As part of slavery, blacks were striped of their culture with the intention of making them identity-less property; certain hairstyles remain some of the few things blacks were able to hold onto.
Historically, ethnic hairstyles have been imposed upon by societal criterion of what is an appropriate, everyday, functional appearance. In fact, dating back to the beginning of the Reconstruction Era all the way up until present day, hairstyles such as cornrows, dreadlocks, braids, or even a natural afro, invite negative stereotypes that play a role in determining one’s success. For example, if a black man has dreadlocks – he must smoke weed. If a black woman wears cornrows – she’s most likely ratchet. Thus, our natural hairstyles (along with our black skin) may be the factor that gets us turned down from one job opportunity after the next. As a matter of fact, when I was working at a small, local fast food restaurant, I would change my hair often (as many of us do) and the first time my boss saw my braids, he made a jabbing remark questioning how my braids were a “natural hairstyle” when the only rule established in regards to hair was that unnatural hair colors would not be permitted. Presumably, we do find it offensive when the same hairstyle that kept us unemployed, is now appropriate when Becky has it.
However, I recognize the steady fine line between appropriation and appreciation. Unfortunately, there is no right or wrong answer, but based off of my experiences and observations, I have an opinion that is worth exploring. Furthermore, when it comes to black women and hair, we do not only consider presentation, but maintenance as well as convenience. Braids, whether completed as cornrows or individuals, are significantly easier to sustain compared to our hair in it’s kinky, nappy state. Obviously, white girls genetically dodge this burden, therefore, they take a sacred struggle that has been passed on for generations and wear it as a costume. On the other hand, if you are an individual who feels there is some discriminatory double standard because black women can wear European hairstyles without receiving criticism, 1. Black women frequently become conformists under white society’s standards of beauty and 2. In many ancient civilizations in Africa (Egypt for example), people wore wigs and weaves.
Why is there a thin line?
Aside from hair, black culture as a whole is notably influential among all peoples. Individuals, for lack of a better phrase, “act black” all the time. Moreover, there is no rubric as to where to draw the line between imitation being a form of flattery and distastefully mocking attributes that pertain to a specific race. Evidently, people marvel the strength, creativity, boldness, and expression that black people have to offer, to the extent that they wish to emulate blackness.
You don’t have to appropriate to appreciate!
There are countless ways you can appreciate black culture without taking it for your own self- interest. You claim to appreciate black culture? Then, advocate the removal of negative interpretations that derive from skin color and hairdos, compliment the African woman with bantu knots, don’t conclude that the black man with dreadlocks resembles a pothead, etc. Understand that you make a conscious decision to model another’s culture while acknowledging potential cultural appropriation labeling, repercussions, and repulses. Personally, I believe that individuals should respect the fact that some blacks find it offensive, and for this reason, should consider their sensitivity. Instead, many people neglect their feelings, further promoting the objectification of blacks.
