Non-Black people wearing their hair in dreadlocks is cultural appropriation. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It can be made out of wood, metal, or acrylic. Here is all that you need to know about hair sticks and cultural appropriation? You will receive a link to create a new password via email. They protected my fragile strandsfrom the elements and my arms from hours of labor. The dominant culture simply cannot experience cultural appropriation. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If youlove rap, study how it developed into the mainstream music genre it is today, and promote your favorite artists. After researching the origins, it is my opinion that (in most cases), hair sticks are not racist or cultural appropriation when used in good taste. This is one of the most important tips for a healthy ponytail: throw away your old hair ties! The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a suit on behalf of Jones in 2013, which was lost. These may be engraved or painted with certain symbols, signs, or words. In general, though, wearing a hair stick that is not of your cultural heritage can be seen as cultural appropriation. Instead, they were merely hair accessories. Hope this helps! Angela Bassett wears a tignon in American Horror Story: Coven. As early as 1600 to 1050 BC, hair sticks have been worn, especially in the Shang dynasty. If you are a non-Black person who genuinely loves Black hairstyles and wants to try them out, then be sure to dedicate that same energy to educating those around you, because now you know exactly what is meant by cultural appropriation. Some people still do this today. When it comes to hair accessories, Chinese hair sticks are one of the most unique and interesting options available. The sari was originally intended to keep teenaged girls and women both comfortable in the heat and to look modest,' noted Palash Ghosh in theInternational Business Times. Reading about Washington's unintentional appropriation alerted me to the fact that I'd been appropriating in the same way Washington was, and I had no idea. Did you get extensions? Was the resounding question in the elementary school halls that day. line between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation, culturally appropriating without knowing it, avoid wearing racist costumes on Halloween, celebrities appropriating black hairstyles, ways you could be appropriating without realizing it, Chinese chopsticks are used exclusively for eating, adjust our speech depending on who we're with. This form of adornment reached its height of popularity in the Tang (AD 618907) and Song (AD 9601279) dynasties. They are inserted into the hair near the roots and used to keep hair from falling in front of the face or becoming tangled. The difference between Black women wearing blond and straight weaves and non-Black women wearing culturally Black hairstyles is that blond and straight hair does not have a painful history of . hairstyle or hairstyles: which is correct? Trans & GNC Plastic hair sticks are the least durable and are a good option for people who want a temporary style. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. A hair fork is a hair accessory that is similar to a hair stick, but with multiple prongs rather than just one, which helps hold buns and updos more securely, yet gently, without damage. Is it still cultural appropriation? Copyright 2023 Tidal Hair Sticks Try using a different style or color of hair stick to match your outfit or mood. Are Hair Sticks Considered Cultural Appropriation. If you are doing this because you have a great sense of fashion, just like me, go ahead and do what makes you happy. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Henna booths are not uncommon at music festivals but it's important to remember that getting Henna painted on your hands isn't the same thing as applying those stick-on tattoos you got out of gumball machines as a kid and you shouldn't treat it as such. 5. Hair ties are less expensive than hair sticks. The best example of how to actually wear an item from another culture? It was a way of living - and you decided how you should live it. The problem is the sampling of cultures is often a one-way street, with dominant groups taking from marginalized groups, tinged with leftover power dynamicsfrom colonialism. Is wearing hair sticks cultural appropriation? Susan Scafidi, the director of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University, described it as taking intellectual property, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, or artifacts from someone elses culture without permission.. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. They are often used by women who have long hair, and the practice originated in Asia and Africa. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It is a good idea to always do your research ahead of time and to know which hair sticks have cultural significance. While hairpins can symbolize the transition from childhood to adulthood, they were closely connected to the concept of marriage as well. You can wear hair sticks to enhance the beauty of a bun or another simple hairstyle. If you go to a costume shop and buy a crappy Indian costume and shoot suction cup arrows at people on Halloween, that's appropriation because it ignorantly turns a culture in to a joke, and the company that sold it is hijacking another culture to make a profit. And if someones really interested in exploring different types of dress worn by women in South Asia, best to keep in mind that theyre not all saris (as thisQuartz guidemakes clear). Hope this helps! Wearing hair sticks can be seen as a form of cultural appropriation, as the practice originated from cultures that are not traditionally associated with hair sticks. Recently, Kerry Washington was criticized via Twitter for saying, "Kate Winslet is my spirit animal." How many white people wearing cornrows (hello, Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry) know that, in 15th-Century Africa, hair was a way to distinguish a person's age, religion, social rank and marital . After researching the origins, it is my opinion that (in most cases), hair sticks are not racist or cultural appropriation when used in good taste. They were carved from materials like bones. To start, let's make sure we understand the origins of the single prong hairpin, aka Hair Stick. You can use them without making a big deal out of them.My grandmother once mocked me for using hair sticks since she considered it an old person thing. One problem though: I'm white, and I've seen people get flack for cultural appropriation over some admittedly really offensive chopsticks in their hair. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. According to ancient traditions, the binyeo was a symbol of, When you do tie up your tresses for the night, what you use to wrap it up makes a difference. Chopsticks in the hair is one of many broadly Asian styles tried on by Western dressers (for what its worth, chopsticks arent even a Chinese hairstyle hair sticks have been used in many countries, and Chinese chopsticks are only for eating). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. So wearing chopsticks in your bun and calling it a celebration of Asian culture definitely isnt OK, and it doesnt even make sense. RT @KimComstock5: Got a question for my friends. 1. Tignon Laws were targeted at free women of color and made it compulsory for Black women to cover their hair in public, because their intricate hairstyles were seen to threaten the social status of white women and, therefore, the patriarchal social order. Wearing a wig is not cultural appropriation. So, which is better? I am willing to admit that. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Feminism 101 I guess a good rule of thumb is that if you are wearing costume chopsticks in your hair, that is NOT okay. Is it cultural appropriation to put sticks in your hair? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The actress quickly apologized for her mistake and admitted that she'd never been, "schooled" on how using the term could be offensive to indigenous peoples. As mentioned, this shouldnt be anything traditional that is associated with a particular culture. Non-Black people wearing their hair in dreadlocks is cultural appropriation. It's demeaning. I even have a personal experience with hair sticks, and I have to tell you, theyre pretty comfortable. What do chopsticks represent in Chinese culture? The thing is, wearing chopsticks as a hair accessory isn't even technically a Chinese hairstyle, because Chinese chopsticks are used exclusively for eating. Since most people in ancient times grew their hair long, hair accessories were not only needed to keep hairstyles in place, but developed into an elaborate culture. nj]) is a Korean traditional hairpin for fixing ladies chignons. This was, without a doubt, a bad taste in fashion. When you have a great sense of fashion, you can use hair sticks without worrying about people judging you based on your style and dress code. Image Source: Getty / Kevin Winter. This is only one hair stick, and it isn't a chopstick, its pretty and ornate and all. Generally, a woman is allowed to wear hair sticks after she comes of age at 1520. Selena Gomez similarlycame under fire in 2013 for her portrayal of Bollywood in her music and attire at the MTV Movie Awards, as Hindu leaders demanded an apology and pointed to the religious connotations of the bindi. Hair sticks are also a pair of two different pieces and can be made from metal, bone, or other materials. In my opinion, wearing hair sticks is not a cultural appropriation. As these examples show, the consequences of cultural appropriation can be wide-ranging. They can come in many different colors and styles to match any outfit or occasion. There's a big difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. In the comments of articles or conversations related to the dispute there was one common counterargument, a retort shouted with a smug gotcha! attitude. Five Reasons Why It Is Not a Cultural Appropriation to Use Hair Sticks on Your Hair, Hair Sticks Are Not Specifically Tied to Asians Culture, Hair Sticks Were Invented to Make Long Hair Look Neat, Embracing and Practicing a New Culture Is Not Cultural Appropriation, If Used in Good Taste, Hair Sticks Will Not Look Like Cultural Appropriation, Hair Sticks Can Be Used for Serious and Genuine Intensions, Six Differences Between A Haircut and Hairstyle. Wooden hair sticks are a good option for people with curly hair, as they help to keep curls in place. Henna tattoos, or Mehendi, are stunning. I was proud of who I was but I was tired of feeling alien, there is a difference between being a unique individual and being an oddity. After researching the origins, it is my opinion that (in most cases), hair sticks are not racist or cultural appropriation when used in good taste. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if youre thinking about using hair sticks. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". In general, avoid wearing hair sticks if the rest of your outfit may already be borrowing heavily from Asian themes. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. I am not telling anyone how not to style their hair, but I am asking that aspects of black history and culture not be selectively plucked from their contexts while so many other parts of the black experience are abandoned or ignored. that is the same case with hair sticks. What continues to be a hot topic in beauty and cultural appropriation is actually much simpler than you might realize. They are found in archaeological excavations and date back to the Bronze Age (between 4000 and 3000 B.C. These may be adorned with symbols of either historical sentiment or religious sentiment. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hair sticks can be used for serious and genuine reasons. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Even if you have good intentions and insecurities to blame, don't do this. Some women choose to use more than one hair stick at a time in order to create a more elaborate hairstyle. The rise of kimono cardigans,for example, has companies using the term for whatever conveniently fits the bill. Hair sticks became especially popular in the 90s although back then, they were referred to as chopsticks. They are very easy to use, and they can be a great way to add some extra flair to your look. She got so much flack for this look that she removed it from her hair before even entering the gala. Cultural appropriation is when a tradition, such as clothing or a hairstyle, is taken from a culture and used in a different way. There are many different ways to use Chinese hair sticks, but the most common is to use them to hold a bun or ponytail in place. Black people had to assimilate it was deemed ok to not hire us bc of our natural hair. In summary, these are the reasons that make hair sticks not to be a cultural appropriation; Affiliate Disclaimer - Disclaimers - GDPR & Cookies - Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy. Wigs existed in Africa for centuries. They can also be a bit tough on your hair, so you may want to use them sparingly. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Additional Questions. They can also help define your curls, if you have them. Unfortunately, good intentions don't undo the damage caused by unintentional appropriation, and they don't change the fact that cultural appropriation makes light of hundreds of years of colonization and oppression of marginalized ethnic groups by Westerners. The design is flatter, with defined edges, rather than smooth and rounded. We have to stop guarding cultures and subcultures in efforts to preserve them.. However, if you have a lot of hair, hair sticks can be a bit tricky to use. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 4. All Rights Reserved. Tignon Laws of the 18th century are some of the earliest known examples of enforced discrimination against Black hair, but it didn't stop there. A hair fork is a hair accessory that is similar to a hair stick, but with multiple prongs rather than just one, which helps hold buns and updos more securely, yet gently, without damage. In the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike globalizationisn't just inevitable; it's potentially positive. Instead, choose hair ties made from fabric. They are a type of hair accessory that is used to hold a womans hair in place. Not good. When Is It OK To Comment On Someones Appearance? As a result of systemic racism, Black people face consequences for wearing dreadlocks that non-Black people do not. Although this isnt true of other cultures, there is some cultural significance to Japanese hair sticks. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Every year, we reach over 6.5 million people around the world with our intersectional feminist articles and webinars. Chinese chopsticks are usually 9 to 10 inches long and rectangular with a blunt end. Normally, my curls shrank in their natural state, but once pulled tightly into a series of tiny braids, my hair looked much longer. I generally think that they are fantastic, and people should not make it such a huge deal that It causes a lot of drama. The topic of cultural appropriation comes up often these days, but it's a discussion that needs to be had, especially when it comes to the topic of white people wearing black hairstyles. Cultural exchange is a beautiful thing, but failing to recognize and honor the people who have created and developed all the things you love about a certain culture is one way you could be appropriating without knowing it and it's definitely no way to pay homage to the artists behind the work. Not good. They can be found at beauty supply stores, online retailers, and specialty stores. Hindu and Southeast Asian girls took to Twitter and Instagram in protest, using the hashtag #ReclaimtheBindi. They might feel that they are not necessary, or that they are too much of a hassle to use. At this year's Met Gala, Emma Roberts upset a lot of people on the Internet by wearing chopsticks in her hair. I am asking that desirable elements of a culture not be snatched up with little regard for their roots. What cultures use hair sticks? As hair sticks have been used in Europe, Africa, and Asia, it is difficult to condemn a single person or a single race of appropriating a culture. Straightening combs, then flat irons and then relaxers were all a welcome saving grace from the exhausting hair saga that my mother and I had endured for years. Stay away from metal and rubber hair ties, says Wahler. As such, to refer to hair sticks as chopsticks is incredibly inappropriate. Don't ever let someone tell you that wearing chopsticks in your hair is a celebration of Asian culture, because there isn't any tradition in Asian countries where you would wear chopsticks in. We're an independent feminist media site led entirely by people of color. This was, however, not the case with one Emma Roberts. "The most ancient hairpins have been used both as an important decorative elements for female hairstyles and also as an reinforcing, functional elements. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Therefore, it is possible to identify ones social status by looking at their binyeo. If so, it is best not to wear them. Overall, hair sticks can be a great way to style your hair, but its important to use them in the right way and to be careful with how much you use them. It is a hope for an embrace that is not choosy and discriminatory, but that genuinely attempts to understand. I felt different not being able to wash my hair everyday or flip around soft flowing lockswith every passing gust of wind, but I also felt relieved. Many African countries have been carrying out this activity for a long period. When they recently adorned the head of one of the Kardashian-Jenner empires youngest moguls there were immediate cries of cultural appropriation. Is wearing hair sticks cultural appropriation? While they may seem like innocent strings of braids, cornrows often find themselves in the midst of controversy. However, it is important to be aware of the history and origins of this practice, and to be respectful of the cultures that originally popularized it. When is Wearing Hair Sticks Cultural Appropriation? So, when (if ever) is it okay to wear a Hair Stick? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Manage Settings Whats the difference between hairpins and bobby pins? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. This is not cultural appropriation, though, because I'm still using my own voice I'm just trying to make it sound more clear to Northeastern ears. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. (Supplied) Royal concubines who commit grave errors had their rights to wearing hair sticks revoked. They can be worn with any type of hair style, and they are a popular choice for formal events such as weddings or proms. Wigs existed in Africa for centuries. Sometimes back, she wore chopsticks on her hair at the Met Gala. I guess a good rule of thumb is that if you are wearing costume chopsticks in your hair, that is NOT okay. Did the source community invite you to wear that traditional robe, perhaps via voluntary sale, and does the community still suffer from a history of exploitation, discrimination or oppression? Please enter your username or email address. The design is flatter, with defined edges, rather than smooth and rounded. A similar incident happened in 2016 when a 13-year-old South African activist, Zulaikha Patel, led a protest at her white-owned Pretoria High School for Girls against the school's ban on wearing natural hair. In fact, my Bustle author page actually contained the phrase, "Audrey Hepburn is my spirit animal" until I read about Washington's tweet and proceeded to edit my bio. So without too much chit-chat, I will give you five reasons why it is not a cultural appropriation to use hair sticks. I don't think it can be appropriation considering many cultures used similar tools. Hair sticks can be used to style the hair, while hair ties cannot. If you have travelled to various Asian countries and enjoyed eating food with chopsticks, one thing strikes you as different in Korea. I guess a good rule of thumb is that if you are wearing costume chopsticks in your hair, that is NOT okay. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. In addition to this, you shouldnt wear traditional Chinese or Japanese hairstyles. Hair sticks were either used to enhance a hairstyle or used to keep the hair in place. It is ideal for putting up all types of hair, from fine hair to thick and long hair. Those hairpins were made of bone and wood, but later also from precious metals, which were supplemented with gemstones, engraving, filigree and granulation techniques.Hair clips made of wire or flexible metals are just as old. Due to this, you can wear hair sticks within certain limits without being accused of cultural appropriation. 4 [deleted] 2 yr. ago [removed] drygnfyre 2 yr. ago How Long Does It Take To Lighten Hair With Honey? Black people had to assimilate it was deemed ok to not hire us bc of our natural hair. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. No one is told that their naturally straight hair may jeopardize their job prospects. For Chanceline, wearing wraps is a reminder of what her family have had to endure, and "overall a reminder that I am an African Australian". Rihanna wears Bantu knots at the iHeart Radio Music Awards 2014. RT @Dreadful4Tymes: 1. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 4. Summer is here, and its already brought music festivals like Coachella,Governors Ball, andBonnaroo. She should have known better: In 2013, Lady Gaga was also criticized after she released the track Burqa that eroticized the traditional garment worn by Muslim women oh, and wore some herself. When she wears wraps, they are colourful and handmade and make her feel empowered because they speak of her cultural and family history. Not good.
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