Cultural Appropriation
In honor of Diwali just passing, it’s brought up a bunch of issues of cultural appropriation relating to Indian and Hindu culture. Many people have talked about how it’s problematic for people who are not of that culture to wear things from that culture. I just want to let you guys know that it’s important you people ask the people who ARE ACTUALLY PART OF THAT RACE.
To be honest, it makes me feel diminished and even more voiceless when those in a greater position of power are talking for people who don’t even have those opinions. I think that it’s really annoying that some people feel the need to take charge. I know they mean well by calling things like this cultural appropriation, but it makes me feel like I was brushed off. I’d just like to talk about a few Indian things: Henna
People think that this is enormously significant and some people even refrain from applying henna because of cultural appropriation. Henna is eucalyptus paste. It’s a wonderful way to do some nice temporary tattoos that will last for a few weeks. It’s not limited to just Indians. Traditionally, it’s just done at weddings. There’s a “henna party” for the bride and her female guests and they all get henna done. Women all around countries near India wear henna. My mom dyes her hair with henna. It’s a wonderful and fun thing and if you’re willing to experiment and try new cultural things, go for it. It’s a bunch of mashed up eucalyptus leaves than stains your skin, it’s not limited to one group of people.
Saris
Saris are actually a traditional piece of clothing. It’s associated with South Asian culture, usually Indian. Wearing a sari itself is not a problem, if it’s respectful to the culture. When it’s mockery, then wearing a sari would be disrespectful and racist. Same goes for other Indian garments and bindis.
-Isha/ hahafxck
