Is wearing dreads when you're not African American racist?



There is an ongoing debate about whether it is appropriate or not for white people to wear dreadlocks. The argument stems from the history of white people appropriating different aspects of other cultures as well as stereotyping cultures. In the twenty-first century, is it okay for all aspects of different cultures to be equally shared, or in this case, for white people to have dreadlocks?
Dreadlocks can be traced far back in history. Ancient Egyptians and Indians wore them. Today, dreadlocks are identified with Rastafarians and Jamaicans, such as Bob Marley, who identified himself as a Rastafarian. Dreads hold a special meaning spiritually and are symbolic of some people’s’ culture and religion.
Due to the significance of dreadlocks, the history behind them , and the meaning that they hold, it is possible for white people wearing dreadlocks to seem insulting and trying to appropriate the Rastafari religion and other people’s cultures. Even if the white person who is wearing them knows the history of dreadlocks and supports the symbolic meaning behind dreadlocks, it can be challenging to know who supports it and who is wearing dreadlocks because they believe dreadlocks are just a good look for them and that it’s just hair, like Justin Bieber for example, when he was criticized for his blond dreadlocks. Also, it is understandable why people of color would be offended by white people wearing dreadlocks due to the stereotype that people who wear dreadlocks are unhygienic.
On one side of the debate, there is the claim that dreadlocks are all about the style and the personality that they bring out of someone. On the other side of the debate, white people wearing dreadlocks can be seen as insensitive and appropriating. Then, in the middle, there is a stance where if a white person is to wear dreadlocks, they should at least know the history behind dreadlocks, and be understanding of both points of view. So the answer here is: it’s up to the people to decide.
Melissa

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