Today’s blog topic is something I am shocked I have not yet wrote about. I would say this topic is one of the, if not the most, controversial issue when talking about black hair and culture today. With inspiration from this week’s readings, I want to dive into the multi-layered subject of cultural appropriation.
To start off, the definition of cultural appropriation is, ” adopting elements of an outside, often minority culture, including knowledge, practices, and symbols, without understanding or respecting the original culture and context.” So when we discuss cultural appropriation in pop culture, from my experience, we see mostly the appropriation of afro-centric hair styles adopted by members not of the minority group. So what is the issue? Why are these actions harmful/offensive and what crosses the line as culturally appropriation?
According to the Huff Post who interviewed Keisha Brown, an associate professor of history at Tennessee State University, the issue is that black culture and elements of it are majorly accepted and popular, but the black Americans associated with it are not as accepted. Certain things, like braids or cornrows for example, are interpreted differently to society when worn by a certain race. The privilege that comes along with wearing these hairstyles and not being judged by it, is when controversy comes arises. Not only is hair an important part of the black community, but it is also an aspect used in policing and discriminating against the community as well. Using hairstyles usually associated with black women, yet still furthering discrimination of African American hair in society, hold traces of the many African Americans who had their ideas and identities stolen during slavery and segregation.
This type of discrimination stems from the elimination of acknowledgement of black Americans and their contributions to American history. The 1920s’ was the era where jazz, blues and gospel flourished, giving many of the elements of music we have today. These genres represented one of the ways the black community coped with pain they experienced in that time. As we have seen before with many black inventors, the acknowledgment of black founders of music genres can be lost and not accounted for. This same principle plays along with black hair. The centuries of struggle of black hair can feel dismissed when these styles are worn as fashion. European beauty standards still effect black women today in accepting their hair, since the media continues to tell them their hair is not ideal. Therefore, the use of these styles can feel degrading and mocking.
These factors are why companies and ad campaigns come under fire for afro-centric images depicted by white models and actresses. There are many examples of cultural appropriation throughout Hollywood, which have all led to back lash from the public.
With the racial disparity already present in Hollywood, these poor decisions during casting, only promote the notion of black people not being considered or given the same opportunities as others in the industry. The Kardashians in particular have been accused of numerous cultural appropriation incidents
This topic is one of difficulty, and can be found in many cultures. Though it is not always clear where the line is drawn for being offensive or insensitive, it is always important to be conscious and educated on the customs of other cultures. I recommend doing research if you are ever unsure or wary of things that could be offensive. At the end of the day, respect is the most important thing when dealing with other cultures, and that is something that does not need to be researched to be applied.