In modern times Black individuals wear their traditional hairstyles to embrace their culture and as an ode to their sufferings through years of colonial rule slavery and racism see Black is Beautiful movement.

Why is the appropriation of traditionally black hairstyles. They are an expression of culture and individuality. The phrase Its a culture not a costume rings true. Ever since African civilizations bloomed hairstyles have been used to indicate a persons marital status age religion ethnic identity wealth and rank within the community.

But thanks to fashion magazines Marc Jacobs fashion shows and the Kardashians these hairstyles that hold a cultural significance to black people have become quite popular with people outside of the black. Before inviting his guests on the show Oliver explained the concept of appropriation noting why many dislike when White people adopt traditionally Black hairstyles. The fact that non-black people can essentially wear black hairstyles without any of the repercussions while black people are being oppressed for the same styles originating from their own culture is the main reason why wearing the styles as a non-black person can be classified as cultural appropriation.

In recent times hairstyles have increasingly become a politicised racialised issue that women are expected to have a stance on. To merely suggest a Black woman wearing a weave to look white is the same as a white woman excessively tanning and adopting Black hairstyles to appear Black showcases a clear misunderstanding of. The callous imitation of these styles constitutes the harmful act of cultural appropriation.

Nowadays being black is the biggest trend there is. For Black people our hair is political its a symbolic middle finger to the face of white supremacy. Some argue that when white women braid or wear their hair in cornrows this is cultural appropriation while black women are asked to show race allegiance by keeping our hair natural.

Traditional African-American hairstyles are not just hair. Assimilation is when a minority group takes on traits of the dominant group as a means of survival. Appropriating this aspect of culture is harmful and racist and should be taken seriously.

The Kardashian-Jenners continue to culturally appropriate hairstyles and this is why it remains problematic. February 1 2021 Alysia Stevenson 0. Some argue that when white women braid.