Cultural Appropriation, by some it's seen as an adoption culture being stolen away from a dominant group. We avoid using tertiary references. Ask different people, and youll most likely get a range of answers. Still, as several Black women have pointed out, the hairstyle goes beyond a celebratory look. Appropriation affects people from exploited, marginalized cultures. Today, up to 85% of art sold through tourism markets as First Nations souvenirs is fake and imported. When someone points out an instance of cultural appropriation, what should you do? She also uses the problematic white savior trope. Being white and wearing a dashiki might be interpreted as problematic; wearing one with cornrows or dreadlocks in your hair almost certainly would be. Body chains and beads are worn by many people from different tribe and culture and continent as as such it is not appropriated by any people but rather appreciated and borrowed into the fashion world. We must take into account the problem of cultural appropriation even though these accessories seem attractive and are a part of a current popular trend. Cultural appropriation is using or taking something from another culture without giving proper recognition or respect to that culture. Key elements of culture include: To appropriate, in basic terms, means to take without permission. Orientalism is the cultural framework against which tangible racism is practiced against Asian people in the West. By. Rajasthanis of the higher class wore waistbands known as cummerbunds or patkas in mediaeval times. Beads worn around the waist has appeared in several aspects ofAfrican culturesuch as dress, childcare, and relationships. Be prepared to do your own research. The world over, calls are being made for fashion designers to be mindful when borrowing from other cultures and to offer products that are respectful of their traditions. While the term "cultural appropriation" is shrouded in uncertainty, there is undoubtedly a role for intellectual property (IP) in curbing this harmful practice. In the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike globalizationisn't just inevitable; it's potentially positive. In Arabic, this kind of dance is called Raqs Sharqi, or Eastern dance. The only good option is to listen, learn, and change your behavior. In America, when Chinese coolies are lynched, the act is justified by the perception of Chinese men as physically weak, economically invasive, and culturally barbaric. The one that especially gets to me is hippy, New Age, non-Indigenous spiritualisation of our heritage. The foot is regarded in Hinduism as the humblest and most impure part of the body since it touches the ground first. Why do you care about this "Cultural appropriation"? An exclusively curated collection of various categories of Indian traditional sarees, Ethnic Weaves - Abu Dhabi, is your one-stop store & website for all ethnic wear needs All cultures have complexities and nuances that contribute to, but go far beyond, their art, clothing, and jewelry. A lot of people see African culture think that its pretty or cool and then just take it but I feel like its okay if you learn about it and give appreciation to it. Click the Button To See The Table of Contents. Let's be friends!Instagram: stylesenpaiTwitter: thefuumanchuuBlog: http://thefuumanchuu.blogspot.com Now, I could go around to different buildings with Greek columns and scream cultural appropriation. He complimented the photo and asked Adele to call him while speaking in Jamaican Patois. When it comes to giving compliments, try this, Language and labels are important parts of understanding your gender as well as knowing how to affirm and support that of other folks! At the end of the day, the waist beads make the most stunning kind of jewelry, and in addition to there being no laws that stop you from wearing them, they look great on pretty much everyone! Mehndi ceremonies also make up an important part of wedding traditions in the Middle East and South Asia. List Of Clothing Brands With A Hummingbird Logo. Appropriating these items for your own use without taking time to recognize and explore their significance diminishes, demeans, and disrespects that culture and its people. Cultural appropriation clearly harms the source culture in a variety of ways [:] 1. Appreciating another culture involves an interest in learning about that culture. Words: 2401 Pages: 8 5490. But instead, I love that I can see the culture of my ancestors used everywhere. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. Today, waist beads and chains are more than a cultural thing, and you can wear it for different reasons, including non-scale weight monitoring, enhancing your sensuality, and just for aesthetics. New research highlights the important role parents play in the mental well-being of LGBTQ young people. Many trends stem from elements appropriated from other cultures, so you might not realize your actions have passed the point of appreciation. So, lets get into it! COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Why Language Matters, 7 Ways of Honoring Other Cultures That Are Really Just Cultural Appropriation, Cultural Appropriation in Fiction: Here Are Some Tips to Consider When Your Writing Includes Different Cultures, nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication/cultural-respect, stu.ca/lnap/henna-its-history-and-cultural-significance, tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21565503.2019.1674160, journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1468796819866498, sites.austincc.edu/accent/cultural-appreciation-vs-cultural-appropriation-why-it-matters, herculture.org/blog/2016/5/3/henna-cultural-appreciation-or-cultural-appropriation, open.lib.umn.edu/sociology/chapter/3-2-the-elements-of-culture, pbs.org/whatihear/web-series/cultural-appropriation/, Theres a Big Difference Between Cultural Appreciation and Appropriation Heres Why It Matters, How to Be Human: Giving the Right Compliment to Someone About Their Body, 68 Terms That Describe Gender Identity and Expression. A didge player at Portobello Market in London. All the same, taking a little extra time to research and better understand a culture and its language, and communicate with people from that culture, could easily help prevent such mistakes. Rowlings History of Magic in North America stories have earned plenty of criticism for the way they present Native American culture. After researching, I learned about waist beads, and discovered they originate from West Africa and are worn as a sign of womanhood and . Are body beads cultural appropriation? (Detailed Answer), Where Are Gucci Products Made? And if they say, "Actually, please don't take that thing, it is very special to me and my family," you will probably respect their wishes and leave it alone (I hope!). "Waist beads are made to fit the lifestyles of every woman, regardless of race, size, or shape," she explained. There is absolutely no additional cost to you if you take action (click, purchase, subscribe) with one of these links. And before you try to say Im privileged because my white culture has lasted so many millennia, Id educate you, but youre perfectly capable of using a search engine to find out about the fall of the Greek Empire, the marginalization and persecution of the Greeks under Ottoman rule and the Greek Genocide. Well find out about that and more in this article. They are frequently fashioned of gold or silver. In the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, every newborn receives a waist chain as a cultural pact. Navigating the niceties of appropriation versus appreciation can, admittedly, prove a little challenging. Recently, especially during the pandemic, the infatuation with body jewellery has returned. One defense of this email says that they were talking about the appropriation of chola style, but, as Urban Dictionary confirms my recollection of when I first heard the term in the 90s, dramatic thin, dark, drawn-in eyebrows and dark lip liner are the most recognizable hallmarks of a chola. When separated from its religious meaning, as jewelry style, it has. Other white characters (not Native American characters) help her establish the school. It is simple for us to fall prey to these harmful fashions, especially when online stores consciously increase their inventory of new and appealing jewellery pieces to entice us. Also, the more I read about waist beads, the less I want them. Since that misrepresents Japanese culture, it would become appropriation. Do we understand the background of these jewellery items, and if so, should we ask ourselves if we are engaging in cultural appropriation? Angelina Hurley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Im not your sis. Surf Therapy: 5 Products We Recommend in 2023, How Parental Support Affects Mental Health of LGBTQ Youth, Exercise May Be More Effective Than Medication for Managing Mental Health: What to Know, Q&A: Why Jewels New Meataverse Mental Health App Is a Game Changer, The Top 9 Online Psychiatry Services for 2023, sports teams with offensive and inappropriate names, naming teams after animals, plants, or noncultural concepts, choosing body art that doesnt carry cultural significance, presenting yoga as a wellness practice favored by white women, acknowledging yogas origin as an Indian spiritual practice, smudging, or the burning of white sage, by non-Indigenous people, getting tattoos or wearing accessories featuring religious symbols when you dont practice that religion, researching a planned tattoo to make sure it doesnt have religious or cultural significance, purchasing inaccurate knockoffs of cultural designs and art, like Navajo-inspired blankets or clothing with tribal designs, buying household items, art, and jewelry directly from the artisans who made them, writing a novel that combines stereotypical elements of various cultures and rebranding it as a new culture, researching and writing a historical fiction novel that accurately represents any cultures included, sharing photos of private or sacred cultural traditions on social media, asking permission before taking (or sharing) photos of festivals or other cultural practices, food bloggers creating recipes inspired by cuisines of other cultures without acknowledging the real work or significance of the traditional dish, learning about the cultural significance of key ingredients or preparation steps before modifying traditional recipes. Ever occur to you that maybe some people wear the earrings for different reasons? When the Renegade went viral, Harmon remained uncredited. A wall on the side of a dormitory at Pitzer College devoted to unmoderated free speech through art (colloquially named the free wall), was recently painted by a group of Latino students who wrote the message,White Girl, take off your [hoop earrings]!!!. Looking for guidance on recognizing when appreciation of another culture crosses the line? naming teams after animals, plants, or noncultural concepts. Gammon. Culturerefers to anything associated with a group of people based on their ethnicity, religion, geography, or social environment. The race wars have come down to a battle over jewelry. Sure, it can be annoying that nobody gets my name right, but its not evidence of the hatred of Greeks or a freaking micro-aggression! (2017). The schools houses also feature Rowlings reimagined versions of important beings in Native American mythology as creature mascots. Mostly, people view cultural appropriation as simply the adoption of some particular cultural aspects of another culture. Recently, especially during the pandemic, the infatuation with body jewellery has returned. Much of this critique focuses on her lack of recognition and respect for Mexican culture, the workers who actually produce the tequila but dont see much of the profit, and agave shortages in Mexico. Kevin Winter / Getty Images. Appropriation is already a microaggression against people of color. The chain could be heavy and thick or delicate and tiny. Updated on January 11, 2023. Loveless G. (2020). What Does It Mean to Be Gender Nonconforming? Here's the thing about appropriation. Now THATS privilege. Not everyone criticized this look. In reality, barbacoa's history as Caribbean "barbecue" evolved as it . Tell us in the comments below! And black and brown bodies? Why not call them people? This practice appears to be rooted in Hinduism and may go back to the Pre-Vedic religions (prior to 1750 BCE). How Cultural Appropriation Became a Hot-button Issue for Fashion. Ill give you this Greek white girls response below. There is evidence that these beaded chains were worn as early as the fifteenth century for a variety of reasons, including rites of passage and as a prestige symbol. However, our sentiments are different from this in that the body chains are more of a means of cultural appreciation rather than cultural appropriation. Appropriation has been a key contributor to the development of the modern world, to which the role of appropriating land and resources is inescapable from our present. Disrespect or disregard to the values, practices, social, religious or cultural norms. We invented it. 13 year olds? But wearing them merely for aesthetic reasons without knowing anything about them is cultural appropriation. when a particular group (dominant) takes what don not belong to them from a less dominant group. Seriously! The Shoshone-Bannock and Luiseo artist, who is based on the La Jolla Indian Reservation, began experimenting with art and fashion design when she was only 18, and launched her fashion brand in . TikTok influencers eventually began to share videos of themselves performing the dance, without crediting Harmon. Ariana Grande's Blackfishing. Does cultural appropriation cause harm? Appropriating First Nations tattoo designs, braided hair, overuse of spray tanning, collagen lips, red-black-and-yellow everything doesnt make you blend in. The waist bead/ chain is more than a cultural thing, and you can wear it for different reasons, including non-scale weight monitoring, enhancing your sensuality, and just for aesthetics. Often that harm can span social institutions and political, economic, social, spiritual, cultural worlds.". Appropriation also tends to involve some misuse of cultural elements. If you dont understand how you messed up, do some work to understand why so you can avoid it in the future. Ah, yes, learning via search engine because we all know the Internet is never wrong or contradictory. Cultural appropriation, then, happens when another culture borrows any of these cultural elements, typically without asking permission or crediting the source culture. Then immediately stop what youre doing. Historically, waist chains have been used in India, by men and women, as ornaments and as part of religious ceremonies, as accessories and to show affluence. But they should also take time to acknowledge its cultural roots. It doesnt take much effort to find cultural appropriation in popular culture and on social media. Waist beads are designed to be worn by women of all shapes, sizes, and races. Heard of the Renegade? For whatever reason this is done a disconnection from identity and culture, for financial and material gain it saddens me and leaves me with a sense of loss that we cant discern between cultural exchange and cultural appropriation, but thats another story. but dont take my words entirely. Youre welcome. So, with waist beads and body chains worn increasingly in the waist, whether made of threaded strings, hooped chains, or small beads, the popularity of body chains can be regarded as the best form of cultural appreciation. In fact, because you care so much, you should know they are mine. She is a jewelry designer at SOQ Jewelry and other design companies. If its not your culture being appropriated, is it really your place to say anything? But to me, wearing of body chain is not cultural appropriation but rather appreciation. Download. Depending on the material that the body chains were made of, others wore the chains as a way of showing off their affluence. The culture actually comes from a historical background of oppression and exclusion. Alexa is a freelance writer and communications consultant, with experience working on the Hill, at the RNC, and for National Review. Plus, youve been to the Northern Territory where the real black fullas are Whatever! NOTICE: While your contribution is vital and directly supports The Political Insider, it is NOT tax deductible. Still, there was serious intent behind Katters submission on the production of fake Australian First Nations art. Getting henna body art might seem like a harmless way to appreciate something beautiful. choosing body art . I'm white so my opinion isn't really important here but from what I've seen is that as long as you acknowledge where it came from/the history and not try to brand it as a "new trendy" thing it's fine? By replacing the traditional artisan with a machine to pump out the product quickly and cheaply is cultural appropriation. . Cuz. Would a person of that culture see my actions as respectful? It may be claimed that the West has now usurped this culture because we have created our own terms for waist chains, such as belly chains or beaded waist chains, and we no longer acknowledge the traditional significance of these waist chains in West Africa and India. After you decide, wrap measuring tape or string around that part of your body to get the measurement. You're right; I can wear what I wantbut that doesn't always mean it's the best thing to do. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); girl..i thought this was a legit news article omg.. You do you though, I dont think its so bad? Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Wearing body chains, especially the waist beads, isn't a form of cultural appropriation but rather cultural appreciation. The exploitation of First Nations art, culture and heritage continues to be rife. I could rant about every design that features the Greek Key. The question we all need to consider is whether we are culturally appropriating by wearing these different variations of body jewellery or whether we . Sure, white people can appreciate, love, and create jazz music. But I'm still looking into this for myself :). While being culturally appreciated by the rest of the world, the decision by the Western nations to now label the chain as belly beads or the beaded waist chains rather than the waist beads can be considered a form of cultural appropriation. You can wear what you want. Read more topics here or here ! It has become commonplace to see young people with body chains across their waists and crystal rings on each hand. They are chains worn around the waist and abdomen that can have one or more strands and are composed of different types of glass, metal, crystal, bone, and wooden beads. As a result, we will earn some coffee money from your click. Remember that African people, like all other societies and cultures, are always happy to share parts of their culture and not really protective of it. Fashion . So, whether appreciated or appropriated culturally, the body chains and waist beads are an important part of culture today. This directly borrows from the culture and supports that artisans who create the intricate waist beads. While wearing jewellery is ultimately a matter of personal preference, knowing the background of the pieces origins might give us a better perspective of whether we should or shouldnt do so. Katy Perry has been called out for cultural appropriation several times over the years. Belly chains are common among women in India. It also includes the unauthorized use of parts of their culture (their dress, dance, etc.) So, when someone called out for appropriation counters by saying that people of color who wear Western clothing and hairstyles, speak English, or eat fast food are also appropriating, know that these statements are both grossly insensitive and completely inaccurate. Because of this, I see our winged eyeliner, lined lips, and big hoop earrings serving as symbols [and] as an everyday act of resistance, especially here at the Claremont Colleges. They help protect natural hair, but they also represent identity and culture. Heres the first clue: If a person of color says your behavior is culturally appropriative, take that criticism at face value. Yes, white people can wear the waist beads, and there is really no rule that is against white people or anyone else wearing the waist beads. It's pretty hypocritical and not fully thought out. To help is understand if you should see wearing a body chain or bead is a cultural appropriation or not, let us try to understand the term from their individual meanings. . "A . As a white woman, Adele can style her hair in any number of ways without facing judgment or criticism. The common English name for the Indian jewellery known as kamarband is a belly chain or waist chain.. When Grande got her song title "7 Rings" tattooed on her hand, she accidentally got "BBQ Grill" instead. Answer (1 of 7): No, it is not. Lalonde D. (2019). So, yes, you can wear the white waist beads if its a jewelry style that you like. So, yeah, the hoops are mine. The star is a fan of Japan, and has used Japanese symbols on her merch. How theyre seen is in the eye of the beholder, maybe some dont look cute or ethnic I dont think aesthetic is used properly here. Wearing body chains, especially the waist beads, isnt a form of cultural appropriation but rather cultural appreciation. Although the definitions of waist chains and beaded waist chains may differ, some people view them as examples of cultural appropriation, much like they do with other types of body jewellery. Some African artisans use them for African spiritual practices. so why would you want to wear them if you don't engage in those cultures? At the end of the day, anyone that stirs up trouble about white people wearing the waist beads is only a societal concern and nothing for you to worry about. The words made me cringe at first with their echoes of an old, racist song made famous by Rolf Harris. Oberlender I. Proudly powered by WordPress Designed & Developed by Precision Creations, By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from ThePoliticalInsider.com and that you've read and agree to our, WHITE GIRLS: If You Wear THIS Common Piece Of Jewelry, You Are GUILTY Of, gender neutral [way] to include the transgender, gender-fluid and gender non-conforming people, The ancient Greeks were one of the first peoples to wear hoop earrings, bragging about finding the Greek root in every word, Attorney General Jeff Sessions Asks 46 Obama Attorneys to Resign, Liberals Freak Out After NYC Mayor Eric Adams Says Guns Came Into the Schools When Prayer Was Taken Out, Lori Lightfoot Blames Being a Black Woman in America For Her Historic Reelection Loss, House Ethics Committee Finds Substantial Reason to Believe AOC Improperly Accepted Gifts, May Have Violated Federal Law. For instance, WTF is a didjeridu massage? All rights reserved. Jacquelyn Aguilera (PZ 19), another student claiming credit for the spray-painted message, responded to the school-wide email thread, If you didnt create the culture as a coping mechanism for marginalization, take off those hoops, if your feminism isnt intersectional take off those hoops, if you try to wear mi cultura when the creators can no longer afford it, take off those hoops, if you are incapable of using a search engine and expect other people to educate you, take off those hoops . Among their recipes, youll often find lighter or easier versions of traditional dishes from other cultures. The ancient Greeks were one of the first peoples to wear hoop earrings around 2000 BC. Its OK to make mistakes, but its also important to inform yourself so you avoid further appropriation going forward. Healthline has provided our top picks of surf products to get you into. Cultural appropriation is when cultural elements of a minority culture are borrowed or stolen by members of a dominant culture and taken out of context. Here are our top picks for online, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Unlike a necklace or a bracelet that has a defined space, body chains can . Hoops are a symbol of sexual slavery, and open mens minds to filthy perverted sexual orientation. Cultural appropriation is often defined as "taking - from a culture that is not one's own - of intellectual property, cultural expressions and artefacts, history and ways of knowledge". Committing the Heinous Crime Of Cultural Appropriation! In the midst of Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals in the world, we fawn over the drop-dead-gorgeous beauty looks, but we can't help but also acknowledge the blatant racism that . I discovered waist chains a while ago and wanted to finally buy one but noticed it's mostly women of colour wearing them in the pictures. So Cultural appropriation refers to the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that reinforces stereotypes or contributes to oppression and doesnt respect their original meaning or give credit to their source. Yet many Black women continue to face stigma and discrimination when they style their hair naturally instead of using painful chemical straightening treatments to look more professional (in other words, white). Cultural appropriation has always been an underlying issue in the fashion industry, with many top designers flippantly turning elements of culture into everyday fashion accessories. The need to find/discover ones self via the culture and heritage of a different people is nonsensical to me. as long as you learn the meaning and dont disrepect the culture and point behind it. People who appropriate cultural elements dont recognize or honor the true meaning or purpose of those elements. Deadly. 2023 The Political Insider ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. While traveling in Mexico, Dorsey confronted her own assumptions about barbacoa and Chipotle's beefy representation of the delicacy. It is noted that by 500CE, the statues from the Persian Empire that neighbored the Byzantine Empire didnt show Venus statues wearing the body chains, but it showed kings wearing the body jewelry. While some people feel that gender nonconformity is a part of their identity, for others, its more of a decision and an action than an identity. Bro. The chart below offers some examples to help illustrate the difference. A sort of body jewellery worn around the waist is the belly chain. Learn the meaning of it and what it stands for, I see a lot of non-Africans not covering there waist beads. We have compiled a list of designers that frequently seem to feature appropriated culture in their collections.