You guys are probably not aware, but my birthday is coming up in about a week and I have been going crazy trying to look for a nice fitting dress. I found the perfect shoes, but I’m not sure what type of dress it would go with (who starts from the shoes and work their way up? I’m always so backwards). Anyway, I was also reading hair blogs and watching YouTube videos about different hairstyles that will hopefully inspire me to pick one. People often don’t even recognize me because I tend to change my hairstyle frequently, but that’s honestly because I like to be versatile and I dislike having the same hairstyle for a very long; I get bored easily.
I, then, come across an article that blew me out of the water. The title may not have been very eye catching but “until I actually read why,” I was in disbelief. The article titled “12-year-old Girl’s Hair Causes Outrage, Wait Until You Hear Why” created such uproar on social media, specifically twitter, because people found that this cycling picture of a 12-year-old girl in long blonde boxed braids to be very offensive.
Now, to some, this image may not depict anything wrong with or come off as offensive. But for others this was a matter of “cultural appropriation” as braids are a “cultural element of black people only.” This girl has received negative backlash, insults, and criticisms for taking a selfie of her long blonde boxed braided hair. I understand the cultural barriers and characteristics of different cultures that people embrace and hold so dear to them. However, what I don’t understand is why attack this girl for being inspired by another women to change her hairstyle and get boxed braids. Whether extension were added or if the braids were singled, why does it matter that she has them? Hair is universal and people have the freedom to do as they please with their hair. I bet if a celebrity was to do the same, everyone would consider it fashion and trendy.
This article, brought to light the power hair brings to ones perception of themselves and how others view them. What are your thoughts about this?
