Confessions of a Black Girl: The Controversy
I didn’t create a video this time around, because I want to discuss the topic with you (the viewer), before I create a final video about it. I want to talk about cultural appropriation. I want to know what you think. But first, I want you to read this.
Sisters Jamila Jenkins, 10, left, and Johari, 7, wear their hair braided in cornrows, accented with beads. (Mei-Chun Jau/Dallas Morning News/KRT)
September 29, 2015
Last Halloween I saw a STA girl wearing cornrows to compliment an orange prison jumpsuit. My stomach dropped when I looked at her. The thing is, I didn’t know that some would call this “cultural appropriation,”and I hadn’t been taught by anyone that it was wrong or disrespectful. All I knew was that I felt attacked.
I knew that cornrows were something identified with my culture, and that when I saw it associated with something like prison, it felt wrong.
That’s why, when girls try to argue that it’s not racist or insensitive to wear cornrows, it makes me angry. I don’t understand how you can so completely disregard someone else’s feelings that you reason them away instead of understanding that there are thousands of different ways you can wear your hair. Wearing styles associated with black culture for a costume is totally avoidable.
In fact, wearing cornrows for costumes is the entire problem. I’ve gotten this question several times: what if I like cornrows, and just want to wear them as an everyday look? I think that’s a completely different issue. So far, I’ve seen them worn to depict prison-mates and Avatars. How do you think it makes me feel to see prisoners, blue creatures, and black people clustered in one group? You think I’m being dramatic. Think about what I am saying.
For those of you who truly like cornrows and want to wear them, I would also challenge you to look into other aspects of black culture. For instance, think about the kids who grew up wearing cornrows. If you can’t even look those kids on the other side of Troost in the eye, what makes you want to look like them?
There is a difference between wearing cornrows because you think they are cute and wearing cornrows as a costume. The former, I think, is natural. Someone is going to see a black girl wearing cornrows and want to wear them for herself. She should do so considering that cornrows aren’t a style that came out of nowhere. There are an entire people who identify with the culture associated with the style she chooses. I hope you see why the latter can be degrading, even if you’ve seen cornrows used to portray a character in your favorite tv show or movie. That is not an excuse to spread the reach of cultural appropriation even further.
Of course, that begs the question “what if my favorite character is wearing cornrows because s/he likes them?” But that’s not what we’re considering here. Do you like them? That’s my question. Wear cornrows if you like them. Do not wear them as a costume.
I have a lot to say about this, but I’d like to know your thoughts. Please comment, or, as always, leave additional questions on this google form.
Thanks for reading,
Torie
Audrey Carroll • Oct 19, 2015 at 10:37 am
Torie, I am so so glad you addressed this topic. I think cultural appropriation is a problem that is often unaddressed at STA. Knowing the difference between appreciation and appropriation can be tricky, I think. Also, the fact that white people try to denounce black peoples’ opinions on what is insensitive angers me too. I really agree with your point on how people try to take on the positive aspects of black culture without being willing to recognize the negative aspects as well. I feel like some celebrities are the epitome of this; people like Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, etc., always take on traditionally black aspects of fashion/music/etc but when events appear in the news where racism is the root of the issue they rarely, if ever, address it. I feel like they use black culture only when it is convenient for them. In the case of the Avatar costumes, I also agree that someone could have been recognizable as an Avatar without cornrows. I really just wonder why some recognized cornrows as an important part of the costume. And the fact that people tried to justify wearing cornrows by saying they were “only a part of a costume” is extremely problematic, as you said. I know I’m just rambling but I always have a hard time articulating my opinion on this topic, especially since I’m white and don’t want to speak for black people experiencing this. I believe this is an issue that really needs to be brought to the table for discussion and you do a great job of starting the conversation!
Dr. Marion Pierson • Oct 3, 2015 at 8:17 pm
THANK YOU! – I think this is a great article Torie. It offers thought provoking insight that invites ALL to the conversation. Keep pushing the conversation STARS.
LaVette • Oct 3, 2015 at 1:52 pm
So well put. This really touched me. So often we as African Americans have to hide behind our cultural. I even find myself to afraid to wear cornrows afraid I’d not be giving a fair chance. We’ve come so far, yet still so FAR BEHIND! I LOVE who Iam, just wish I could be comfortable in my skin!
James • Oct 3, 2015 at 10:22 am
In the past, I have experienced subliminal attacks to change my appearance in regards to my hair style. While working in a corporate white collar environment I began to grow my hair out. I was attempting a new hairstyle that consist of tiny dread locks. I kept my hair lined and clean. I began to notice upper management who happen to be a different ethnicity than me began treating me differently. For example, I began getting stares, avoidance of eye contact, moving to the side while passing excessive performance testing. I was the same person inside and out and my work ethic did not waiver. I stand 6’3 and at the time 285 lbs, I am probably already an intimidating person based on my size. However, this wasn’t the case of why I was being treated differently. Instead it was because of self representation and expression of my culture through my hair that I began being stereotyped against. I am generally a clean low cut individual so to avoid any job conflict I went back to my “Corporate America” acceptable look. The next day what do you know, I’m excepted again, greeted while passing, complimented for my haircut and testing of my work performance went to a minimum. The people of my same culture said they liked the way my hair looked and asked why did I cut it?
The funny thing is I thought it was a “Corporate America White Collar” acceptable look. I found this to be untrue when I began working a blue collar job. To shorten the story the same events took place.
Our culture is looked upon in a negative manor and I would have been offended if I saw someone portraying an inmate wearing cornrows. Like it was said in the article, if that is your everyday self-expression that would be fine but to wear it in affiliation of a someone living an inmate lifestyle is crossing the line.
Milicent Triche • Oct 3, 2015 at 8:58 am
Excellent article. Hopefully your article will help others understand a different point of view. Keep up the great work!
Moira • Sep 30, 2015 at 1:32 pm
You’re so eloquent, Torie! Keep on keepin’ on