Culture Vultures or is Imitation the Best Form of Flattery ?

Exploring Cultural Appropriation  By Emily Imani Rose Quartz Yamineta

Peace Beautiful People, this has been hot topic with Marc Jacobs recently introducing his white models in a traditional African hairstyle called Bantu Knots.

For many it was an awkward moment when he gave the style a new name and failed to refer to his style source..the deep regions of Black Africa.

 We were already used to white people wearing African braid styles and locks. In the 1980's  the white   model, Bo Dereck, gained fame with a photo shoot rocking a sexy a headfull of individual braids and beads. Since that time "hip" white people ( hipster is their word, not mine) have been showing their openness to ethnic styles with dreadlocks and cornrows. Black Hairstylists have frequently charged white women up to three times a normal price to deal with braiding their hair. White hair is  different and it is actually not the best for the African styles that work so well for springy, dense, soft, tight, spiralling curls. Quite a few Black stylists simply state they dont have time or the "energy" to do African styles on white hair. I know this topic may instantly offend some and can lead to the ongoing debate:

 Is it cultural appropriation or appreciation? Is it wrong to even care..after all hairstyles do not really belong to any one group ? Or do they ? 

Considering the ongoing colonization and  the endless economic rape of Africa's resources..it is a bit "uncomfortable" to have those who have defaced our natural image with horrible stereotypes run to Africa for fashion design ideas ..perhaps it is a bit odd that these same people who called us monkeys and savages are wearing African styles and worse giving the traditional styles new names?   It is offensive for some, as this is  a time, when racism is a worldwide issue that has yet to be resolved, despite the deep enjoyment of Black Culture and arts.

Another hot topic in Culture Vultures is Rap and Hip Hop Music. Even as America has been called out by international organizations for it's systematic racism and failure to treat Black People with human rights..there is quite a large new generation of young white men..not only rapping but seeming to imitate Black Men at least on stage.

I recently attended an open mic and was quite suprised at the young white guys with "hipster" beards, dressed in co-opted styles performing thier best attempts at hip hop. What really struck me was the schizoid adaptation of cliched mannerisms and movement.

 One thought that came to mind was.... " Is it art..when Art imitates Art ?" and are they really being genuine people ?  For lack of any other clarity they appeared to be faking a cultural background. Acting out a fantasy yet they were transparently sincere in their belief that they  were clever artists. Or so it seemed.
The whole event left me with a odd feeling. What happened to realness? Are these white boys ( mentally)Okay ?  Some say imitation is the finest form of flattery. Yet I didn't feel  flattered. In truth real Black Men are often victims of police brutality, discrimination, gang violence and every built in form of systematic racism known. Being a real Black Man in todays society is not an act or set of mannerisms. I would also like to know what these white boys were failing to offer. By offering a pre-digested image of Black Bravado they failed to share an authentic self or artform. Perhaps if racism was not such a deadly issue today it would have been easier to see these nice white boys who love hip hop in a better light. I agree this is a touchy subject bound to offend some.

Many people just want to move forward and enjoy all the fruits of cultures from around the world. Some say to call others culture vultures is mean spirited. After all it is a free world.  Art is open to interpetation and I whole heartedly agree.

 Yet as we study our African roots from our hairstyles and their meanings, to  our traditional linguaistic musical styles that combine speech with a drum beat ( Griot traditon)..we must GIVE MAMA AFRICA CREDIT and claim our legacy, though we are often shamed or worse labeled racist when we do.

 All to often Africa's contributions have become "stolen legacies".  Please take a deep moment to consider the feelings of those who struggle against racism everyday. For us a hairstyle may speak in whispers of ancestoral wisdom and the comfort of having an older female hold us safely between her legs as she perfectly parted our hair and prepared us to feel soo pretty..for us rap and hip hop may be the only talking drum we KNOW that follows our heartbeat, pumping blood into our stories, our pain and our victory. Is that really something we  share ? Is that really something others should imitate or take. Perhaps could they find another way to appreciate the gifts of culture, and maybe even share some of their culture in a positive way?

I am also curious about what these white guy rappers were hiding about themselves as they flung their arms and knee bounced on stage.   I leave with more questions than answers, yet I have one more request... that we all remain in search of our authentic selves and take time respect others..peace

Emily Imani

PEACE FROM ROSE QUARTZ, THANKS FOR JOINING THIS COMPLEX TOPIC!