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. Not good. 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. One of the main arguments against hair sticks being seen as a form of cultural appropriation is that the practice is not exclusive to certain cultures. Black people had to assimilate it was deemed ok to not hire us bc of our natural hair. When Is It OK To Comment On Someones Appearance? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Fortunately, though, there have been a lot of articles written about how everyone should avoid wearing racist costumes on Halloween, and thanks to the very public displays of celebrities appropriating black hairstyles, I think most of us are no longer ignorant to the more obvious ways white people in particular, and Westerners in general, can avoid appropriating. No one is told that their naturally straight hair may jeopardize their job prospects. Originally published on Mic and republished here with their permission. If you think Black hairstyles are just hair, that's simply not the case. Just be yourself, and use your own voice. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". It does not store any personal data. However, in recent years, the use of hair sticks has become more popular in the Western world, and some people argue that this is a form of cultural appropriation, as the practice is not associated with Western cultures. 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. 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. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Theyre generally 23 long, but just across at the base, and maybe apart at the tips. But there is harm in not respecting the culture that inspired you in the first place. Even today, some of us are familiar with Fulani braids, Ghana braids, Bantu (Zulu) knots, and the iconic red locks of Namibia's Himba women. However, if you are someone who isnt from an Asian culture is it appropriate for you to wear this style? Hope this helps! You can wear hair sticks to enhance the beauty of a bun or another simple hairstyle. Metal hair sticks are the most durable and are a good option for people with thick hair. Is it appropriation to wear hair sticks? The choices are abysmal. However, that is not the case. I straightened my hair because it made my daily routine much easier, and because straight hair equated pretty. One possible reason why some people might see hair sticks as being disrespectful is if they are used to physically hold someones hair back. Blonde hair is not unique to white people. It does not store any personal data. RT @Dreadful4Tymes: 1. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hair sticks are a great option for people who want to wear their hair up but dont want to use hair ties, which can damage hair. Chopsticks are a pair of small, narrow sticks traditionally made of wood, bamboo, or plastic. Additional Questions. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement". Despite this, hair sticks arent chopsticks. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Wearing a wig is not cultural appropriation. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". I've absolutely been guilty of cultural appropriation in the past, which is why I wanted to write about this topic in the first place. Ji () (also known as fazan ( or ), zanzi () or zan () for short) and chai () are generic term for hairpin in China. Please enter your username or email address. I relaxed (chemically straightened) my hair because it undoubtedly made my daily routine much easier, but also because straight hair or at least tamed hair (soft structured curls maybe, but never sky-high coils) equated pretty. What are the some examples of cultural appropriation? As is this pic of Hilary Duff from the late 90's: I guess a good rule of thumb is that if you are wearing costume chopsticks in your hair, that is NOT okay. I guess a good rule of thumb is that if you are wearing costume chopsticks in your hair, that is NOT okay. Although the tignon similar to a West African head tie was meant to be a kind of scarlet letter for free Black women's naturally coily hair, it was reappropriated as a fashion statement. They can be found at beauty supply stores, online retailers, and specialty stores. Is it disrespectful to put chopsticks in your hair? 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. I've been shopping online for more head scarves for when my hair falls out. Read a book. 3. Always use hair sticks as using chopsticks is culturally insensitive. 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. Are hair sticks better than hair ties? Prices vary depending on the type and quality of the hair sticks, but they typically range from $10 to $30. The rise of kimono cardigans,for example, has companies using the term for whatever conveniently fits the bill. If you find a person wearing a sombrero but not Mexican, would you say he is practicing cultural appropriation? In other words, anyone can use hair sticks, regardless of their cultural background. They are very easy to use, and they can be a great way to add some extra flair to your look. In ancient China, hairpins were worn by men as well as women, and they were essential items for everyday hairstyling, mainly for securing and decorating a hair bun. They have no trouble finding exemplary figures of beauty that look like them. From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person whos on TikTok, even if you arent. Some people still do this today. Then, holding the hair stick in one hand, use your other hand to gather a small section of hair at the top of your head. 24 Apr 2023 19:27:23 I cringe when I think about it today, but I was a child, and I really didn't know I was appropriating at the time. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Copyright 2023 Tidal Hair Sticks hairstyle or hairstyles: which is correct? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It is ideal for putting up all types of hair, from fine hair to thick and long hair. While bobby pins are bumpy on one side and close at the tips, a hair pin is like a big, elongated V (with a rounded bend, though). During those days, a woman was allowed to wear a hair stick when she came between 15-and 20 years of age. 5. Black people had to assimilate it was deemed ok to not hire us bc of our natural hair. Additional Questions. They might feel that they are not necessary, or that they are too much of a hassle to use. 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 . 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. Hair sticks, used in many countries, are. ). AsJessica R. Metcalfe, creator of Native American blog and boutique Beyond Buckskin, previously told Mic: [The headdress] is a sacred, important symbol to us. From here, we will consider this an act of cultural appropriation. Image Source: Everett Collection. Although hair sticks are traditionally associated with Chinese and Japanese cultures, they have also been used by the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Africans for thousands of years. Summer is here, and its already brought music festivals like Coachella,Governors Ball, andBonnaroo. You can't deny that many Black hairstyles have been historically labelled as "ghetto," "rough," "unprofessional," or otherwise used to dehumanize Black people through othering. Not appropriation. The dominant culture simply cannot experience cultural appropriation. When I was younger it contributed to my sense of belonging, comfort and otherness, but it was also hours of bonding and chatting by my mothers warmth (even if it felt like she was out to murder my scalp). 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. This Comparison Exposes How Much Homophobia Shapes Your Notion of A Normal Day, 5 Questions to Ask Yourself If You Think Your Partner Is Toxic , How to Be a Good Ally to Fat People Who Appear to Have Lost Weight, 4 Reasons People of Color Cant Cater to White Peoples Guilt Or Their Tears, 9 Ways to Support Your Muslim Friends During Ramadan, 6 Signs Your Call-Out Isnt Actually About Accountability, If We Divide, We Dont Conquer: 3 Reasons Why Feminists Need to Talk About Race, 12+ Ways Job Applications Discriminate Against Applicants, What Walking Through Life With Thunder Thighs is Really Like, These 25 Examples of Male Privilege from a Trans Guys Perspective Really Prove the Point, What Would the Yellow Ranger Do? I was tired of constantly being berated with inquiries ranging from curiosity to contempt. There are a variety of different hair sticks available, including metal hair sticks, wooden hair sticks, and plastic hair sticks. Dont ever let someone tell you that wearing chopsticks in your hair is a celebration of Asian culture, because there isnt even any tradition in Asian countries where you would wear chopsticks in your hair. 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. What do chopsticks represent in Chinese culture? That being said, putting a stick in your hair is not some cherished aspect of anyone . Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. You should steer clear of these hair sticks at all costs. You should also be mindful of the rest of your outfit. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The case was put forward a second time in 2016 and was dismissed again by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Appropriation. Kardashian came under fire from the Twittersphere in May when she posted a selfie wearing a niqab,a traditional veil that covers the face, leaving only the eyes exposed. However, if you are wearing the outfit and hair sticks as a costume for a party or to make comedy out of someone elses culture, then this is both appropriation as well as inappropriate. In this op-ed, Antonia Opiah explores the shortcomings of the current cultural appropriation conversation. Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Image: Public Domain. naming teams after animals, plants, or noncultural concepts. Royal concubines who commit grave errors had their rights to wearing hair sticks revoked. sports teams with offensive and inappropriate names. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if youre thinking about using hair sticks. 4. Fortunately, this hairstyle isn't nearly as popular as it was back in the mid-to late '90s and early '00s Friends era, but it's still important to be aware of the fact that wearing chopsticks in your hair is a form of cultural appropriation. Instead, choose hair ties made from fabric. Not good. It can be made out of wood, metal, or acrylic. 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. Hair sticks have been in use for thousands of years, and have been found in cultures of the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, and China. While they may seem like innocent strings of braids, cornrows often find themselves in the midst of controversy. Chopsticks play an important role in Chinese food culture. As these examples show, the consequences of cultural appropriation can be wide-ranging. But when you wear another group's cultural signifiers head to toe, it can create the impression that you see them as a costume. Is it appropriation to wear hair sticks? 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. 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. They protected my fragile strandsfrom the elements and my arms from hours of labor. Hair sticks are also a pair of two different pieces and can be made from metal, bone, or other materials. Is it cultural appropriation to put sticks in your hair? If you show love and appreciation for parts of a culture, such as clothing, hairstyles, or accessories, but remain prejudiced against its people, that's appropriation. If everyone reading this only gave $12, we could raise enough money for the entire year in just one day. If you are interested in purchasing Chinese hair sticks, there are many different styles and designs to choose from. Hair sticks do not leave creases in your hair, so your hair will still look great when you take it down. Black hair has long been politicized and policed in the workplace and beyond. Also, steer clear of any that have symbols or signs that may be associated with a certain culture or religion. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Place the hair stick at the base of the section of hair and twist it a few times to secure it in place. What are some examples of cultural appropriation? Not good. What They Really Mean: The Hijab is a covering worn in public by Muslim women when they're in the presence of men outside of their immediate family. 2. RT @_FakeGamerGirl: i literally just got accused of cultural appropriation because i sometimes wear my hair straight?? This can prevent you from making mistakes with your purchase. 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. Theyre used to hold up the hair and come in various shapes and sizes. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If you are doing so with the approval of people from that culture and are wearing it for a cultural event, then it isnt seen as insensitive or appropriation. By this point in time, it should be pretty obvious that wearing a headdress thats even just inspired by Native American cultures is a no-no. Is it cultural appropriation to put sticks in your hair? Not everything inspired by another culture is cultural appropriation, of course. 25 Apr 2023 04:50:08 So, when (if ever) is it okay to wear a Hair Stick? Hair sticks, parasols, and kimonos standing in for anything Asian leads to a mishmash of cultures and ridiculous outfits like these. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. That said, there are also a lot of ways you could be appropriating without knowing it, and it's important to be aware of them. No, there are not; according to my research, people who try to bring up a debate on hair sticks want to bring on the dictatorship in our fashion industry. Hair sticks were quite the trend in the 90s and they are making a comeback once more. For example, when I'm back home in southern Missouri, I start to drawl pretty hardcore but since I arrived in New York, I've tried to wipe as much of that twang out of my voice as possible so that when people hear me talk they won't automatically assume I watch Fox News. You can even try out other new hairstyles that are on the internet. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The hijab and accompanying niqab are signs of modesty and faith in Islam, according to theBBC(andviewed as symbols of oppression by others). The thing is, wearing chopsticks as a hair accessory isn't even technically a Chinese hairstyle, because Chinese chopsticks are used exclusively for eating. 4. Wigs existed in Africa for centuries. She was referencing Winslet's performance in the Steve Jobs biopic, and her graceful, non-defensive response to the Twitter user who called her out proves that she didn't set out to be culturally appropriative. I guess a good rule of thumb is that if you are wearing costume chopsticks in your hair, that is NOT okay. LGBTQIA, Used by hundreds of universities, non-profits, and businesses. On the other hand, when a non-Indian tosses one on without much understanding of its origins, Goshwrote, it feels like watchingtrick-or-treaters on Halloween. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. They can come in many different colors and styles to match any outfit or occasion. 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..
is wearing hair sticks cultural appropriation