You Gon' Learn Today! See The Latest White Girl Under Fire For Cultural Appropriation
Our culture is beautiful, yet it's been called less than stellar. Our style is undeniably hip, yet we will be told it's eccentric. And our overall swag is highly desired, yet it will be constantly shunned until "they" choose to call it "epic" or "trendsetting."
Often what makes us unique is snatched up to in order to profit those who are looking for a quick "urban" audience. But now that we have finally embraced our #BlackGirlMagic, we are 100 percent over it.
"I say cornrows. You give me boxer braids" is still a powerful stanza in the poem written by Crystal Valentine and Aaliyah Jihad in response to the continuous disrespect that is cultural appropriation, namely the senseless renaming of cornrows in exchange for "boxer braids," but as clear as it is to us, this still doesn't stop the mockery of what some deem "ghetto."
The recent offender of using our culture for cool points is 26-year-old Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson, who just recently posted an Instagram photo with red waist-length dreadlocks. Naturally, her fans (and enemies) instantly demanded she take down the photo, citing cultural appropriation.
Decide for yourself below:
In light of the continuous offenses of white women who take our trends (and make them their own) — even in 2018 — here's a recap of the top offenses over the years that we wish we could forget. Let us know if there's anyone we missed calling out!
Kim Kardashian
We cannot talk about cultural appropriation without mentioning the self-proclaimed "Selfie-Queen," Kim Kardashian, most known for her continuous attempts to look more urban.
Recently, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star caused lots of controversy with her "Bo-Derek Braids." Her response? "Hi, can I get zero f*cks please, thanks."
Kylie Jenner
Like her big sister, Kylie Jenner received serious backlash in 2015 when she posted an Instagram flick showing off her new cornrow 'do along with the caption, "I woke up like disss," along with a link to her new wig line.
In response to the post, socially conscious actress Amandla Stenberg called out Kylie, writing: “When you appropriate black features and culture but fail to use your position of power to help black Americans by directing attention towards your wigs instead of police brutality or racism.” Amen.
Halsey
Although her father is Black and her mother is Italian and Hungarian, many were still in their feelings when singer Halsey was spotted in braids on numerous occasions.
Khloe Kardashian
Back in 2016, Khloe Kardashian was in hot water when she posted an image on the 'gram of her rocking bantu knots along with the caption, “Bantu babe,” seemingly disregarding the rich cultural history by the hairstyle. She later deleted that photo in exchange for another one, with the caption, “I like this one better.”
Katy Perry
Katy Perry is often under public scrutiny for her insensitive use of not only Black culture but others as well including Japanese, Native American and Egyptian. In 2014, she debuted her infamous "This Is How We Do" video, where she donned cornrows, ate fried chicken, and posed with watermelon. Recently, when ask about her past habit of cultural appropriation, she acknowledged she's "made several mistakes."
Vanessa Hudgens
Actress Vanessa Hudgens rocking a micro box braid lace front wig for Snapchat resulted in an ultimate fail when onlookers were less than pleased. Previously, she was also called out for wearing a Native American headdress at a music festival and a bindi.
Miley Cyrus
Though we hate to acknowledge it (since many thought her style went too far), it could be seen through her braided hairstyles and choice of clothing that Miley Cyrus was inspired by our everyday swag.
Her blatant use of Black culture even got her name checked by Jay-Z, who rapped "Cause somewhere in America, Miley Cyrus is still twerkin," on "Magna Carta Holy Grail."
