A modern Native American artist using her authentic Native designs to combat cultural appropriation is Jamie Okuma, who is of Luiseño and Shoshone Bannock descent from California. Here we explore why. When taken up in mainstream media circles, the debate around cultural appropriation is often reduced to the following question: is cultural appropriation really just another name for cultural appreciation? This is inevitable. Few would argue there is anything wrong with cultural exchange. What is wrong is when that exchange makes no reference, credit or acknowledgement to the culture it is borrowing from. the wearing of a piece of Native American culture demonstrates the current societal divide between those who categorically disapprove of cultural appropriation and those who are more permissive of the practice. By Cecily Hilleary. With a history of racism, discrimination and empire that has a legacy in present day society, cultural appreciation starts to look more like what feminist scholar, bell hooks, author of Ain’t I a woman? Kylie Jenner has been accused of cultural appropriation by wearing a twisted braid hairstyle. One group of people shouldn’t be vilified, while another is praised for doing the same thing. From Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian-West to Fergie in the 2000s, white women and celebrities love to take Black culture and use it to their benefit — but they don’t love the Black people … The double standard this narrative creates makes it more difficult to understand whether it is even possible to wear braids, as a non-black person, without culturally appropriating. Having been naive, our eyes are now open to the issues… We would like to reach out and apologise to all of those who have been offended by our lack of cultural sensitivity… The Braid Bar is a welcoming and fun place for people of all races, ethnicities, genders, and ages; an environment that is all-inclusive and accessible to everyone. Cultural appropriation and stealing from Black culture isn’t a new phenomenon. Therefore I decided to do my hair in this way to show my appreciation for the culture, rather than to appropriate it,” she shares. Earlier this month, Selfridges, one of London’s oldest and best-loved department stores, found itself embroiled in a political tangle over accusations of cultural appropriation. I understand the history behind them so I don’t think there’s a problem with it.”. Native Americans Decry Appropriation of Their History, Culture. Lila Moss (front) and Stella Jones caused a storm on social media when they appeared in an ad campaign for Selfridges’ Braid Bar. At first glance, such an enterprise might appear just to be fun, even frivolous. Nor are we suggesting that differences should not be celebrated. Therefore I decided to do my hair in this way to show my appreciation for the culture, rather than to appropriate it” – Sarah. Critics of cultural appropriation are not denying cultural exchange. Prompted by the buzz online, BBC Radio 4’s Today programme hosted a short debate between Afua Hirsch and Tiffany Jenkins. Last year, the clothing brand Free People got into trouble for its Native American … As the ever-insightful Teen Vogue notes: “When Kylie sports cornrows at Coachella, it’s considered ‘edgy’ and ‘cool’. The traditional hairstyle of many sub- Historically, in African culture, braids were a way of signalling your tribe and your status. But what should we make of it when this type of exchange happens on an un-level playing field? One of the girls in the picture was wearing a feathered Native American headdress and paired it with long braids. Braid rage: Is cultural appropriation harmless borrowing or a damaging act? Suddenly it’s a new trend or it’s renamed to be something else.”. Voir les partenaires de The Conversation France. While to some people they seem like just a hairstyle, others feel that it is part of their culture and tradition and that having hair braided in a particular style without belonging to a certain culture is an example of cultural appropriation. It is impossible to decide who should or shouldn’t be allowed to wear braids but as a society, we must become more conscious and sensitive to the history of braids, its origins and the context in which they are used today. “I’ve always been fascinated by small braids so I get them done because I love the way my hair looks when I get them taken out. It’s like that part of our culture is used to denigrate us, while non-black people with their naturally straight hair try it as a fun and funky hairstyle. It trivialises that culture and reduces it to a fashion fad. While Dragun did make it clear that she takes no responsibility for the creation of the style, many people highlighted that despite her intention, she still benefited from avoiding the prejudice that comes with braids, due to her race. One of the most glaring forms of cultural appropriation at musical festivals comes in the form of feathered headdresses. I am genuinely sorry”. Droits d'auteur © 2010–2021, The Conversation France (assoc. Last year, the clothing brand Free People got into trouble for its Native American-inspired designs. It’s my hair, I can decide how it looks. Regardless of the public controversy every time – Kim Kardashian is a repeat offender – a number of non-white women are still wearing box braids. The young hairstylist does box braids several times a week during the summer on women with similar straight European hair to her. I wouldn’t care if they did. Pharrell had to release an apologetic statement soon after, ”I respect and honor every kind of race, background, and culture. Actually, it’s the main reason I started getting them. We see examples of it plastered over the internet with people wearing “sexy” kimonos, traditional Native American outfits as costumes, and non-African-Americans wearing box-braids without belonging to that culture. The mockery of Native American traditions and rites continues to be condoned nationwide and the effects are real. However, when borrowing is done in bad taste, it's called something a little different: cultural appropriation… Only a quarter of the ad campaign, the hairstyle is still among. 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