Ancient Egyptian times gave rise to the term girdle for beaded waist chains. I am sick of buying my grandchildren woomeras that wont throw a spear, boomerangs that wont come back, and bullroarers that dont roar, said Bob Katter in a recent submission to parliament. Read on to get more insight, along with tips on how to avoid making potentially hurtful mistakes. Notably in Ghanaian and Nigerian culture, thesewaist beadshave functioned as slings forloincloths, and as support when a child is carried on ones back. While the term "cultural appropriation" is shrouded in uncertainty, there is undoubtedly a role for intellectual property (IP) in curbing this harmful practice. Read this Next on ThePoliticalInsider.com. Her major was fashion design when she was in college. 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. copying another nations visual arts style and design and producing artefacts and materials that originate from that nation. But this is not always the case, especially with body jewelry traditionally referred to as any kind of adornment that was placed through and was attached to a specific body part. Heres What To Wear in Maine in December! 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". White women are not allowed to wear hoops in their ears say Latinas at the Claremont Colleges, according to a report by the Claremont Independent. So, yes, you can wear the white waist beads if its a jewelry style that you like. Does my use amplify and support the voices of people of that culture, or does it prevent them from being heard? (Expert Answer in 2023), Are Multiple Ear Piercings Unprofessional in 2023? The most notable criticism was levelled at her 2013 AMAs performance in which . Ariana Grande's Blackfishing. The Yoruba tribe of Nigeria is credited for popularising African waist bead chains. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The cultural practice was culturally diffused a long, long time ago. 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. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Cultural Appropriation, by some it's seen as an adoption culture being stolen away from a dominant group. Ultimately, it all comes down to an individuals subjectivity and an understanding of the appreciation of the history associated with the pieces. According to Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.: "Smudging is traditionally a ceremony for purifying or cleansing the soul of negative thoughts of a person or place.". In fact, because you care so much, you should know they are mine. Historically, deciding exactly what culture is hasn't been easy. 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? She is a jewelry designer at SOQ Jewelry and other design companies. A turban (also known as a dastaar) is a religious item worn by people who practise Sikhism. However, our sentiments are different from this in that the body chains are more of a means of cultural appreciation rather than cultural appropriation. Answer (1 of 7): No, it is not. Alexa is a freelance writer and communications consultant, with experience working on the Hill, at the RNC, and for National Review. https://fashion-manufacturing.com/disclosure. I can't say much really because I do not belong to any of the groups that practise this or wear the waist beads, Wow, this article is intense. This might feel uncomfortable, but its worth it, since it could help them avoid appropriation, too. You can see that wearing waist beads today are very common and you might see it as a general thing but it actually originated in Africa. In 1960 when the Mai-Kai, a tiki restaurant in Florida, sold 10,000 "Mystery Drinks" presented by half-dressed "Mystery Girls," the U.S. military was using the Pacific Islands to test . Find gold & silver nose rings made from titanium, surgical steel & sterling silver. . Are body beads cultural appropriation? https://fashion-manufacturing.com/disclosure. Case in point: Many fans came to her defense, calling her hairstyle a sign of cultural appreciation. Cultural appropriation often is viewed as a problem of . Providing new insights to communal authorship, cultural appropriation, intellectual property law, and the formation of American culture, this innovative and accessible guide greatly enriches future legal understanding of cultural production. Plenty of people have been guilty of cultural appropriation without realizing it. PSA: Not everyone can be appropriated from, How to determine whether youve crossed a line, When and how to call in someone you know, Yoga in America Often Exploits My Culture but You May Not Even Realize It, Is It Cultural Appropriation? In short, appreciation involves learning and sharing with permission. But then once again I dont know how I feel about white people always wanting to do or ear things from other cultures like I dont really see other people doing the same to them but them you always have people saying culture is suppose to be shared but them again not really. She wore Bantu knots as part of a costume, not as a daily look. 6 Quick Tips For Wearing Cartier Love Bracelet All The Time, Why Is Italian Gold (Jewelry) More Expensive? She is based in Northern Virginia and blogs at AlexaShrugged.com. You do you. So, yeah, the hoops are mine. 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. Now she is also a writer for our website. Cuz. In an article on cultural appropriation, visual culture scholar Rina Arya writes: Integral to the definition of cultural appropriation is an asymmetry of power between two cultures that involves . The end result? (Why are the students at this school even paying the $66,192 yearly tuition when they could be learning from Professor Google for free?) The schools houses also feature Rowlings reimagined versions of important beings in Native American mythology as creature mascots. Teenager Jalaiah Harmon created this dance and originally shared it on Instagram. She posted . Theres a lot of heated debate about cultural appropriation and what actions belong in this category. For instance, WTF is a didjeridu massage? Still, shaming someone or criticizing them publicly usually doesnt have the best impact, so try calling them in instead of calling them out. Yep, didge therapy is a thing. You do you though, I dont think its so bad? The first name Jacquelyn is French, so you cant call racism on anybody not familiar with your particular way of spelling it, and theres a pretty famous singer named Christina Aguilera whos made the whole world familiar with the spelling and pronunciation of your last name. I just wanted to let you know people from that culture might find it offensive and hurtful.. 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. And Im sure there are other reasons youre not taken seriously, like saying Latinx or demanding racist dress codes. Cultural appropriation is starting to become more . Social media users have also pointed out the grammatical error on the bottle, which reads blanco tequila when it should actually read tequila blanco.. Body chains, especially the beaded ones originating from West Africa among other African countries, are often considered an African cultural thing that has been adopted by the rest of the world, with body chains considered an important accessory that anyone can wear today. Payals, or anklets, are meant to symbolize the arrival of a wife into her husband's house. While the beads don't seem to hold any religious meaning, they do still seem to have a feeling of specialness and tradition to them. I've seen plenty of WOC making and selling waist beads and waist chains to people of all different backgrounds with no problem! Examples of Cultural Appropriation 1. But they should also take time to acknowledge its cultural roots. Asking yourself the following questions can also help you make sure your actions stay in the realm of appreciation: Note: Some people disagree on whether some behaviors are appropriative or simply culturally insensitive. These body chains were not thin chains but linked medallions probably why these denoted the power and the authority of the males that ruled at the time. The need to find/discover one's self via the culture and heritage of a different people is nonsensical to me. Beads worn around the waist has appeared in several aspects ofAfrican culturesuch as dress, childcare, and relationships. We invented it. Being white and wearing a dashiki might be interpreted as problematic; wearing one with cornrows or dreadlocks in your hair almost certainly would be. I have dreads. Do those count as appropriation? You know who can tell you what democracy looks like? The Greeks. And thanks to the size of Venus, the body chain is believed to have been used to adorn the statue of Venue rather than a real woman, as is the case today. 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. So in case you missed it Take a look at ABC Black Comedy: Black White Woman Part 1. [T]he art was created by myself and a few other WOC [women of color] after being tired and annoyed with the reoccuring [sic] theme of white women appropriating styles that belong to the black and brown folks who created the culture. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips. 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. I know exactly where I'm from. Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. Yoga and the roots of cultural appropriation. . LIST OF CLOTHING BRANDS WITH A GIRL LOGO! If your use of cultural items or practices exploits that culture in any way, you're appropriating whether you realize it or not. Thanks for your input. Katy Perry has been called out for cultural appropriation several times over the years. In addition, posing celebrities are often pushing new styles and have a significant impact on younger people. First, apologize. Cultural appreciation vs cultural appropriation. Lost revenue from this major income stream has a harmful effect on everything from self-determination and cultural maintenance to families and communities. wearing of body chains by different people. Marc Jacobs. Follow her on Twitter @AlexaShrugged. Colleen Murphy. The waist beads that originate from West Africa, for example, are of great significance, and they symbolize sensuality, fertility, and femininity. You can appreciate and share cultural elements without appropriating. This for some people are seen as good thing as the world is turning greatly into a global community why others might see it as cultural appropriation especially the wearing of body chains or beads. It became popular on the app TikTok in 2020 but that isnt where it started. Some members of the West African community view wearing waist chains for decorative purpose as rude and inappropriate, while others think it is unnecessary even if you are not of African descent. But I'm still looking into this for myself :). Taking time to learn more about specific cultures and keeping the questions above in mind can help you work toward anti-racism and greater sensitivity across the board. Since that misrepresents Japanese culture, it would become appropriation. By not everyone, we mean white people.. Razor blades? You also seek to understand people of that culture, as well as the culture itself, more completely instead of contributing to stereotypes. Cultural appropriation is using or taking something from another culture without giving proper recognition or respect to that culture. Brides wear a nose ring that extend with a chain, and some rural parts of India wear larger nose rings as a sign of marital status or affluence. However, further research points to the fact that the body chains were part of several other ancient civilizations, with recent records showing that the body chains, as well as the linked medallions, were prevalent during the Byzantine Empire. Sure, white people can appreciate, love, and create jazz music. It doesnt sound cool, it sounds ridiculous. For example: I know a First Nations person, I have an Aboriginal friend, my niece/nephew is married to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, my neighbours were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, or I dreamt my identity and I feel an affiliation/spirituality with First Nations culture Big deal! Then immediately stop what youre doing. The culture actually comes from a historical background of oppression and exclusion. Traditional designs are used to symbolize prosperity, love, and health in Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim wedding ceremonies. I'll do my best. Just know that true sharing requires permission, acknowledgment, and respect. 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 Cultural . The question we all need to consider is whether we are culturally appropriating by wearing these different variations of body jewellery or whether we . The well-renowned international shoe designer collaborated with Noongar artist Peter Farmer in 2017 to make two pairs of high . But the stereotyping, disrespect and blatant theft of First Nations culture happens in many fields. By contributing to misleading and harmful stereotypes, it prevents opportunities for true understanding and cultural exchange. Gammon. This appropriation shows a serious lack of understanding and respect of protocols. According to a poem from the fourteenth century, mens waist chains were popular in several regions of South India. Last medically reviewed on August 24, 2021. Maybe it was coincidental when they did, but Im pretty sure returning is not the boomerangs primary purpose from a First Nations perspective. Its also worth considering why a movie about a key aspect of Black culture needed a white main character and a mostly white cast. Sista. When you witness a friend or loved one appropriating someone elses culture, you might wonder whether its best to keep quiet. That might involve finding a cookbook or recipe from a member of that culture, or at the very least, a recipe from someone who learned to prepare it authentically. 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. In the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike globalizationisn't just inevitable; it's potentially positive. However, it pays to be conscious about what kind of styles you . Pint-sized pop star Ariana Grande has been accused of appropriating Japanese culture, and blackfishing. Orientalism is the cultural framework against which tangible racism is practiced against Asian people in the West. The idea that cultural appropriation is primarily a form of erasure - a kind of emotional violence in which people are rendered invisible - came along later. If its not your culture being appropriated, is it really your place to say anything? But when you wear henna for nontraditional reasons and fail to acknowledge its actual meaning and importance, youre appropriating, not appreciating. 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. When the Renegade went viral, Harmon remained uncredited. when a particular group (dominant) takes what don not belong to them from a less dominant group. This can be also seen in the wearing of beads. 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. 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]!!!. if you cant pronounce my name or spell it take off those hoops / I use those instead of your because hoops were never yours to begin with. Aguilera attached an image of herself and the others who spray-painted the wall exposing their own hoop earrings. 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! Black hairstyles arent costumes or fancy looks, though. NOTICE: While your contribution is vital and directly supports The Political Insider, it is NOT tax deductible. 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 . 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. Just three examples of insensitivity and perceived cultural appropriation that have been criticised in high fashion over the last few years. He complimented the photo and asked Adele to call him while speaking in Jamaican Patois. 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.. 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. In childcare, they have been included as part ofnaming ceremoniesand to measure growth until puberty. Even if youre familiar with the term and know its something to avoid, you might have some lingering uncertainties as to where the line between appropriation and appreciation lies. Not appropriation. Ever occur to you that maybe some people wear the earrings for different reasons? Also problematic was Chet Hanks response. Thanks for your input on this. No calls me out over it. Copyright 20102023, The Conversation Media Group Ltd. A didjeridu is applied to someones head in Vancouver, Canada. You just stand out like a wanna be First Nations queen of the desert. For women, belly chains are seen as lucky in African and Indian cultures. 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. And why waste time talking to and interacting with other cultures in the intellectual environment of a university when you can lecture people about their privilege then tell them to Google things when challenged by skeptics or even engaged by sympathizers? Not everyone criticized this look. Your willingness to engage in compassionate and respectful discussion with others can help encourage them to seek out more information themselves. When it comes it body chains and waist beads, however, the definition may not be the same, but like all kinds of body jewelry, some people think of the body chains as elements that represent cultural appropriation. It doesnt take much effort to find cultural appropriation in popular culture and on social media. 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. (n.d.). 1. The exploitation of First Nations art, culture and heritage continues to be rife. So, lets get into it! Continued exploitation of people from other cultures. A post shared by Adele (@adele) The appropriation vs appreciation debate is a nuanced one, but perhaps the easiest way of describing the difference is this - appropriation either mocks or . window.__mirage2 = {petok:"CCkMe26MAqhaK5osLPUa94zSF3ec_FUs4n49L.Xf8b4-1800-0"}; but dont take my words entirely. They then earn credit, praise, and income for those recipes, while people of color continue to struggle for the same recognition and success. Culture refers to the traditions, customs, beliefs, and practices of any given ethnic, racial, or religious group. He even goes so far as to explain jazz, a music style created by Black artists, to a Black character and take on the role of white savior in his efforts to keep jazz alive. Many trends stem from elements appropriated from other cultures, so you might not realize your actions have passed the point of appreciation. Belly dance, as it is known and practiced in the West, has its roots in, and a long history of, white appropriation of . Cultural appropriation clearly harms the source culture in a variety of ways [:] 1. Bantu knots are an African hairstyle with a long history. Appropriation is already a microaggression against people of color. COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. When Dolce & Gabbana faced backlash after posting . naming teams after animals, It was illegal for Natives to practice their religion (including smudging) until 1978 in the U.S. It's something they've had to fight for. The race wars have come down to a battle over jewelry. Lalonde D. (2019). Native American War Bonnet. Why? Shop now at Lovisa! Cultural appropriation is considered taking a cultural element from a certain culture, where the jewelry is considered an important part of that culture. But what about wearing the yukata around your house back home, saying, Japanese people dress like this every day? Body chains are just that - an accessory made of metal worn on your body. A young woman in Utah bought a Chinese-style dress to wear to her high school formal. Henna: Cultural appreciation or cultural appropriation? Cultural appropriation takes place when members of a majority group adopt cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way. Waist chains appear to have been a very fashionable piece of jewellery based on the abundance of historical works of art from India that date to the Indus Valley culture. This doesnt make you black because proximity is not a valid criterion. Watch popular content from the following creators: Ravjal(@_ravjal_), Selasie(@selasie.at), Selasie(@selasie.at), Hailxniccnat(@hailxniccnat), Yasmine Summan(@yasminesummanx), michaela(@willighed), Yasmine Summan(@yasminesummanx), Zorga(@heyzorgzilla), Selasie(@selasie.at), Blueafr0 . (2017). 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. White people have actually exploited the culture and made it into fashion.. Committing the Heinous Crime Of Cultural Appropriation! And make no mistake, hoops are the main focus here and the most bizarre because theyve been worn across continents across history. But if you were a real African you would know that showing it when your not in a bathing suit or something like that is frown on. In other words, people who appropriate generally pick and choose only the elements they consider appealing and ignore the rest, along with any important cultural context behind those elements. Consider these examples: In the movie La La Land, the white male main character, Sebastian, is depicted as a jazz expert.
