighter than white women and black women prefer indian hair for wig.
@Yesplease23 Um... okay?
People seem to forget vikings also braided their hair so no not really
They say the first people to eat pizza were actually Chinese so if cultural appropriation mattered, all non Chinese should immediately cease consumption of this.
It’s not cultural appropriation, but it does look stupid on girls that aren’t black.
Cultural appropriation isn't a thing, it's just a damn hairstyle, black people don't have a patent on it or something
Its not that its not ok. Its just hard for certain people to pull them off, black or not
I don’t see it as something that’s wrong. If you like the braids go for it
Besides CA being idiotic, braids do not belong to any one group. And blacks hardly invented the style. That's something even a toddler can comprehend.
Nope... And that picture is not what I think of, when I think "braids".
It's more like this
Dear god is everything turning to the race card.🤦♀️🤦♀️
If you want braids, do it
No. If your friend said its not ok for you to get tiny braids because you're not black, then why would black people dye their hair blonde? Isn’t blonde white people’s hair color?
Black braids are ugly anyway
🤷🏼♀️
Yes and you will be arrested. You can be arrested for posting this, what if someone reports you?
I find the entire concept cultural appropriation to be idiotic.
Is getting blonde hair a form of appropriation when you're black?
Nope , i think braids look good on White girls too.
That's bullshit. Then that means that black women can't have blonde or straight hair. 😂 If you go to Africa almost every black woman is wearing a wig with blonde, brown, straight, curly or other kinds of hair.
Not at all as long you realize where they comes from who made them and not act or say you made them.
You hey whatever you want, it's your hair and I don't really sr a problem with it
You can do whatever you like with your body it's not copying anyone or has anything to do with culture, you people are communist
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