by
Black Girl With Long Hair
In a piece that she admits might be “petty” African Londoner Zipporah Gene calls out African Americans who appropriate African culture.
…Black Twitter is littered with countless examples of the uproar that ensues when White people appropriate Black culture. Words such as fancy dress, mockery and profiteering are thrown around quite freely, but no one seems to realize that this selfsame violation is committed against us Africans?—?all under the guise of tribal fashion and connecting to The Motherland.
Yes, I know that African-inspired prints are poppin’ right now and many African designers have chosen to showcase certain styles to the global fashion scene, but it appears to me and my African friends that it’s been taken a step further. I understand that, for the most part, many of my own Black American friends are well meaning when they talk about African fashion, but the end result is still the same:
You take a cultural dress, mark or trait, with all its religious and historical connotations, dilute it, and bring it out for occasions when you want to look ‘trendy’.
Ask yourself, how exactly is that any better?
I’m not trying to start a war, but I would just like you all to realize the hypocrisy of seeing someone wearing a Fulani septum ring, rocking a djellaba, painted with Yoruba-like tribal marks, all the while claiming that this is meant to be respectful. It’s a hodgepodge, a juxtaposition, a right mess of regional, ethnic and cultural customs and it screams ignorance and cultural insensitivity.
Yes, that’s right, even when worn by Black people.
I know it looks cool and the wearer looks unique, but if you look at it for what it is, it’s still cultural appropriation.
The points she makes are valid. Black folks can certainly appropriate. We can mindlessly throw on patterned fabrics and paint our faces. Many thinkpieces have been written on how misguided the origins of Kwanzaa are.
But to say that the end goal of this is simple trendiness — that is where I strongly disagree. It’s not a trend, but a desire to reconnect. And I don’t think we can pretend that there aren’t traces of Africa all up and through the diaspora. The traditional Ethiopian head whipping Shoa Oromo dance is similar to the Jamaican ‘dutty whine‘ as well as African American sorority strolls. The Mbalantu hair-growth tradition of applying tree bark echoes the use of mud washes and essential oils in the natural hair community. The Fulani practice of septum piercings is also used as body adornment by black women in America. Then there’s this…
These aren’t folks mindlessly copying Africa to be trendy. These are people of the diaspora naturally expressing themselves in ways that — despite centuries of separation — harken back to their continent of origin.
African Americans have their own culture. So do Afro-Caribbeans and Afro-Latinas. But I would argue that inherent in many diasporic cultures is the acknowledgment and celebration of Africa. I wonder if Gene misinterprets that reverence as flippancy or the desire to connect as a desire to be cool.
Africans and African Americans are communicating with each other now more than ever. A recent study found that the population of African immigrants in America is skyrocketing and will fundamentally shape what African American culture looks like going forward. It seems now is the perfect time for us to sit down, hear each other and learn from each other as opposed to lobbing accusations.
Ladies, what are your thoughts?
214 Responses
I’m an Asian-American woman, and I’ve stumbled upon this article after clicking around the internet. Originally I was looking for opinion pieces about culture, since lately I’ve been struggling with my identity and how to resolve my childhood experiences with those of my parents. I still have a lot to learn about cultural appropriation, and how to determine who is allowed to wear what. Just wanted to drop a note that this was a really helpful article, and reading everyone’s comments has been enlightening.
Even though this article is now a few years old, I see that everyone in the comments are arguing about the role of culture in our lives and how to respect one another and find togetherness. I know that my problem with my identity is in all other aspects different from the challenge here, but this has offered me a new way to approach finding validity/belonging in a culture that seems far away but close at the same time.
Culture is based on experience.
African-Americans have a different experience to Africans especially continental Africans.
It becomes costumey to wear African prints just to “reconnect” when you don’t know your heritage.
If the garments have nothing to do with your everyday life, it becomes a fashion statement which is appropriation.
I understand that the statement is meant to uplift and connect us but please imagine how we feel when people are wearing certain occasional prints or colors, or mixing and matching things from different countries randomly.
Most African Americans don’t bother to learn or languages or traditions or anything, many make fun of Africans, yet still want to wear our garments.
I understand the African-American identity crisis and I can sympathize but there are other ways to reconnect and there are better ways to promote and support Africa.
IF whites and the likes – people who also have severed ties with Africa, or who have different experiences – are considered appropriators then so are you!
It is possible to appreciate and appropriate simultaneously.
She is a confused woman. Instead of fashion,maybe focus on how her continent is slowly being raped for it’s natural resources. It’s many beautiful traditions are being snuffed out by European and Arab religions. This is what is important. Not fashion.Gtfoh
African Americans have ‘multi-ethnic African heritage’,so doesn’t it make sense for us to fuse our different ethnicities in our attire? You think we all ignorant of/cut off from our cultures? Culture is never one way. We have created our own with what we have, and we can express it anyway we please. Don’t complain with no solution about trival things such as clothes, if you not in solidarity with us about other important matters we as a people face.Also, why do Africans take what ‘ignorant black Americans’ offensively say about them so seriously? It’s not a true representation of how conscious African Americans feel about our international bothers and sisters.Very destructive to hinder unity with all this nonsense.We are ALL related not matter how much ego you have in your distinct, temporal culture. The scary thing is that too many black people don’t see that Asian and European imperialist have created most of these ethnic distictions/divisions amoung us today.Not ourselves. Again, NO culture stays the same, and changes some point in time.African cultures belong to all black people despite who is offended.Are we gonna continue being owned people until we are all destroyed? I hope as individuals we discern the difference between truth and lies, and take responsibility to learn truth on our own standing to rebuild our civilization once more again.
If that’s the case why don’t we black people stop wearing European/American brands and designers, epecially as a symbols of our ancestors’ subjegation and cultural annihilation.
It’s just material things we are debating about! It’s more important things we should be concerned about as black people like, physical oppression, genocide, and evironmental degredation. Besides as black women we have the right to wear any ethnic garment as we please, just as long as we are not physically hurting anyone. We have birthed all ethnicities and just look the best in any piece of attire.
Wow… some of the comments here embarrass me. I am Cameroonian and I think that that writer makes good points. Some people (especially some celebrities but always anonymous) wear african prints or jewelry without understanding their meaning. They only see it as fashionable and trendy.
But I know it to be true that many Afrodescendants in Europe and America are indeed trying to connect with the african continent. Why all the hate? It feels like my fellow Africans have some sort of inferiority complex! Instead of insulting and hating, teach. You don’t see a scottish man insulting a Scottish-American for wearing a kilt, or a Japanese insulting a Japanese American for wearing a kimono. Why can’t we aknowledge what is being written in this article and learn from one another.
Besides, don’t be a hypocrite. You don’t know the meaning of all the different attires we wear in our respective countries. At least I will admit that I don’t always know. I try to understand the traditions of my people and the other ethnic groups in my county but it not easy. Because of political oppresion it is not always easy to learn the real history behind certain things.
African Americans and other Afrodescendants around the world I for one consider you part of our big family and am glad that you are trying to connect.
I think we as African Americans imitate African culture because it was ripped from us. We didn’t ask for our ancestors to be taken from Africa, loosing our languages, music, traditions and ancestral culture.They broke our ancestors and recreated them to be what they needed : slaves, with no home, no peopIe to return to, and no ties. cannot speak for everyone but I know that if I were to wear a dashiki it wouldn’t be because I want to be “on trend” but because I am trying to reconnect to the culture that was taken from my people and from me. I can understand your concern when you see an African American wearing a “culture hodgepodge” but instead of calling them ignorant appropriators, why not teach them about the culture they lost, the culture that was taken from them and replaced with self hate. It was not our fault that we were raised up with white ideals of Africa but is is our fault if we choose to remain ignorant, and it becomes your fault when instead of dispelling the ignorance, you laugh at it or accuse us of mocking your culture.
It’s very popular for black African (congo,nigeria etc) Americans to wear various African countries’s traditional outfits,jewelry etc, even though most of them don’t even know what it’s meaning is…They just want to look cool.
if they want to know more about their own culture in a proper way, and different countries are a huge factor in to this, they have to research like crazy.
first they have to get a blood test to see where their ancestor are from, like Nigeria, Uganda,Congo,Ethiopia etc……
next after they found out their countries roots they have to research their culture from the internet ask people about it and maybe travel there…
it’s very tedious.
‘africa’ an continent does not equal = black
Alot of African Americans are to busy trying to appropriate Native American Identity, heritage and accomplishments and steal them as African . They are not even interested in what culture their ancestors had in Africa.
Better late than never, I suppose. In this discussion, with all the valid points being presented, I have yet to read a comment that pertains to educating black Americans or any black people, as opposed to pointing out the need of it. Maybe we can use this forum for that purpose as well? It would be nice to learn the origin and meaning of dances, foods, tribal marks, etc from each perspective. Inclusion as opposed to exclusion. The diaspora is littered with experiences of all kinds of ugliness that we acknowledge. We’re competing to create a deeper common bond across our respective communities in order to fight together to replace centuries of lies with truth.
It’s an impact of white supremacy. Dark being seen as ugly, while whiter skin is seen as beautiful. Not gonna argue with you on what I’ve already researched. I will say that I have changed my stance on blacks appropriating African culture after further investigation and I completely understand why native born Africans would be offended by African Americans current take on it. It is among some trendy which is truly sad.
What cruelty Zipporah! We are the children of kidnap victims trying to reconnect to our heritage-we were forcibly removed from our tribal knowledge reaching out to our African family through clothes, not for trendiness, for defiance and pride and even desperation. To even dream of using the term “cultural appropriation” against us when we are in fact survivors of cultural appropriation with no distinction made is sick and wrong. Where is your empathy? Where is your helping hand for your lost relatives? Your words have caused great pain and even trauma for a people struggling to breathe under a mountain of oppression. Shame.
You are about as related to us as a white American is to their European and Native American ancestors. Yet, if they wore native headdresses, you’d screeeam that in order to appreciate the culture they need to know the culture.
Do you or others know the African cultures you participate in?? Just because we are your ancestors does not mean you get some pity-victim “free pass”. Half of y’all never met an African, half of y’all still hold the same ignorant ideas about Africa as your average white American. Did you know septum piercings came from Fulanese? No? Do you know what Africans go through on a daily basis? Do you incorrectly refer to Africa as a country, or do you truly appreciate it’s many cultures and peoples? It’s genetic diversity??
A lot of young black Americans are growing up and not caring about reconnecting with their homeland. They just want to cop the cultures and still remain ignorant. When y’all change, then we can talk about whether you are appropriating or not.
I don’t care about being accepted by Africans. I just don’t care for blatant ignorance. I already know all of my Caribbean history & African-American history & am still learning more about African history as a whole because I feel it’s important to know where my people come from and to know that my people were not just slaves but warriors, queens, kings, great leaders, poets, wise men, etc.
Half of these people don’t even know what these tribal marks mean, and to an African, they look pretty stupid prancing around with paint all over theirs face. I also hate when African Americans act like hey know everything about Africa. “In Africa, they eat people”, “in Africa they wear no clothes”, “in Africa, they have no food to eat, they have to eat sand.” A good 90% of these people have never been to Africa, or met a true African. Not their first generation buddies, but a real African who’s spent their life living in Africa. This whole thing just bothers me. I thought I was an African booty scratcher….
Smh! So disappointed with this ignorant mentality. Instead of unity, you want to cause further divide. The effects of white supremacy are all over, yet mindless people want to point fingers and accuse people of appropriation. My ancestors are from Africa!!! What do you mean appropriating the culture? Many people, black people were taught through white entertainment and white schools things about Africans. We were told many ugly things. We hated Africans but in doing so hated ourselves. Smh! This article breaks my heart. It took education to make me see the world and Africa and Africans differently. We, American blacks, have been stripped of any culture at all. All we have is white culture or bastardized gangsta rap culture. It saddens me that some African people are upset that we are trying to find our way back to connect. I find it all beautiful and I am learning more each day. I teach my children. One day I want to leave and come to Africa, not sure why country, but I want to live there & contribute any way I can.
Thank you for saying what I was thinking. This article is one of the most upsetting things I have read in a while.
You see, we’re not mad that you’re trying to find your culture, but you guys don’t even know the meaning of half the things you guys wear. To an African, some of you guys look ridiculous prancing around in tribal paint, because you don’t even know what tribe its from half of the time. Also, Africans get bullied mercilessly by some African Americans, and then African Americans turn around and try to engage in their culture. I thought I was too black, had nappy hair, was an African booty scratcher, needed to be deported…. See where I’m coming from?
ALL black people get insulted like that. I’m from little ol Missouri and I’ve always been those mean things people say to you. STOP TRYING TO DIVIDE US
These are insults from other black people. I believe Leah means she gets these from african americans, there are many that seem to rank themselves quite above africans. (Yeah “not their fault”, “they were taught by white men”, “white men mentality”, etc heard it all, if I white men used that same argument and pleaded ignorance and because he was “raised in white men mentality” the reaction wouldn’t be the same.
I really understand trying to reconnect. But african americans can be insulting, doing things that are actually offensive to the culture, mixing and matching, wearing religious “holy” attire to parties, etc. Same way a lot of black people say a white person cannot understand, african americans cannot understand where a lot of the africans are coming from.
And yes, maybe you are different, maybe you don’t do that, but don’t stick your neck out too far when you do not know what your fellow african americans make Africans go through.
We do not want divide, but we shouldn’t compromise it all for the sake of unity.
We ask that you learn a bit more, ask when you don’t know and respect us too.
That’s the spirit. Then you won’t be a minority anymore.
before there can be unity you need to see the differences. all the years of slavery and colonisation did damage. like you said you were stripped of your culture
I don’t understand African Americans anymore. One minute we Are African booty scratchers another minute they want to celebrate their heritage.like I don’t even know anymore to them we are nothing more than famine ,dirty, poverty stricken people but now our culture and clothing seem to be a popular trendy . SMFH please make up your damn mind.
Smfh! Do you know the history of American blacks? Do you even care? Do you know that our ancestors were stripped of our culture? Do you know the propaganda utilized to cause the divide? We were remade to be African on the outside with mentalities of white people. I mean I could pull the same thing and ask why some of you lighten your skin? It’s the same effect white supremacy. You need to research instead of causing a further divide between us!
They have always existed light skinned Africans in Africa, skin lighting is not done to be ‘white’ but to be ‘light’. It’s done as a sign of beauty just like Dark Asians and dark South Americans have also done throughout history. Sure white supremacy now plays a part but that wasn’t always the case.
There’s a fundamental difference black Americans need to realise. The word African is used very loosely by Africans as we use it to define the continent we come from. However we are Congolese, Nigerian, Angolan ect.. Before we are ‘African’, and that is what holds significance. Black Africans have no knowledge of where they come from and no will to return, yet they throw the word African around as if it was a country. What makes us upset is that you pick and mix African cultured with no regards as to where it comes from or how people of that country use or feel about your latest fashion trends. Instead you justify your ignorance with ‘my ancestors were African’ and ‘I’m African’. Which is simple not good enough and very disrespectful, combined that with your racism against Africans, how do u expect us to feel?
Also, you all need to drop this unity thing. Africa has never been united on the basis of skin colour, we are made up of different cultures and traditions and we don’t all get along. Some have been allies others have fought each other just like every other damn country! Do people expect that all persons that look oriental Asian get United based on their features? I don’t think so. So drop the unity thing! It won’t happen. Black Americans can’t even unite themselves in one state but acuse us of division? We are a continent of proud people, and proud people fight one another. It’s not right, but it’s life.
i could then ask you why do african americans wear wigs, why condemn. this is an unpopular opinion but the way SOME african americans view “africa” as booty scratchers …is the way white americans do and they way SOME africans view african americans as thugs…. is the way white americans do. we view eachother appart due to slavery and colonisation
IKR, I thought you didn’t like me? Now you wanna take my culture
This is so sad….I’m a women of color born in American because my ancestors were bought here. Why when I try to learn more about a culture that was stripped from my ancestors, am I made to feel like I’m “appropriating” why when a few black Americans do this or that, are all black Americans thrown into a box. I am a person first, not my country I was forced to be born in.
We’re not angry because you’re trying to reconnect. We’re angry cause right before(and after) you make fun of us with unrealistic stereotypes and horrifying insults.
Atleast someone is saying my mind (though not everything she says is). We keep accusing whites of “cultural appropriation” when we ourselves do the same. My point is we either erase the phrase “culture Appropriation” all together or we ban e’rbody from practicing it…
Not to legitimize AA experiences by comparing them to white Americans, but this is actually done. Not daily and obviously not by everyone, but still.
People have the right to thinks AA look ridiculous when they dress in clothing that hearkens back to Africa, but they do not have the right to deny AA their culture heritage and expressions thereof.
AA were not born in Africa and should not be forcibly constrained to the way various people with their many differing opinions feel that embracing their roots should be done. Keep in mind also that AA are ethnically mixed and most do not solely belong to one African nation and for that reason (not just because they don’t know which ones) claim Africa as a whole and mix styles when applying the knowledge they’ve gained.
It seems to me that many naysayers feel a stronger claim to their countries as though AA gave up their countries by choice rather than having been sold to Europeans by other Africans. Reclaiming what was forcibly taken is the right thing to do and it is a difficult journey that is made all the more difficult when others try to discourage them from doing so. As evidenced here it is not just Africans and Europeans but other members of the diaspora who try to deny us what is rightfully ours.
On a side note, I look forward to the day when PoC stop using white people in arguments about what is acceptable or not for PoC to do. (Sorry if I come off like an ass, but please think about what that means).
“America was not a chosen homeland for kidnapped West Africans” – neither was Jamaica though, it’s a slave island. Most people seem to forget that because majority of our country is Black now, but the origins of Blacks arrival there is much the same as the US. Personally, I’ve never understood African-American’s desire to connect so much because of lack of identity because you’ve created your own. Regardless of whether the catalyst of that was slavery, it’s still your own much like Jamaican culture is pretty different from African culture now. Funnily enough, Jamaicans (at least the generation above mine and further back) have never liked being associated with Africans. Perhaps it’s because African-Americans feel like secod-class citizens in the US which is why there’s a strong need for the feeling of ‘home’, but if the majority of America were Black with the culture you’ve created for yourselves now at the forefront of it, would that need to connect still be there? Also, why is it deemed more preferable that one adopt tradition than create something new?
Thinking about it, if the role of each generation is to evolve ones culture, even if they adopt some of the old tradition, naturally they’d do something new with it and a few generations down the line, it’d no longer look or be the same thing anymore. From that standpoint, if one were to start afresh, from face-value what would then be the difference between the new creation and the evolution of the old? Would that then not still be Black culture because they’re made by Black people, or would the origin story as to how each came to creation be the important factor here?
I say all that to inquire and open conversation because it’s something that I’ve always wondered about. I’m a Jamaican from London and I don’t consider this place my home, but the world in general. Perhaps because London is one of the most multi-cultural places in the world and we’ve always shared and engaged in others cultures so talk of cultural-appropriation is a rarity here.
For the record, I’m Jamaican and live in California. And yes, I know Jamaica was not a chosen home for West Africans. Also, I feel like you’re missing the main point of the conversation…seeing as how you grew up in London you probably weren’t taught or shown how Americans treated Africans when they were brought in as slaves. They were treated far worse than Africans in the Caribbean & tribesmen & women were methodically mixed into varying tribes to take away any form of resistance as well. Also, African slaves were not allowed to perform any “ritualistic behaviors” (according to their white masters) because it was seen as threatening. Every part of them that was African was basically beaten out of them for the most part. It’s pretty obvious out here there is a generational trauma that affects many, including me & no one in my family is from this country, but we were all descendants of slaves & it becomes magnified out here. But I feel I have a responsibility to my American brothers & sisters to defend them as well because I grew up here & have been with & learned from people who have had to struggle to be seen & heard in this country, not to mention when someone meets me & talks to me they assume I’m African American. I understand where you’re coming from when you said “From that standpoint, if one were to start afresh, from face-value what would then be the difference between the new creation and the evolution of the old?” but there’s absolutely nothing wrong in looking into one’s past & trying to relate to it. But like you said, you’re from England & how things are there is EXTREMELY different from here.
How is my position hypocritical if I acknowledge the continent? Isn’t that sufficient? Please if I did acknowledge the country the next question would be which tribe.
So why do you care? Relaxers and hot combs are nothing to be proud of… If anything they erase y(our) culture. So AAs are responsible for the invention of tools that have harmed our communities. Well done? And yes, cornrows are African. They are not an African American invention. Also, the only reason why Americans (not just the black ones) may seem to be so influential is because America is extremely powerful. Your media is shoved in everyone’s faces. We are forced to acknowledge you. You are not special.
I don’t know why you think I’m promoting relaxers and hot combs after I clearly said I use neither. I am saying I don’t see WHY you are so influenced. Like you said “we’re not special” so why would people there want to do anything you see us doing? Yet we get backlash for doing anything you do. My point is a double standard. It can’t be just a matter of the “media” since we are accused of appropriating cultures from a continent we see very little of in our media. Since many Africans say we have no heritage, no culture, I want to understand why people who are a) fully aware of their heritage, roots b) live in countries where they are the majority c) don’t have to assimulate would adopt practices not of their heritage that in your own words hurt and erase (y)our culture. Even If you feel the media forces you to acknowledge Western culture, you are not forced to adopt it. We are the ones living in a mostly white society. The media shoved in your face is likely a result of corporations having an arrangement with your own government. I highly doubt they could broadcast without the gov’s permission. I don’t turn my tv on that much unless it’s football season but I do realize media is our biggest export. I thought it was obvious most of that sh*t on tv, movies, magazines is heavily edited manipulated glamorized images. It’s just entertainment. I was being sarcastic about the cornrows. Contrary to what some people may think not all traditions died in the Middle Passage. We cannot steal what we’ve always had. Cornrows and head scarves are just as much as part of OUR heritage as black people in Africa. And to any all who are mad that I love wearing African prints, STAY MAD.
I can tell that you have never once stepped foot in Africa if you think everyone is running around with chemically straightened hair. Multiple African countries were colonised by Europeans and have only just received independence so Africans too have been affected and are still being affected by European beauty ideals. African Americans are not the only victims although you guys love to make it seem that way. The thing is – Africans do not wallow in self pity – we get on with life. Please tell me how we are so influenced by black Americans in particular? Who exports relaxers and hot combs to Africa? Is it not white people and / or Asians? Don’t white people own relaxer brands? Since when did AAs have straight hair naturally?
When did I say that you have no culture? You’re picking a fight with the wrong person.
Yes cornrows are a part of your heritage but they are an AFRICAN creation. African Americans did not create the idea of cornrows. Pure-blooded Africans living in Africa did. Remember that. And I never said that you can’t wear “African” prints but maybe you should educate yourself before you do.
“It’s a hodgepodge, a juxtaposition, a right mess of regional, ethnic and cultural customs and it screams ignorance and cultural insensitivity.” I found it interesting when she said that, considering that she relayed exactly how ignorant she actually was. African-Americans are “a right mess of regional, ethnic, and cultures” because no one African-American is descended from one country in Africa. African slaves were separated from their tribesmen/women & were forced to mix with others who were not familiar with their ethnicity. Thus creating an ethnic mix who are now called African Americans & rightly so. Also, African-Americans chose their name so they could feel closer to the continent they were originally from, not only that but it was a heck of a lot better than being called negro which was one of many derogatory names white people gave them. It’s also become very clear to me that most Africans will never truly understand the struggle of trying to identify with and find cultural meaning in a homeland you were forced to forget. Even in today’s culture Black Americans are constantly told what makes us less and we shouldn’t strive to embrace our true selves. Examples of this; natural hair, dark skin, big lips, big eyes, big nose, etc….anything that reminds America or Europe of where we truly come from is looked down upon. So no, Zipporah, you and all of your cohorts are wrong to attack African-Americans. You’re feeding into a frenzy started long ago by the Europeans and are essentially attacking your long lost brothers and sisters instead of embracing them for showing pride in their past, you’re spitting on them.
But it is actually cultural insensitivity mixing the things from different parts of Africa. Especially when they have no relation whatsoever. Even if you happen to be from all those ethnic groups, you can not simply mix them all together. Its offensive and insensitive. And for the people who know the meanings and/or origins, it looks completely ridiculous.
On the one hand, I see your point about we as black people unifying, but it seems like you contradict yourself when you insist that the author cannot speak for all Africans, because Africans are not a monolith. If Africans are not a monolith, then how is at acceptable for Black Americans to wear so-called African garb, when the continent of Africa is so large and diverse? If a white American wore a Scottish kilt, a French beret, and German lederhosen all under the banner of celebrating his European roots, he would look like a fool. The fact that black Americans do not understand this about African clothing just shows that we do not understand African culture and without that knowledge, should not be wearing their clothing.
Here’s the deal with me. I’m African and am hella proud to be. Being Black (because no offence, but most of you don’t even know which part of Africa you are from and calling yourselves African-Americans after being here for SEVERAL years is quite the “reach”), you all have accumulated your own culture. Don’t let anybody tell you you haven’t. But seeing Akata (African-American, meant positively) girls wearing waist beads, which descended from africa, without even knowing its purpose angers me. How are you reconnecting if you continue to remain ignorant? It’s just disrespectful to wear something cough cough – a dashiki, just because it looks cute this season. This is honestly how I feel. Don’t wear African clothing or septum piercings because you want to reconnect because I’m sorry, but there’s nothing to reconnect to. If you go back to Africa, people won’t recognise you. Now, this isn’t a hate speech because Black culture is great. But don’t get so mad when white people wear cornrolls or grills or rap while you’re wearing your waist beads visibly.
Africans don’t have ownership of septum piercings and beads or chains worn around the waist. People outside of the African continent have been doing these things for centuries. Some of you are really are exposing your hatefulness and insecurities with this nonstory. The funny thing is…the people in picture that sparked Zipporah’s silly article were not African Americans “appropriating” African garb.They were actual continental Africans. smh
You sound just like white people that appropriate black culture. Exactly the same. ?
Caribbeaners don’t get angry when we see people wearing dreadlock hats/wigs/extensions. Dreadlocks may have started in Africa (Ethiopia mainly) but they were popularized by Jamaicans & you don’t see us getting up in arms about people wearing their hair like that, especially since wearing locs is supposed to be more spiritual rather than fashionable. But JayNeon is right, you are showing your hate and ignorance in your anger. The fact that you actually said “there’s nothing to reconnect to,” is sad. So long as someone is black & has African features there will always be a connection whether you like it or not, so get over it because this has been going on for years & it will continue. You & Zipporah are getting mad at the wrong people & are ignorantly blaming them for being stolen descendants of YOUR continent, but yet are benefiting (freedom of speech) from the hard work of African-American civil rights leaders by even being able to write such an egregious article. And no, it doesn’t matter if Zipporah is in England, they only jumped on the civil rights bandwagon after Black Americans made it clear they would no longer tolerate being looked down upon.
First off, dashiki’s are far from cute. People only wear them to feel more connected to Africa.
Secondly, I don’t wear anything African, but I study African history, because if you go back far enough it’s also part of African American’s history, so it’s not trying to connect to Africans, it’s trying to learn of your own past. It is our past too, just like European history is also white American’s history.
It is understandable that African Americans/Black Americans have Africa in them. But something all black Americans should know is even in African countries we have tribalism. Different tribes in one country can look down upon each other, no matter what. So please stop with the we are all black argument, because in Africa yes we are mostly all black and nobody cares about that any more. So we go another level by labelling which tribe is better than the other. My whole point is of course dividing people isn’t a good thing, but at the end of the day you can’t keep using skin colour as basis of stating we are all one or the same. We are different people, we grew up differently, and we live differently. Even white people do it to themselves. Don’t forget Asians, I have not me a South Korean who likes being called Chinese,just because they have he same range of skin tone. Jamaicans and others from the Caribbean have black ancestors, but they are fine. Because they have learnt to create a new culture for themselves. I understand that black Americans are being oppressed in America, but I say it is your country too. Without you it would not be America, so try and fight for it too, not just Africa.
But Jamaican/Caribbean culture is also derived from different West African cultures. I understand what you’re saying, but you’re also essentially telling African Americans to stop trying to reconnect. The urge to connect is strong because America was not a chosen homeland for kidnapped West Africans, so yes, they have a right to fight for recognition from Africans. Plus, the Civil Rights movement as well as The Black Lives Matter movement were and are fights for America as well, led by Black Americans.
Why would you want to be accepted by Africans?
Honestly, study African history, especially West African history, that’s your history too and the stories of your ancestors, but the people over there now are nothing more than very very distant cousins. No offense to them, but they are simply strangers.
If I wear traditional Russian or Japanese or Italian garb then yes, I am indeed appropriating someone else’s culture since I have zero Russian, Japanese, and Italian blood. That’s not my heritage. None of my Ancestors are Russian, Japanese, or Italian. As a black American the majority of my Ancestors were African therefore the African culture is an integral part of my heritage because Africa is literally in my DNA. I am a black woman. I am Africa.
My Ancestors were African, French, American, and Native-American therefore when I celebrate any of those four cultures I am never appropriating them. You cannot appropriate that which rightfully belongs to you. It is my birthright to acknowledge and celebrate ALL of my heritage. For me, that heritage includes Africa.
My African Ancestors were taken by force against their will from their homelands on the continent of Africa and brought here to North America and that is the only reason why I was born here in the USA instead of in Africa. I would have been born in an African nation except slavery changed all of that didn’t it?
To say that black Americans (the descendants of Africans) are appropriating African culture by wearing African clothes, jewelry, makeup, and/or traditional tribal marks is just as erroneously ignorant as telling a white American (who has German heritage) that she is appropriating German culture by wearing a dirndl to a concert.
Preach on it!
Well, actually this issue can be a problem among “Europeans”, I have an Irish friend who commented that Irish Americans are not Irish, She thought they should just be Americans. I thought she was a bit condescending because these people were of Irish decent and should be able to connect to their roots.
We should stop arguing among each other, the only thing that separates us is where we were born which is the culture we grew up in and had no decision in. We are all BLACK, slave trade just placed us in several different countries, let’s stop being so critical toward each other and humble ourselves. We should tell each other about our cultures and join in together, b/c no matter what our culture is and what country we grew up in, others in the world will view us all as BLACK…..let’s stop being so divided
Amen.
I think appropriation is a sensitive subject for people from the continent of Africa especially from the western perspective. Before slavery when white people were trading with foreigners, they created an ideology that everywhere outside the western world was the same, and thus the opposite of the West becoming the East. Of course this meant that if they were pure logical and masculine, the East was dirty, illogical and feminine and therefore need looking after, this all our history.
As ridiculous as it sounds africa, middle-east, south+east asia belonging to one tribe, one identity i.e. the East, it is just as bizarre when Africa is looked at as one collective culture/ identity. This to me is still another form of the western ‘gaze’, where I have seen traditional funeral wear used as everyday fashion, or mixing different cultural fashions and rationalising it under one culture. I could never see the whole of Europe as one culture and we should learn to do the same with africa. I think for ghanaian, nigerians, south africans, somalians…Africans this is about respecting identity and I think we can all learn to do that.
Africans have a lot of pride in our culture, similarities and differences, but I think the mistake begins with when people try to mix and match trends from different countries without understanding its origin. AFRICA IS A CONTINENT NOT A COUNTRY this maybe harder to keep in mind coming from country that is a culmination of smaller countries/ states. I personally can identify a Nigerian, Congolese or Sierra Leonean by his/ her fashion and the keyword here is IDENTITY. On occasion I have seen black women (who could be from another african country) wearing traditional Ghanaian clothes/fabrics that are strictly reserved for funerals as everyday wear…really?…smh.
If in Europe a person was to mix a Scottish kilt and a french beret everyone would be looking at you like your crazy. I feel pride when i see black people wearing traditional clothing or clothing inspired by it, and I hope this continues as an exchange of information so we can all learn from each other and doesn’t put people off from trying new things.
PS: This goes for food as well! Ghanaian’s do not eat fufu with egusi! (i seem some misappropriations, just putting it out there)
Where do you think the Scots got the idea for their tartans? Yes that’s right, they were inspired by none other Africans who made up cloths for identification purposes. They decided also to create tartans to represent the areas/people of Scotland. They also wear a type of beret with their outfits which could have been influenced by the French, who knows.
Lol. Let me go cook my Nigerian fufu with egusi right away. Didn’t even know Ghanaians ate egusi.
don’t some of us Africans appropriate a little African American culture?
We may but no one said it was a good thing. And what part of their culture exactly? When you look at the history of African American dances, the roots are always connected to Africa somehow.
So it’s ok one way but not the other?
You’re right, dear. In my tribe, face paint is worn by brides, brides-to-be, masquerades, traditional dancers and even my grandma wore some during her 3 chieftaincy title ceremonies when I was a kid. My mom wore some too but I didn’t cos I was a child then. They all have meanings and certain designs, depending on the ethnic group, are worn in certain occasions.
To the comments below. This argument can go on for as long as possible and may not make sense. But if African Americans are even planning on reconnecting to their roots, I think they should first put away the attitude and stop the insults directed at the Africans. African Americans might might have African roots, but they need to be humble since, due to their history, their ownership of Africa or your right to just enter freely was taken away. Let us treat each other with respect and kind words to get our message across. I think it would be wonderful for all to share cultures.
First of all, I don’t agree with the labelling of Africans within the diaspora as appropriators of African culture. I am an African (born and raised) but my ancestry has quite a bit of European in it. Do I qualify to use African culture? There are probably a few African Americans who are genetically more “African” than I am so where’s the line drawn? Having said that, it makes me somewhat uncomfortable when I encounter a writer using the surname Kwei-Armah despite being no relation to the (in my eyes) great Ayi Kwei-Armah. That irritates me. Not because they’re supposedly not African but because I belive it is an appropriation of Ayi Kwei-Armah’s talent and renown.
BGLH, I really hope you would cover articles like this http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2015/09/gullah-geechee-fight-cultural-genocide-race-america-150904063601836.html
…hopefully you note the problems generalized “black-ness” have actually caused for gullah people in the U.S. … and they KNOW which African tribes they descend from!
My black skin tells me most certainly that my ancestry was African. But most importantly I can dress how ever it suits me. So I’m going to assume that Zipporah only dresses in traditional African attire. Definitely petty.
Black American & African American are two different groups
No they’re not.
I mean I see where her concern is TO AN EXTENT, but overall I completely agree with the article writer here. Why is it anytime we try to connect back to our roots it’s seen as appropriation. I mean It’s already enough that we’re rejected by America, mainly white, who also copy’s the culture we as Black American’s have made for ourselves…now we can’t even try to connect to our ACTUAL roots? I used to be so against going to Africa and learning about the culture because all I ever would hear is how much Africans weren’t fond of us Black Americans. At the end of the day, I did grow to love and appreciate the African roots and thankfully had African (Nigerian specifically) teach me things about the culture and embraced me. Instead of seeing it as “Appropriation” shouldn’t they (or we) see it as a means to connect and bridge the gap? And in all honesty how can it be considered “trendy” when majority of us will get the side eye and shocked faces when we walk into the room rocking African inspired or created pieces? It’s not about the trend, we want to CONNECT!
I believe you. Truly I do. I never looked at things completely from the writer’s perspective. I thought for some it was a trend and for others a desire to connect. I actually prefer the connecting part…
Hey, a very good video I think all should watch and consider on this subject https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obiq2DMBCfg. I don’t consider it wise to put any part of my opinion on this topic lol, since people probably would be extra mad at me. It ain’t safe having a dissenting opinion on this blog apparently.
Thank you so much for sharing this video! It’s very helpful towards improving the application of African culture!
I never hear an Japanese tell an American of Japanese decent they are appropriating if they show their roots… or an Italian tell an American of Italian decent they cannot make pizza because they are appropriating…Only black people
Bad examples lol. Japan doesn’t have different countries within it’s territory, only prefectures. While they may have certain aspects that are different, they have more in common than they do differences. Same for Italy…Africa has different countries and tribes…who all have drastically different ways of conducting their daily lives, and religious ceremonies have little to nothing in common depending on what tribes you’re comparing to one another. There is no argument here.
Reading this article as I lay in my caftan that I picked up from the Arabic store. I bought it to chill around the house for 10€ and I conducted absolutely zero research on the “origins” of the item. That being said no one is going to tell me what to purchase and wear. I am not going to conduct research before I buy a wax print skirt at Chateau Rouge. My Congolaise mother in law just had a dress made for me. Not once did she tell me that because I am not Congolaise that I cannot wear the piece, nor did she provide a run down of the history of said piece. She gave me the dress and was like rock out. Needless to say she didn’t have to tell me twice.
I hope that with your way of living, you do not tell white Americans that they are appropriating African American culture or any other culture at all.
Cultural appropriation is when one appropriates a culture without acknowledging creators of said culture. Black Americans have their own culture, and though we may wear African prints we give credit where credit is due. White Americans do not do that. They appropriate AAVE, our style, and music and they do not acknowledge Black Americans as the creators. Huge difference.
When you say that you do absolutely no research on the origin of items originating from a culture not your own, that to me sounds like a failure on your part to acknowledge the creators. This is the exact same thing that the white appropriators do as it relates to the aspects of black culture that they adopt. To be frank, I think your position is hypocritical.
This is the picture she sited for her outrage but the people in it are African, but get this. She’s originally from London. Go figure
The world is a global village and cultural appropriation is not a new phenomenon. It will happen whether we like it or not. As an African I do not have a problem with an AA celebrating their African Heritage as long as its done in a positive way. Its time we embrassed each other and celebrate our common origin instead of nit picking at our differences.
I love African Culture and African people I myself just identify as Black American not out of self hate. When I went to college and meet real Africans I realize how much culture they have that I had ZERO clue about. Growing up I called my self AA . My Ancestors where slaves anything before that is completely gone I know as much about Africa as I do about China or Australia so to call my self African American seemed like a lie after I educated myself on the people and the culture. I Envy how much pride they have in where they are from and how they have the roots sadly I and a lot of other Black Americans do not have that same privilege. So people who identify as AA or African don’t be so quick to judge. you all are very Lucky
Gene is rather funny on a few levels. We are appropriating OUR own culture? Lol! That is like a double negative. I am willing to bet you all the money I have that she does NOT practice any PART of her own indigenous Mawuyi (Fon word for Africa) spiritual traditions. After that, I am willing to put up my house and bet she DOES practice some foreign religion brought to her by one of her colonizers (christianity or islam).
Now, that being said, who is appropriating whose culture? She more than likely practices a foreign religion, dresses mostly in WESTERN attire, speaks English most of the time, thinks from the European worldview, and she definitely has a EUROPEAN NAME. Now, I ask again, who is doing the appropriating?
There are those of us New Afrikans (so called African Americans) who are trying our best to live a Mawuyi way of life everyday. There are those of us who do not wear european clothing at all. There are those of us who speak Mawuyi (African) languages in our households and to others in our circles. There are those of us who have returned to our traditions like Vodun, Isese (often misnamed Yoruba or Ifa/Orisha tradition), and the like. And we have completely rejected the very foreign traditions that she, more than likely, clings to. In fact, continental Africans are busy trashing their own sacred traditions and building mega churches by the minute.
Gene should simply cease to speak about appropriation. And another newsflash to GENE. WE ARE NOT BLACK AMERICANS. WE ARE AFRICANS and often moreso than many continentals.
Omg! Did everyone just learn what the term cultural appropriation means. Enough already with it. Check the history of black people of America and you will see that paying homage to Africa is nothing new, even during slavery we tried to hold on to our heritage. I wonder if other groups of Americans like Italian, or Irish have articles written about them with such accusations. Gene my sister your article is a direct effect of Divide and conquer.
Personally the clothing, especially the regular everyday print does not offend me, I love seeing more Ankara prints worn by black people in general because it reminds me of home and I’m not the only one doing it anymore 🙂 but the FACE PAINT I’m just like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING??? My father would be first to slap me across the room if I mindlessly wore facial painting for a festival to “honour” my ancestors. In my tribe at least, each one of them has a meaning and they are all for a specific event and Afro Punk is not one of those events. Anyway that’s my tribe but maybe in other African traditions, face paints don’t mean a thing at all, how can I know, there are thousands of traditions in our massive continents!
Here,s a pretty interesting article relevant to the topic, it pretty much asserts that Black Americans can’t and don’t appropriate African culture…
Jouelzy explained this perfectly
I see where the author is coming from in the sense of how the back to Africa Movement in the natural hair community is very trendy right now, but I also disagree. As far as head wraps and natural hair remedies, every black culture shares those common custom from Black Americans to Island Blacks (Bahamian, Haitian, Trinidad, etc). I feel that it is hard for Black Americans identity wise in America, because there isn’t a language or customs that don’t derive from European/ Western cultures. Going natural and embracing the skin that you’re in is a spiritual journey, Black self love is a celebration because we aren’t allowing White Society to dictate our beauty or worth. To me it’s paying homage to our lineage, how else are non “African” Blacks suppose to reconnect? Would you rather them connect with their slave roots? Wearing petticoats, branding ourselves, watching Roots over and over, wearing shackles, picking cotton, and singing slave songs? This movement is about Black unity not division.
I agree with the author who wrote the piece actually. As great as African Americans are, the fact that someof them (mainly any black blog but bglh) speak of “African culture” when pushing dress styles and all the rest is already a sign of appropriation because they are not realising that ‘African’ is not a culture. And even if it was, it isn’t Egyptian or “Nubian” culture alone.
One cannot claim to support ‘African culture’ but only look at the aspects that they want and still continue to use the term ‘bantu knots’ despite its derogatory connotations or use septum rings, headscarves and the ankh out of context and not regard it as appropriation because one is black. And I feel that that is the problem we have in the black community
I agree with the post. I would however say that I don’t believe some black/african Americans attempt to simply appropriate just for trending purposes but that they genuinely have a super strong urning to identify with there roots and in return often shun or belittle the cultural aspects of being black/African American. Being a black America/African American is an international statement, that almost anyone outside of America notices. I’ve had the privilege to grow up in Europe, Asia and the Middle East and never has anyone ever asked if I was from South Africa or Kenya or Somalia, they spring out of nowhere without hesitation and say “Your black American” or “Your American black” and then proceed to spill out this long list of entertainers, civil rights leaders and politicians to prove to me they know the difference. There’s power in knowing where we originally descend from and respecting it but I wouldn’t go trying to join a tribe and adopt there traditions inappropriately (but I’m sure with good intention) just because my DNA says someone in my lineage was once there.
This article is absolutely asinine and embarrassing. I’m African and I’m sick and tired of these useless articles that serve as a source of division instead of unity. Just stop it BGLH! I come here to be uplifted not to see us divided and pitted against one another. How can you appropriate something that originally belonged to you? And in Africa, people of African descent who show pride and interest in their culture are praised not torn down, so again, this is just asinine. I’m quite frankly getting sick and tired of these divisive hot topics/articles. STOP IT!!! I typically don’t comment but you’ve forced my hand.
Rest assured Zipporah, you will not start a war in the USA.
What is your fear? Confess.
Ignorant comment by that writer. To support African businesses is never a negative. The idea of a perfect world that he would like to see is foolish. I wouldn’t care what the reason that some African Americans are using to buy and support the diaspora. Does he question why some Asians and Europeans are wearing African wear, or listening and copying African music? I doubt it. Africans globally trying to be trendy if they listen to African American music?Stop looking for something wrong when it’s a positive thing.
My culture is not a costume or fashion statement to help you express yourself.
African culture is becoming a trend amongst many American blacks/African American and I find it very insulting and disrespectful at how it’s being used as a costume. I see many American blacks/African American painting their faces and bodies, wearing the traditional jewelry and the traditional hairstyles and then going for a photo shoot or making a music video. That is not connecting to the motherland, that is making African culture into a costume, and I find it disrespectful. We wear our traditional look for traditional occasions and ceremonies, or when we are representing our country in an international event. It is our identity that has a symbolic meaning, it shouldn’t be treated like a costume. If an AA wants to adopt an African culture then do it right. Pick a country, and dress like the people of that country when the occasion calls for it.
I have to agree on this, being black (brown? African?) American myself. I could be far more understanding if the fellow Americans in question knew where their history hailed from, down to the tribe (if they are lucky enough to have such knowledge) and add the cultural norms into their own lifestyle. This to me means reconnection: you know your source and are reconnecting to it. But for those of us who are not so lucky, it does come off as flippant and arrogant. The author makes note of things we do that are SIMILAR, that is simply not the same as straight out copying for cuteness.
Those who truly do assimilate african culture respectfully,please continue to do so. I suspect that when engaged in conversation,that person will be a treasure trove of knowledge and perspective, not just strutting about as some lame copy cat.
For the rest of us, just because we do not have our backstory does not mean we lack culture. We have much to be proud of. When we strip down all the eurocentrism we’ve adopted, there truly is uniqueness and culture underneath. Lets connect to THAT and be proud of who we are, expounding eloquently on foundation of culture.
I think people are misunderstanding what the author was trying to say, or maybe I’m looking at it from a different point of view . As a South African I tend to agree with her. In most African cultures prints, colours and certain articles of clothing have a meaning and some should be worn at certain events,and to see people wear them when and how they please without doing a bit of research is a form of ignorance and it is disrespectful . Research should be done before you choose to wear something from another culture to ensure that you are wearing it in the most respectful manner.
Just don’t get upset or offended when people such as Raven-Symoné say they’re not African American. Some Africans (not all) make it difficult for Black Americans to embrace the African culture.
allthingsammamama.com
If someone is proud of their heritage and is very secure within themselves then they will not allow another person to tell them otherwise. The reason why Raven-Symone and others like her call themselves Black American as oppose to AA is denial, lack of education and probably hearing all their lives that Africans(in a negative way) were different to them. Nobody is just existing, there’s history to your existence. Your history has helped shaped your character, culture and traditions. Things are passed down to us sometimes without us being aware of it. Europeans and others have adopted so much of our culture without given recognition to us. They want us to believe that it is them who have given us our lives because they were the ones who brought us civilisation but secretly they know who we are and what we are capable of.
I think otherwise. im in the 12th grade. I find it hard expressing my culture at school or in public without being asked what country i come from. born and raised Nashville ,TN. My Nationality is apparently an insult. being called african as an insult ,makes me wonder why it so bad being african?
How can African Americans appropriate a culture that originally (or at some point) belonged to them though? By that reasoning, Africans are appropriating African American or American culture every time they bump hip-hop or they wear jeans. Stop the nonsense and the division. Also, as a Haitian American, I understand having pride in one own’s culture, but I can’t deny that I still have AFRICAN roots. Just like you can’t deny that placing a dog in a house makes it human, placing Africans in America doesn’t make them less African. If such person decides to learn more about their lineage or heritage, who is anyone to say whether it is appropriate?
Exactly.
African Americans want to reconnect to their original roots in a country with a system/culture that constantly casts us to the side, meanwhile constantly banking on the Black culture. I don’t think people understand the awkwardness of everyone knowing where they originated and you honestly don’t know where in Africa and if Africa will even claim you again. Then you meet an umpteenth generation African who has a skin color similar to yours, dress the same way, similar speech patterns, and does this “culturally switching (being African by blood/American by birth/but heavily reps an African country )”, and then drops the n-word in the next sentence? (Insert history of slave trade and some Africans involvement and the African Diaspora here). Interesting and weird phenomenon. Why don’t AAs have the same “privilege” of culture hopping as Africans?
Point is, if people want to make an argument for cultural appropriation make sure you’re not culture hopping AT ALL or benefiting from identifying as a member of a culture in which you are not. In the larger scheme of life, what does this matter anyway? We all came from Africa. Some are just fortunate their ancestors were given the opportunity to move from the African continent voluntarily and not forced.. Anyway welcome to America where the national symbol is the “melting pot” and the logo is “YOUR culture becomes the AMERICAN way”
So true . These “direct” Africans love trying to act as those we AFRICAN Americans have no ties to the culture. Yes, some people where the dashikis and shit for fashion and no purpose but there are actually some of us who don’t wanna be here and want to live the way we originally lived before colonization and slavery. They irritating asf. They love identifying with our music and clothing but it’s an issue when it comes to them. They don’t realize that we are the same excluding their awareness of culture and speaking of another language . To be honest , I know direct Africans who don’t even act traditional. Some women have no respect for their bodies, and some Africa men in the states treat women like shit (cheating , having sex with different women, etc.) . Whereas, there are some African American women and men who hold the traditional and religious way of living close to their hearts. For example, saving sex til marriage, submitting to their husband, letting the man be the head of the home, etc. . So the author missed me with that bs. What part of the culture are you keeping alive besides the attire?
Wow, this article is an embarrassment. I see it merely as a tool to divide us. I don’t understand, why the author has only addressed AAs and not others of African descent. She’s from London so surely she’s seen countless black people there adopt the same trends. There are many designers of African descent in London. Has she not heard of African fashion Week in London, and the many African markets we have here. The annual street festival, which a friend of mine is involved in, is dedicated to everything African from fashion, dance music and food. Starting this Thursday until the weekend there will be an event called Africa Utopia encompassing lots of African music, film, dance performances and debates with the main attraction being a market selling lots of fashion and jewellery to the public by those of African heritage. I encourage the author to research a TV document I watched on the BBC last year. It highlights the decline of the textile industry in Ghana due to locals preferring to wear western clothing and the influx of second hand clothes sent by charities like Oxfam. Presently there is only one authentic manufacture producing authentic cloth in this region and guess what? A white man owns the factory. But even worse the Chinese are making cheaper imitations(putting the factory at risk) and have gone as far as plagiarising the distinctive gold label the manufacture uses on each length of cloth. Much of the fabric I have come across is manufactured by the Dutch and I remember one Nigerian elder telling me that Europeans produce better quality cloth even though I was trying to tell her that I came across a designer who sourced her fabric in West Africa and had her collections made there and her stuff is good quality. Still wasn’t convinced that Africans could produce anything better than the Europeans. Much of my Inspiration comes from things I have learnt about Africa whether it be about my Ancestors, great African leaders past and present, philosophers, spirituality, food, medicine, art, textiles, dance and music. I understand the author has more knowledge than most of us concerning historical or cultural connections to all the things she’s mentioned in her post but to me she has come off a little ignorant by not recognising that the Ancestors of AAs(all those from the Americas and the Caribbean) came from Western, Central and Southern regions in Africa. Even in Africa people migrated. For example, Igbos have Ancestors from the eastern region i.e Ethiopia. This must mean that there were and still are plenty of cultural crossovers.
Great points! Very well said.
black americans have enough problems in the u.s. lobbying for africans is something we don’t need to do, esp. when there are 800 million africans who should be able to do this for themselves on their own continent and in their own countries. and if we did, certainly you would tell us what we’re doing wrong and how we should do things better and how you’re insulted by our actions.
bottom line – we don’t owe you anything. but, if there are black americans who want to explore some aspects of their heritage (even if it’s just wearing a headwrap), then they can/should without asking for permission from you or any african to do so. this is part of there heritage, like it or not.
i think people are getting offended for no reason. she is clearly referring to the african americans that stay calling africans “african booty scratcher”, the ones that think africans are dirty, poor and all those negative, largely false stereotypes that people like to throw about BUT they r the same ones that will rush to buy a dashiki, septum ring or peace with african print because it is trendy. i have many african friends so it really irritates me when i see african americans do stupid shit like that.
If someone has referred to you as African Booty Scratcher outside of elementary school, please change schools. No adults are sitting around calling people African Booty Scratcher. Stop just stop.
Good job at shutting down an experience you know nothing about. You’re black American. Chances are you don’t get called African booty scratcher. Till this day, people still call us that.
So judging from the majority of the comments, it goes to show no one is even willing to understand it’s still seams “them. Us. They’re jealous. They do it too” is still alive and well in 2015!! One thing I know and about expect black people, regardless of American, African, African American, is to be black people- typical…
I definitely *get* both sides of the argument.
I actually think the author is correct. I don’t think that one has to have negative
intentions or disdain for the culture one is appropriating, for it to be a form
of cultural appropriation.
If you don’t understand the things you are
wearing, and wear them in a way that distorts the original meaning through
share ignorance then I think that is appropriation and more than a little
disrespectful. How many people wearing
African cloth really know which area it is from, when and how it is supposed to
worn etc.? Culture and race are two
different things and you can’t simply ignorantly adopt and misuse other
cultures practices and symbols because you happen to be (partly) of African descent. Africa is not a monolithic culture. Each people have their own distinct cultural
practices.
The truth is American’s don’t have any really
deep rooted cultural traditions so it’s hard from them to understand how
offensive / ridiculous looking this can appear from the outside.
Americans don’t have deep rooted cultures or traditions? OK, lets check your car radio to see what you’re listening to or your collection of CDs, or your shoes you wear, or your car you drive. I bet, yep bet you have something that derived from American Culture, and yes the world tries and wants to emulate American Culture…Black American Culture too. I’m really offended. This attitude towards Black Americans further helps me to understand why I never felt the need to be called African American…I’m Black American. I am partially of African decent and yes I’m proud of it. Blending is beautiful.
The thing is, we don’t care what you think. And it always seems the outside is coming and infiltrating our surroundings. If you weren’t here in America…looking at our websites or our tv shows, or however you watch us, you wouldn’t be offended if we wear African garb the way we want. The way that’s trendy, or Afro-punk.
Believe me, just like it died out in the 60’s, and then in the 90’s, we Black Americans will get disinterested in the African garb once again and it will die out in 2015…then you can have your traditions all to yourself until we pick up the trend again in 30 years!
So you feel perfectly okay to come to a predominantly African American website and throw stones at African Americans? Alrighty then. You are being so disrespectful.
I guess in your world, Africans are superior to all other Black people, right?
I
think we should unite instead of diving ourselves more. And should be
happy that some people try to not let the marks and clothing die out.
I totally agree.
For one, black Americans have been wearing African prints for decades. We wore headwraps even back in slavery times. Maybe she should do her research. I wear both of them sometimes because I think they are beautiful and to show pride in my African heritage. Also she admits not dressing this way every day so whatever she is wearing other times does not originate from her culture. How many Africans relax tor press their hair? relaxers and hot combs were invented by black Americans. Does everyone who uses them know the full history of them? doubtful. Relaxers originated for us not to be trendy but because of pressure to assimulate in a majority white country so we could try to get jobs. If you always lived in subsaharan Africa then you don’t know what it’s like to live in a white majority country.We are told growing up we have bad hair that needs to be fixed. So we have to overcome that to embrace ourselves as black women. So unless she is prepared to say there are no Africans utilizing any style originally created by blacks elsewhere this article is silly. Seats.
So black Americans appropriated White culture by creating tools that would allow them to wear their hair straight? Relaxers and hot combs are not something to be proud of imo. And you do know that a lot of African countries were colonised by Europe and only just gained independence not too long ago (less than a century ago)? They too have been affected by European beauty ideals.
I use neither but they are part of and created by my culture. We are talking of utilizing items through appearance without fully understanding the history behind them. These tools were created by black Americans to help us be accepted and employable in a country where whites are the majority. Whites could legally murder us with no consequence. Opportunities for education were few. We only in recent history acheived equal rights. To be appropriation we would have had to start the practice ONLY for the sake of fashion as we are being accused of doing with the African prints. Truth is even today in corporate America there are those who only consider straight hair as acceptable professional. Did you see the story of what that news anchor told the intern? All I’m saying is relaxing and hot combing your hair are black American created processes so obviously someone in Africa noticed what people were doing across the ocean and adopted the practice. Maybe for similar reasons IDK. I highly doubt there is any expectation or quiz of any non American for having in depth knowledge of Jim crow or the Civil Rights Movement and what made the creation of these necessarily before slapping a Dark and Lovely on their heads . Nor am I advocating there should be. Just like the American farmers likely are not pissed at those who live abroad and like wearing jeans. I guess next we will get accused on stealing cornrows.
africans just don’t get it.
those examples with the dutty whine, etc. do they not get how culture is transferred? evidently they don’t. do you actually think black diasporans (transported africans) in the americas stole it? lol. they forget that they sold us into slavery. but despite that, we maintained and preserved some things. africa lives in many of us, all these years later. it must be baffling to them how it could have survived after 400 years and so we’re accused of thievery and appropriation in these instances.
sometimes, i think the real problem is jealousy. i think it bothers them that others get the light when they do not.
No disrespect but even third generations of many other ethnicities have lost the touch to their roots. How much more black Americans. I don’t deny that Africa isn’t in you, but I will go as far to say that the Africa in you has been twisted and turned. I myself am African and have met countless black Americans. They try to adopt the culture and love it, but tend to see it in a different light from us. I don’t think that she wants to deny you the rights to your root, but is trying to say that the chances of it being turned into a “trend” is quite high. It is the same as white people say oh please so now we can’t do our hair in braids and then black people give them the reasons to respect it. You may have gone through a struggle but we went through a struggle different from yours.
The problem is a lack of education, brainwashing and Europeans having discredit black people on a global scale.
How did Africans sell you into slavery? Do you really believe some Africans had a choice of whether they wanted to be slaves or not? Just eating up everything the white man tells you. And nobody is jealous of you… What is there to be jealous about?
This is dumb, Africans follow trends by African Americans and vice versa. I calling BS.
I kind of agree with her. #sorrynotsorry #appropriation
Okay, so after reading this article in bits because this was too much for me to handle. I look up the definition of cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is a sociological concept which views the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of a different culture as a largely negative phenomenon.
Part of it makes sense because I would hear stories from my mother’s childhood up believing it is ‘not cool’ to be associated with anything African! I was amazed at the stories she would tell. It was basically lessons in ignorance during adolescence and not knowing your history, your heritage. African inspired fashions are obviously not new or ‘trendy.’ In the 1960s and 1970s, you had the early emergence of the natural hair movement and black people were enlightened and empowered by the Civil Rights movement and decided to change things. Fast forward to the 1990s. I remember as a kid growing up in the 90s wanting Cross Colors clothing and sneaking into my brother’s room to read his YBS (which was later called Emerge) magazines because of my mom’s stories and my curiosity.
Overall, this article was she as said it…Petty and divisive! I agree with Sabrina, how do you appropriate the same race that is made of different subcultures? The fashions at Afropunk from the way I look at it are reconnecting with our African heritage and at the very least we give more than acknowledgement! I put the definition of cultural appropriation because from what I understand it is the opposite culture that is acquiring the traits of another culture without acknowledgement. Someone correct me if I’m wrong…
In a way, it’s a good thing that this writer raised these issues, albeit inappropriately. What I love about the natural hair community, especially this website, is that it is a true expression of Pan Africanism. Since pre-slavery, when have black people from Africa and the African diaspora had an opportunity to really communicate? On a massive scale, never, until now. Although some of the sentiments, including the writer’s, really seems negative, at least it is her honest opinion. Better for those who feel this way to let us know. It shows that there is a lot of education and community-building needed for everyone. I have to admit, though, that there is a lot of derision for AAs, just like there is a lot of derision for biracial/mixed-raced people, and people that are seen as “hybrid” in some way (e.g. African-British, Jamaican-American, Haitian-Canadian, et cetera). Even more interesting, you will see some “hybrid” people, like the writer, who perpetuate this derision against other “hybrid” people. At the end of the day, when black people put down other black people, non-black people laugh at us all. And they should. It really is self-hatred, since most of us resemble each other more than we resemble non-blacks. But I have hope. I see an awakening throughout the African diaspora, and Africa. People are starting to see that we have more in common than we realize. Blessed love to all my sisters.
Do Africans ever speak out about the atrocities that Black Americans continue to face since slavery? The main problem in the entire Black community is discord. You seem to expect something from us, but don’t even offer to do it yourself. Now, if a Black American wrote an article complaining about all of the cultural appropriation that we face at the hands of Africans all hell would break loose.
So now we are supposed to justify being black to a black girl born in England. Africa was born in us…proud birthright.
Zipporah is wrong. The real pain of cultural appropriation is where the source is despised and the stolen culture not credited to them. As for the accusation that black Americans wear clothes without knowing the traditional and religious place for them, honestly, I’m African and with all our 54 countries and God- knows how many tribes, I too have no real idea of the religious or traditional purpose of most items I wear. Also,I see a lot of young people in my country copying African American culture without a smidgen of an idea of how it came about.
Thank you Metangai. This statement really made me shake my head. African Americans only look to be a part of their roots which derived from Africa. I don’t understand what the writer is trying to convey. It looks like she is a hybrid African from Britain. And we know that British Black people emulate American Black people everyday. But who cares. We all stem from the same roots.
But black Americans despise Africans ad well so….
There are nearly 40 million Black people in America. It’s not accurate to say African-Americans despise Africans. Some of them do. That portion does not speak for the majority. Some Africans are guilty of despising African Americans as well.
Gene, How can you appropriate something that looks like you? Appropriation is someone who mimicks another races culture. I don’t understand the thinking behind this. Africa is still frowned down upon. I rarely hear about what’s going on in Africa on the news. I have learned a lot about the continent after I graduated highschool and while I’m still going to school. I find your guys history, contributions, and style so fascinating. You guys are being recognized. Other races celebrate their culture and wave their homeland flags at their parades. I don’t see how that can be offensive.
I don’t think they realize how far out of your way you have to go to learn about Africa (any culture/country) if you are a black american. I literally heard NOTHING but bad things (AIDS, starvation, cannibalism etc.) about it my entire life but still had a curiosity and the good sense to not believe everything I read or heard.
This comment highlights the author’s point. Africa isn’t one culture. Treating it as if was a single culture is part of the problem. Each ethnic group there has its own unique and complex cultural practices and traditions. There is no singular culture for all ‘black’ people.
A good writer writes because there is something important to say.
A bad writer writes because they have to say something.
A terrible writer just bullshits through any sort of mental gymnastics to justify problems that don’t exist.
Yes!!!
Our origins don’t start with slavery. There is no merit to her complaints. We are looking for our roots and considering all we’ve been through if we make some mistakes along the way guidance is in order not condemnation.
Man the question is why are Africans still trying to deny that African Americans are African? We didn’t just magically pop out of the dirt of the American South. We are African. Stop trying to deny us our culture! Would you rather me wear the rough muslin that slaves wore. The unbleached cotton with no color or soul to it that our immediate ancestors, AFRICANS WHO WERE MADE SLAVES wore. Or should I wear a shirt with Marilyn Monroe, or a half naked white girl on it. When I had my baby shower, I wore African clothing. It was a “fancy” occasion yes. But you know why, I was bringing life into this world. I was continuing my blood line. Because my AFRICAN blood line survived the transatlantic boat ride!!! Stop denying American Blacks. Its another form of elitism and you need to knock it off. Or don’t be bitter. Because I know where I came from, and one blogger isn’t going to tell me otherwise.
Thank you, Chrystani! No one is going to tell me, a woman with African blood coursing through her veins (91%, if I believe AncestryDNA to be accurate), that I can’t embrace and celebrate who I really am! Even though the writer said she wasn’t trying to start a war, I get the sneaking suspicion this is exactly what this article serves to do. Hmmmm…
THANK YOU. I can’t believe how far I had to scroll to finally see this comment.
I’m first-generation American (my parents are from West Africa) so I’ve seen firsthand the way that native Africans look down on African-Americans. Like all the problems that AAs have are their fault, they’re ignorant, they’re “ghetto”, etc. It’s basically just elitism as you said. It’s sad, divisive, and pointless.
When the author of the original article mentions “the appropriation of African culture”, i find it really misleading because there is no one African culture. There are over 2300 of them. As an African i get where she is coming from but i hardly think that in this particular instance appropriation of any sort has occurred. In my opinion, A sister imitating another sister should be taken as a complement and not an insult. I am a Kenyan and we- as Kenyans borrow from other African cultures heavily. I wear Akan clothes yet i am not aware of the intricate cultural messages and implications of such an act and i have never educated myself on any of them. I wear Maasai Beads, i love Zulu headpieces, I love to wear a Derah- and im neither Arab or Somali. Black American Culture through the Natural Hair Movement was my first education in how to take care of the hair i was born with and my first introduction into appreciating my cultural self as an African. I feel nothing but shame that an African should pen something so maliciously insensitive. WE ALL NEED TO LEARN ABOUT OUR CULTURES AS BLACK PEOPLE. ITS A COLLECTIVE GIFT AND NOT THE PRESERVE OF A TRIBE. THAT IS IF WE WANT TO KEEP OUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES AND PASS THEM ON.
”BLACK WOMEN, PLEASE IGNORE THE DIVISIVE, DISTRACTING HATERS…YOU GUYS ROCK!!!”
Amen! But please, please do learn what all of those mean. The zulu headress in particular is worn to show that you’re married and is also meant to shield your face from the sun. It’s good to be safe
Hold the front door….this woman was born in London (I did my research), not on the continent of Africa.
So excuse me of I just don’t care if she feels that I, a woman of obvious African heritage, am appropriating a culture that was stolen from me.
Hilarious that an African-European is saying that African-Americans are not African enough to express our pride in our history.
Just because she was born in London doesn’t make her any less African. I mean, she can trace her roots back to a specific ethnicity… Can you? Africans in the UK are extremely connected to their culture.
Our culture was beat from our ancestors. So we are wrong from wanting to connect back? Wow. That’s so ignorant.
So repatriate then.
We cannot. That is why those of us who do embrace African Culture, do so in a hodge-podge, Willy nilly way. All we know is that our ancestors were brought from Africa, not allowed to speak their language, cook their foods, or pass on their names. Yes we know that Yoruba, Igbo, Temne, Zulus, Asante, etc distinctions exist but because our history has been purposely stripped from us we don’t know where in these categories we fall so we embrace them all. When you see an African-American dressed in African prints, wearing headwraps, cooking African dishes, listening to African music or reading African authors, that is a person who has made an effort to reach beyond all the anti-African brainwashing that occurs in America and connect with their ancestors and their African roots in the only ways they know how.
And that’s fine. I never said African Americans can’t embrace their heritage. I did not like how the person I replied to was implying that Africans born outside of Africa are detached from their cultures.
Ever heard of the expression “imitation is the sincerest
form of flattery”. As an African, let me say that Ms. Gene’s views do not
represent the views of all Africans (certainly not mine). Most African American’s
are gracious enough to call these fashions “African Inspired this or that”.
They give credit to the fashion’s origins so I don’t see this as appropriation.
What type of article is this by Ms. Gene? Do
non-African blacks accuse us of appropriation for our African hip hop, reggae,
dance-hall, jazz? Come on now. AAs are the one group of blacks that have fought
for the recognition of Black people as equal to all humans, they don’t seat by
idly and watch in spite of the hardships they have faced. AAs are the group of
black people that make up most of the Black inventors, innovators and sports
men. I take pride in their achievements as a black person.
Why should they not wear clothes from the culture
of their ancestors? Yes they may wear the clothes in ways we Africans would not
(sometimes I cringe at the head wraps) at other times I find the styles funky
and fresh. I don’t see this as disrespectful at all.
Enough of this divisive “they have no culture talk”.
They (AAs and black diasporans) have their culture, they simply want to
reconnect to their roots. As good sisters and brothers we should embrace them
and teach them. If the rest of the world looks down on the black race, who do
we have to lift us up but each other? I’ll stop here. As we say in Naija: Ms.
Gene, take several seats abeg.
Girl, you talk am well. My first thought on reading this days ago was “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”. I’ve got no problems with it and frankly some attire I see are funky and fresh. I too cringe at things like bindi and Adire or when I see head to toe Kente even as footwear and bag. Haba! Na colour riot oo! Lol
But seriously, even we Africans take clothing from other cultures as well. For example, Naijan men wearing Indian kurtas and some Naijan celebrity women wearing saris made from chiffon Aso-oke or Adire. If every one should start screaming appropriation, there’d be no global connection made!
Thank you Uche. I have African friends who are very proud to speak about how much in common they have with my culture (Jamaican) and other Black Diaspora cultures. There is no “us” against “them” between us. Several of them have African American spouses. We’re all just Black people living in a majority White country and doing the best we can. That’s about it. I know very well that Ms. Gene doesn’t speak for all Africans since she speaks for none of the Africans I know personally. She’s simply a petty person who decided to write a silly article.
Mmm…. and yet Black Americans got angry as hell at Raven Symone when she said she does NOT identify as African-American. Clearly, here is support for her statement; this AFRICAN Woman is saying we may have ancestors from Africa, but when we try to connect with those roots through clothing and accessories choices, we are “appropriating”. Very Interesting!
As an African who was born and raised in the states, I see where the writer was coming from. Although I understand that “African Americans” aren’t appropriating to be cool, and it does come from a desire to connect. For it to not be appropriation there needs to be a maintenance and respect for the original purpose of the items and their culture. I.e. Know where your piece is from specifically and use it properly if not the result is the same as unnamed african artifacts in museums. A water downed narrative of Africa that does not emphasize its diversity in cultures respectfully. In America I am African because most people black and white don’t know of the actual country that I’m from even though I’ve seen countless artifacts and items in the U.S. that’s age originated from that country. That example alone reveals that for the benefit of Africa as a whole we need to more responsible when using items from its many cultures.
The Africans on the comment section who agree with this foolish piece are usually the same people who have been appropriating Black American culture for years lol ( Looks, slang etc…) lol. Most of the clothing deemed African are usually African inspired. The pattern, style, fabric are usually wore very different on the continent. The piece could have been better if she wanted to educate people about African patterns, traditions etc.. their meaning , why are they wore on certain occasion etc…
You do know that not every African person in the world has migrated to America? Nobody uses American slang outside of America unless they are making fun of it. In the UK, Jamaican / Caribbean mixed with African slang is widely used not only by Black people but White people and Asians. Also, nobody wears Jordans over here if that’s what you mean by “looks”. They are the most butters (ugly) shoes I have ever seen in my life.
This article was a waste of time. Right after she admits that she might be being petty, you should stop reading. If she wants to know the difference, ask our ancestors. ..
Exactly. Whilst I appreciate the struggles Black Americans have gone through, and perhaps Zippprah came across as petty, I must say it seems Black Americans don’t like being called out? The defensiveness I’m seeing in the comments is so similar to what you see from White people during discussions of race and White privilege.
Being called out for what exactly? For wearing African clothes when they themselves are of African descent? African Americans can wear African clothes because that is their ancestry even if the connection is now tenuous because of the slave trade.
Zipporah was petty and mean spirited and it’s good that she’s being called out — not only by African Americans, by the way. I see that lots of Africans are also disagreeing with her.
This isn’t just about wearing clothes, it’s about Black Americans being willing to acknowledge that Africa is a continent with many unique cultures, being mindful of the cultures behind these trends, giving credit where credit is due and if they really feel they want to connect with the motherland, getting to know the ‘ugly’ as well as the beautiful parts of being African, past, present and future. Perhaps Zippprah did come across as mean, but as an African living in Africa I’m saying consider that she might be making a valid point. What I’m seeing so far is the very ‘tone policing’ I see in discussions about White privilege.
No, you’re seeing a push back against a petty article by Africans, Caribbeans and African Americans who see through Ms. Gene’s argument.
Why did Ms. Gene target African Americans specifically since Afro Caribbeans and even White people also wear African garb? The tone of her article was very condescending and ugly.
I assume she wrote the article to generate interest in her Youtube or blog because what she said made absolutely zero sense. African Americans cannot appropriate their own culture since they themselves are of African descent.
sorry, but if they went and purchased these clothes they really don’t owe anyone a thing. i mean, a lot of africans are selling traditional fabrics. if they don’t think they should be used in certain ways, they shouldn’t sell them. black americans don’t owe anyone anything for wearing a headwrap or skirt. get over yourself.
My DNA says I am 77% African from at least 6 or 7 different regions. When I wear African clothing,I am showing my pride and trying to connect with my culture.
This underlines the problem with appropriation as a concept. All cultural practices are an amalgam of things borrowed, some of which retain their original meaning, most of which do not. If there isn’t a blatant attempt to mock or diminish I don’t see any issue with incorporating the textiles, hairstyles, philosophies and other cultural artifacts of different cultures into new works– particularly in a world where identity and origin are less and less simple to discern. Many of us are likely descended from several different West African ethnic groups ( whether we can trace it back or not), so what does it mean to criticize us for combining styles?
The usual complaint about appropriation is that appropriators can remove the artifact and be free of the stigma usually attached to it, but that doesn’t really seem to apply here. Instead this is just an argument that cultural exchange is not allowed to happen– especially if it’s “trendy”– in other words, if a large number of people just think it looks cute.
When you add in the fact that many African Americans are making an attempt to reconnect to a culture that was stolen, the argument seems even less compelling.
I think it’s only culture appropriation if the AA that are doing this are ONLY doing it for trend. Like white people that rap but couldn’t care less about the history of hiphop. I wear tribal garments here and there because my best friends from Ghana made them specifically for me. I take the time to learn and appreciate their culture. They have embraced me as their long lost family and teach me a lot. Us AA are the most uncultured blacks on this earth because everything about our roots were beaten out of our ancestors. Most of us crave our roots. Me speaking solely for myself I feel like my heart does not belong on this continent and I have always felt that way since I was little. I feel like my soul is somewhere else and I’m just going through motions here in the US and i have always connected more with Natural born Africans. Ever since I’ve met my friends from Ghana which is only 3 years ago we instantly clicked like they were the missing link. And it’s crazy because my God Daughter and my friends wife looks so much like me and my maternal side of the family they want a blood test to see if I’m one the “stolen cousins”
“Us AA are the most uncultured blacks on this earth” That’s your opinion and I’m sure it’s based on your life and surroundings, but the actual FACTS of our Black American history in the US, refute this wholly and totally and robustly from the time of our landing on this continent, to the present. There is a lot of available literature and history for anyone to explore on the topic.
Believe me I know. But at the same time every time we create something for our people it gets washed out by others. Hiphop/Rap was a black way of expression and we own no parts of it. Fashion whether clothes or hair that we create gets stolen we get shamed while others get praised. We constantly try to include others and lose what we create every time. I say we have no culture not because our people have not created anything but because we have no culture that is solely for us anymore
Buffoonery abounds…
I have a culture…my American culture. I have a look, a language, and a style of dress that is uniquely American, as well as customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations of American-born parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and beyond. My race is black, my nationality is American, and I am fiercely proud of both. In the country in which I now live, no one with any common knowledge of the world thinks that I am anything other than American.
I’m not even sure why I felt compelled to say all that. Maybe I want Africans to know that not everyone is trying to “appropriate” their culture. Maybe I’m tired of people saying that Americans don’t have a culture. Maybe I’m just tired of the word appropriation altogether. Yes, I’m sure it’s the last one.
Just to show that there are no hard feelings, I would like to offer a sincere thanks for melanin, rhythm, shea butter, and black soap.
You would think that American Blacks would be immune to “Cultural Appropriation” accusations because our culture has been stolen by so many people already. It’s rare for people to correctly attribute it to us because it’s just entertainment for them, it’s not seen as sacred. Just because our culture has been disrespected doesn’t make it any less ours.
Everything I’ve ever thought or said on the subject put so poignantly and unapologetically, thank you!
I’m American, I’m Black – THAT is my long, rich heritage. If other Americans, Caribbeans and Africans know only what they’ve seen in racist films, ‘history’ books, and the aftermath of contrived urban slums and take this to be the totality of Black American lives and culture – then they’re woefully ignorant and uncultured. I could go to any majority Black country (we’re a minority in America and won our freedom) and point to rivers of filth, rampant poverty and crime and mercury-laden bleaching kit concoctions.
BTW, I’ve seen some references to ‘elitism’ in some of the comments, in terms of some Africans’ attitudes toward Americans. My question is, how can anyone amongst Black folk be elitist? That implies dominance and power. What the ‘elitism’ they really refer to is, is an inferiority complex that they try to hide by instigating culture wars among a race of people that the real power brokers do not care about or consider to be human. So, congratulations to those ‘elitist’ non-American Blacks. You even fail at the crab-in-a-bucket game.
I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me. So whether or not you like it that’s just they way it is. I’ve met lots of Africans in America and they don’t have that nasty attitude towards us that you have. As a matter of fact they sell us african clothing and jewelry. Check out africa imports, selling all types of african stuff guess what? It’s owned by a white guy. Imagine a white guy selling us african products. What do you have to say about that. I know a lot of people that have repatriated and tons more planning to go to the motherland so get used to the idea of us wearing “tribal” gear. On a lighter note check out this african princess and take some notes from her.
I think the fact that Black Americans refer to the clothing and prints that they wear as African makes it completely different from the way that white people culturally appropriate. We don’t call those prints American or even African American. We don’t even call them black. I’m sure they are being worn and used incorrectly the majority of the time, but cultural appropriation is more about erasing the source, and that is almost never the intention.
Also, are the children of the many African immigrants to the US cultural appropriators as well if they are born here? Black Americans are not any different when you think about it in that context. They are more likely to be exposed to the culture directly and accurately but they are just as American as anyone else. How many generations before you are no longer an African?
I know many parts of the culture are sacred, but I think the fact that Black Americans from earlier generations grew up when Tarzan cameos and what white people said about Africans was their only source of “African Culture”. That’s why it’s so jumbled together/misused/random/offensive. I think many people are open to learning about the various cultures of Africa from the perspective of real Africans. It would be interesting to read an article about what is and isn’t offensive.
Not trying to be rude but I just stick to celebrating my own culture which is Jamaican. I know nothing about Africa beyond what I read about or see in the news. I have good African friends and listen to what they say about their countries. But in the end, while I am of African descent, my cultural background is Jamaican and that’s more than enough for me.
As an American citizen, I do my best to respect African Americans since it was their struggle for Civil Rights which makes it possible for me to live a fairly comfortable life here. And African Americans have loads of which to be proud given all the foolishness they’ve had to go through while still striving and moving forward.
I don’t understand the venom that Africans like Ms. Gene are now directing at African Americans. How can you “appropriate” a culture from which you descended? Instead of accusing African Americans of stealing, wouldn’t it be better to educate? I personally have never been tempted to wear African-style clothes, but I see nothing wrong with African American or Caribbean women doing so. I don’t see it as stealing or harmful in anyway.
Ms. Gene’s article is just insulting, in my opinion. It’s a perfect way to sew discord between Africans and non-African Blacks. Do Africans have anything positive to say about non-African Blacks? When I see articles like this, it really makes me wonder. It seems like they have a superiority complex.
I hear your point sis. But I’m not sure what it was like in the states, but understand growing up an African in the uk was a bad bad thing. I mean BADDDDDD!! The Caribbean’s saw themselves as superior, especially Jamaicans who funnily enough saw themselves superior to everyone “black”!!
I still think that this ” rivalry” is around today but not as bad because of the popularity of African culture clothing, music etc. if I’m honest I think this is where her beef stems from.
I say this as person who has part “Caribbean” roots but luckily for me my mother showed me not to get myself involved in that rubbish as we’re all seen the same in certain peoples eyes!!! I won’t repeat the word!!!!
I’ve been in the U.S. since 1995. To be honest, I haven’t experienced any “us” against “them” type of thinking from African Americans, Africans or Afro-Caribbeans. Perhaps it’s because the Black people I associate with are professional so we don’t have time for foolishness.
I was born in England and have family there and wasn’t aware that there was some silly rivalry between Afro Caribbeans and Africans there. Too bad. Hopefully, you all have grown up and moved on from that.
All Black people have something to be proud of. I see no point in putting down people from different countries since we did not choose where we were born or the ethnicity/nationality of our parents.
P.S. While I’m Jamaican, my parents taught me to get along with all kinds of people, which I have do. I’m not better than anyone because of my ethnicity and no one is better than me because of their ethnicity. Silliness.
Although I’m not from the UK, I am aware of these tensions. These tensions were in NYC, too, when I was growing up. But I have to say, in defense of Jamaicans, that Jamaican people (many, not all) have a tendency to think they are better than everyone, be they white, black, blue or purple! lol Sis, try not to take it too personal, ah jus so it go #dwl Some of our people are a bit more ostentatious, while others are more reserved, that’s all it is. Don’t you have some groups of Africans that are more showy or boisterous, e.g. (some) Nigerians, and others that are a bit more reserved, e.g. (some) Ghanaians? I’m not certain about the examples, but this is what I’ve heard. At the end of the day, we are all family. We need to start acting like it.
I’ve been waiting for someone to bring this up. I understand the desire to reconnect, but lately I’ve seen Black Americans take African themed fashion and wear it in a way which is not respectful of the origin culture. It Is trendy right now, and many Black Americans I feel are just as guilty of appropriation as their White counterparts.
Please give a specific example of this improper appropriation. Educate us.
nope how can you appropriate your own culture tho.
It’s not your culture… Black Americans are taking different African cultures, combining them into a mish mash, monolithic ‘African culture’ and saying “I’m connecting to my roots.” If you were really trying to connect to your roots, you’d research your background, maybe even visit the actual region if it’s possible and then mindfully wear the pieces you choose to wear.
Africans don’t have to do any researching in order to wear African garbs. They can wear them because their ancestry is African. You keep thinking you can tell grown folks how to celebrate their ancestry. You don’t have that right. And being African is part of the African American heritage. Who are you to tell African Americans that they are not African? I don’t get it.
Sigh. I think most Black Americans on this discussion thread have just stubbornly decided to NOT hear any other point of view. It’s a pity, I came across a thread on the same issue which was so reasonable on both sides. So I’m checking out. Wear whatever you want to wear I guess, and when the ‘African’ trend has stopped we’ll see if the desire to ‘connect to your African-ness’ is still there.
No, sis, don’t look at it that way. Try and understand. What if you were an orphan, and never knew your mother or father. Then, you found out that your parents were from a particular country that you had never known. It would not be a “fad” or “appropriation” for you to go and visit, would it? To yearn for knowledge of customs you were deprived of? To seek acceptance from strangers who, but for the misfortune of your parents, would be your kin, right? Just like Barack Obama’s ties to Kenya, right? Aren’t his ties based on a father he never really knew? How much more does an AA feel, or anyone in the diaspora, who doesn’t know their great “mother” or great “father” but knows they originated from this beautiful but misunderstood continent far, far away. To these people, to US, it is not a fad. It is an awakening of self, on spiritual, physical, psychological, emotional, and collective levels. As I’ve said in other areas of this thread, the time is coming for us to start international community-building. We need to gain greater understanding of each other’s journeys. This will increase the respect for tradition that some on this thread are concerned about, while fostering the unity and love for which many others yearn. It’s time we start thinking about connecting with each other, like virtual, international town hall meetings, summits, et cetera.
Yous is the perfect appropriator attitude: Who are you to tell me how I can use and wear you cultural symbols that have significance and meaning to you but that I don’t understand or care to learn about fully…
YOU ARE THE PROBLEM.
“Yous”?
I don’t care if I am your problem. That’s your problem. African Americans can wear whatever they damn well like. That’s their prerogative. That’s none of your concern. I don’t even wear African garb but I should just to get under the skin of silly people like you and Ms. Gene.
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES. EXACTLY. I LOVE IT when AA want to reconnect with their roots and explore the culture; HOWEVER, you can’t just go wearing kente cloth and Nigerian tribal marks in the same outfit. Like kente cloth is usually worn during special events, but there are some people wearing it to Afropunk, so now with the US’s power, the significance of kente cloth and it’s rich meaning are being slowly erased and all that is left is “It’s African! I’m reconnecting with my roots!” I even saw an online shop where someone made a kente cloth crewneck and named it the “Hakuna Matata” sweater. As a Ghanaian, this is so infuriating. Like if the AA’s who don’t understand it took the time to learn it’s significances and appropriate events to wear it at, then that is fine! Use it! But don’t go to some concert and wear it disrespectfully and just say “It’s my culture too.” LEARN THE HISTORY. I only wear it during special occasions so why do some AA’s feel so entitled to wear it in Afropunk?
I am of Ghanaian descent and with hip hop, I learned the history behind the music, how the AA struggle shaped hip hop and how I can and cannot relate to it. I’m not just going to ignore the history of hip hop and use it and my justification is “well I’m black too soo.”
well, in the context of us diasporans in the americas, we are a mish mash of africa. lol. so, combining everything seems completely appropriate in light of this fact.
you may not like it, esp. if you emphasize purity. but, we are not tribal in that micro sort of way.
Madam, one thing most Africans hold dear is respect for Ancestors. How dare you say to the children of African people “It’s not your culture” ? What gives you that right? All our ancestors must be in anguish now. Their own rejected them then, and some of us are doing the same thing now. Sorry shame.
This thing called tribalism is what the white man used against us, IMO it is what changed the course of black history. We went from a proud race to an enslaved race, the most enslaved race of people in the world because we could not unite. Always looking for differences and trying to one-up each other no respect for each other, no solidarity. What do you know about Nigerian tribal marks? I see you make reference to it in one of your comments and the writer as well (she is obviously no expert either). Tribal marks are scarification on the face made by a tribe to be distinct from other tribes each tribe having its own unique pattern. It has nothing to do with clothing (no wonder the Whites had African collaborators, the Africans simply kidnap people from other tribes, and the other tribe would do the same thing).
This “mish-mash” of African culture supposedly perpetrated by AAs is happening on the Continent. Intermarriage is happening now at a rate like never before, trade and globalization is happening. Please get over yourself.
I am by no means saying we should not respect our cultures but do so while not disrespecting other people, being insensitive to our people who were forced to loose their culture, show love and teach. I would have more respect for the writer of the article if she had educated us on the meaning of the patterns on the Kente cloth (i’m assuming she is Ghanian). By the way, what percentage of African youth actually know all these spiritual meanings of clothes that you talk about? Very few. So why hold the AAs to that standard?
Please my Sistas, feel free to wear your Dashikis, head wraps, septum rings and others, many of us are happy that you do. The real African writers will feature articles on the fashions origins and how these African fashions are worn today. I appreciate your (AA) funky styles anyway.
By the way, I’m African, born raised and living in South Africa. So it’s a bit hilarious that you’re preaching to me about how the ancestors are so grieved. I asked my father, who is very traditional, about this issue and he laughed and responded that most people don’t even consider their great grandchildren as direct relatives, they are too far removed. What more several generations down the line?
My dear, we live in the reality of the legacy the Ancestors left behind unfortunately. The mistakes they made and ones that have left us as a race that is despised. So the Ancestors are as real to me as though they are alive.
As the saying goes,”those who forget history are bound to repeat it”.
I don’t see AAs wearing African garb as them trying to be trendy, but these are a people wanting to take back the identity that was stolen from them. The same way wearing my natural hair is not a trend for me but me connecting to the real me and appreciating what God and my genes have given me. Stay blessed dear.
Africans also appropriate aspects of Black American culture. The reason I never call myself African is because of the attitude most Africans have. So many believe they are better than Black Americans, even the Africans that come to America. However, almost all Black people outside of America have appropriated Black American culture for the same reason you’re complaining about.
They don’t know as much about our culture as they think they do, and they vastly underestimate our contributions to American society- even though many have chosen to live here and enjoy OUR country and culture. I don’t think that it occurs to them how insecure and jealous it looks to to be so disrespectful. For such a tiny, oppressed population, black americans have a culture that is prominent on a global scale and I’m sure that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
I think you overestimate how much Africans really care for the USA… Yes we acknowledge your importance as cultural trendsetters but American culture as a whole has been shoved down everyone’s throats. I for one though I respect America and its contributions am not interested in ever living there, and I’m not a unique case.
What aspects of Black American culture do we appropriate? “Almost all black people outside of America have appropriated black American culture,” – what a ridiculous comment. Americans really do think the world revolves around them. If we thought we were that much better than you why would we try to copy you? And don’t worry, nobody is rushing to claim you as African. We’re good.
Well thought out and written perfectly. Don’t over think fashion so much. When I go out and pick prints I’m not thinking is this African or is it tribal. Is there a copyright on a culture? Is it not 2015 soon to be 2016? Don’t our roots trace back to one man, Adam ?
Doesn’t your blind acceptance of Christianity disqualify you from this conversation?
She could be Jewish or Muslim…there are 3 faiths that believe in creationism
How? The article has nothing to do with faith. What a childish comment. Maybe you should stick to colouring books. Adults are conversing here.
From your “copyright on a culture” statement it is evident that you obviously are not getting the point on appropriation at all, regardless whether it’s via white people or black people
African Americans cannot appropriate something that is part of their culture via their ancestry. You don’t seem to be getting that.
No only does her “petty” opinion pale in comparison to all the Africans (many I know personally) who’ve call African-Americans “stolen cousins” – it illustrates her terrible ignorance of what appropriation means or even African-American culture & history. I’m just sad that this is getting attention.
Well said. She needs to read this
I kind of agree… But kind of don’t… Agree because I remember the stupid Caribbean vs African thing very well and it’s now “hot” to be an African, (especially a west African)
But on the flip I feel bad for African Americans who are just that, a so called ‘African American’
In the uk, we may be in England but we still go by our parents culture and heritage and atleast have a live and current connection with another land (Nigerian/jamaican/trini etc yes I know Caribbean via Africa but hopefully you catch my poin). Most african Americans don’t have this.
Like I said before, they’re just “African American”
This is not a diss to my US sisters so please do not take it as such
I’m fine with just being American, because I view myself as being Black American. Not African.
you don’t ever have to worry about me reconnecting with the people that so my ancestors into slavery, No.
This is an interesting point of view. However without wanting to patronise its not surprising. Those born after the mid 80s have experienced a world without the pan Africanism of the 60s and 70s. My parentage is Ghanaian but I was born in London. Those of us with African parents can explain the dual culture you grow up with. In Ghana my extended family call me Miss English. They don’t see me as Ghanaian. I first visited the US in the late 90s. What struck me about Black Americans was their astounding level of ignorance about black’s outside of America. This was before all the conflicts that lead to mass global immigration. At the time my UK African friends would discuss how lost black Americans are culturally. Why they even called themselves African American when they are so far removed culturally from Africans. I rediscovered pan Africanism through listening to old Richard Prior recordings. It’s about all Africans being united. Gene makes a valid point about appropriation. But it raises the question, How are our different cultures to be recognised, respected and unified at the same time? It’s a valuable lesson in tolerance, and finding more positive ways to deal with ignorance. This is the challenge for the blacks of today.
African
Londoner? I am confused: was Ms Gene
born in Africa and migrated to London or born in England of African
parents?
Anyhoo, I agree with your assessment. Because the majority of Blacks in the western hemisphere do not know from which village/tribe/clan they came, they consider themselves PanAfrican Internationals and celebrate all the cultures of our African brothers and sisters …and sometimes all at once ;). Instead of casting a side eye at us, Africans should embrace us; for we are the ones that were stolen from the Motherland, restricted from speaking our native languages, restricted from practicing our native cultures. We were the ones waiting, praying and signaling by drum beat for them to come rescue us, and take us back home. But they did not; so we forbore.
And now, today, when we are exposed to certain elements of African culture, regardless of which African country/village/sect it belongs to, and because we have what the ole folks refer to as ‘blood memory’, that element sometimes calls to us, it strikes the core in us; and we acknowledge it! and we celebrate it! Don’t be mad at us, no disrespect intended. Lift us up by teaching us; and we will lift you up by celebrating you.
I think it’s her right to lobby accusations because some of them are true. How can you yearn for a connection to a continent that you do nothing about consciously? Some of the complaints people have had of white appropriation is that when “Blacks” are killed they say nothing. So in the same lane do African Americans EVER take the time to find out what is going on in the various countries in Africa and lobby for change? or do they sit back wearing “trendy” clothes and curl their noses up to the actual Africans that they do encounter? Some do…some don’t. So I think we need to be transparent and grow when we’re called out instead of always acting like the Black community can’t be called out, but other communities can.
Hmmmmm….not trying to start anything but are some Africans trying to police Black Americans? …and Zipporah Gene?…is that her real name and is that appropriation?…anywho…that Rize hiphop dance thing was amazing….why can’t some appreciate that even after hundreds of years Africa is still in us(knowingly and unknowingly)and isn’t that a good thing?
Go head Ms. Leila! You indeed elegantly checked that chic. Great article. Looking forward to reading more of your articles.
Same old, same old, is at play here–Divide and conquer. SMH! This writer here, doesn’t seem to realize that, for many of the AA that don African garbs, are doing so as a way to reconnect, show appreciation and love for their African roots. Yes, there are plenty of AA that fall outside of that scope, but that’s due to ignorance. So instead of throwing a fit over this, it would go a lot further if they (Africans that feel as she does) took the time to educate!
Giving an education on the history of these African “trends”–whether it be religious, tribal, ceremonious and ect–would go a lot further, then deriding those of us that do know of the culture significance.
The writer has a very valid point.