Category: blog

Are hoop earrings part of Black culture? Hoops exist in minority groups as more than just an accessory, they are symbols of resistance, strength, and identity. For this reason, even though they have been around for thousands of years, they became synonymous with black culture in the 20th century.

What is the culture behind box braids? Box braids originate in South Africa and can be traced back to 3500 B.C. This style, then and into the present day, takes up to eight hours to create. Many believed if a woman was able to afford the time and cost of these braids, she was a woman of wealth.

Is it OK to wear the evil eye? The evil eye is not specific to any one religion or culture, and anyone can wear it as a way to protect themselves from harm.

What is cultural appropriation in fashion? In a talk at Digital Fashion Week Europe last July, writer, curator and activist Janice Deul described the phenomenon as using symbols from other cultures purely for aesthetic reasons without considering the meaning of the items. Often this also involves using elements of marginalized cultures.

Is being an Eskimo for Halloween cultural appropriation? An “Eskimo” costume is deeply offensive to Inuit people. The term “Eskimo” is considered a slur by many Inuit people. That aside, dressing up as Inuit is another example of turning a culture into a costume. In fact, this trend made one Inuit man so fed up that he penned a blog called “folks dressed up like ‘Eskimos. ‘”

What is considered disrespectful in Mexican culture? Mexicans often “hold” a gesture (a handshake, a squeeze of the arm, a hug) longer than Americans and Canadians do. Don’t stand with your hands on your hips; this signifies anger. It is considered rude to stand around with your hands in your pockets.

What does a blackout tattoo symbolize? Basically, a blackout tattoo is when a major portion of the tatted area is fully filled in with solid black ink. It’s typically meant to cover up bad tattoo work, but can also make for really cool negative space designs. The more you know!

What is happening with Justin Bieber’s hair? Justin Bieber has shaved his hair off after being accused of cultural appropriation. The singer, 27, was criticized for wearing cornrows and locs in 2016, and again for wearing a style resembling locs in April of this year.

Is St. Patrick’s cultural appropriation? Patrick’s Day Partying Is Cultural Appropriation. Remember: The offended person is always right. According to a piece in the Concordian, Concordia College’s official student newspaper, St. Patrick’s Day partying can amount to “subtle cultural appropriation,” and people should be very careful about how they celebrate it

Are moccasins OK to wear? It’s fine to wear moccasins if you’re non-indigenous, Elliott said, but you need to give credit where credit is due — indigenous designers.