PC and dreadies

[bangg trimm]

open ended debate topic



my friend abby, a caucasian, was shot down a few times by people (also caucasian) in her spanish class for having dread locks. "why did you choose to do your hair like that? do you know that some people would consider that a racist act?"

subtopics:

1. are white girl dread locks racist?
2. what is a working definition of racist?
3. is the appropriation of a style necessarily racist, or do other power issues also have to be at play?

although i understand something of the issues surrounding cultural appropriation, it seems a dangerously stifled existence if everyone who does something one way continues to do something in that way forever, never learning anything from anyone else or trying out the ideas which others have developed. it's the basic mode of learning.

and back to my friend abby, i might think it more of a cultural appropriation issue if she was trying to take the whole of whichever culture she is apparently robbing and DO something with that like, um, make money or claim it as her original invention--or if the fact that her hair is in clumps had any real material effect on anyone else in this universe. i suppose most women shouldn't use eyeliner, as it might be a racist move towards the descendents of ancient egypt.

4. at what point is PC ridiculous, prohibitive and prohibitionary? at what point is PC life-affirming and protective of those oppressed and under-represented?

[007]

rac·ism n.
1. The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
2. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.


1. are white girl dread locks racist?
2. what is a working definition of racist?
3. is the appropriation of a style necessarily racist, or do other power issues also have to be at play?

although i understand something of the issues surrounding cultural appropriation, it seems a dangerously stifled existence if everyone who does something one way continues to do something in that way forever, never learning anything from anyone else or trying out the ideas which others have developed. it's the basic mode of learning.

4. at what point is PC ridiculous, prohibitive and prohibitionary? at what point is PC life-affirming and protective of those oppressed and under-represented?

Although I am not a fan of white people dread locks, I don't think it is a symbol of racism for a white person to have them. According to the definition posted above, in order for this to be a racist act, your friend needs to display some sort of bias. "A particular race is superior to others"--Maybe the people that shot her down thought that she believes blacks are superior to whites because of her emulation of their appearance.

I whole-heartedly agree with your quote "stifled existence". Don't white people always copy black people (blues or rap music, fashion, slang, etc.)? Where would we be if people couldn't learn from others?

I am going to revert back to wearing fig leaves myself just to prove a point.

[withoutcanseco]

when i look at dreadlocks, i think "wow, i bet that person hasn't washed their hair in like 6 months. yuck." is that racist?

[matty]

If a black person came up to your friend and started wailing on her for having dreads, then we'd have a problem. But generally, one shouldn't pay any attention to yuppity PC white people. In fact, don't pay attention to white people anyway. What are they good for? Minivans, "Baby On Board" bumper stickers, vampire erotica. BORING.

Then again, one who has dreads is breaking away from society. If you have dreads, you WANT people to look at you. You want everyone to know that you don't wash your hair for one bullshit reason or another. White folks with dreads is just another one of those cultural crossovers that doesn't translate well, and it inspires indifference in blacks and obstinant PC-ism in whites. It's like watching French white guys rap. It's like watching old Whitney Houston videos. It's like watching straight people accessorize. Indifference, or obstinance.

So I guess I mean to say: Go ahead, have dreads. Nobody who matters is going to say anything, and even if they did, you brought it on yourself so don't get all bent out of shape over it.

[professor booty]

Not all black people have dreads, but Rastafarians I believe put great emphasis on the the difference between the rasta (dread, natty dreadlock) and the non rasta oppressors (dem crazy baldheads). Their dreaded hair is an expression of faith in African unity and/or the rebellious pothead tradition of being lazy with the hygiene.

So it is possible that a Rasta might take offense to dreadlock poseur, and wonder what the crazy baldhead is doing with hair that is a religious/racial/cultural symbol to them. It could possibly be compared to people getting Maori style tatoos, the significance of which they do not understand, but they think it makes themselves look pretty fuckin' cool.

The funniest thing is to see yellow people with dreads get their heads burned in vats of acid.

:acid:

[Soul Queen]

I don't believe dread locks are racist. It seems that maybe that individual may not understand what the definition of racism is.

Style is just a way of expressing your view of yourself within your habitat. My own observations: It seems that all areas of the United States has a different set of style. The individuals that live in certain areas expect people to dress a certain way.

For instance, when I first moved to Miami I noticed that everyone dresses in Crazy, Bright Colors, lots of skin, lots of flash. I think its great. Its very different than the earthtones that midwesterners wear all the time. Bigger cities have more flash. Smaller towns everyone dresses conservatively. It could be a since of being seen and wanting to be seen. In the country it doesn't matter if someone sees you in your ratty jeans and smudged shirt.

It could be this individual doesn't feel comfortable enough with other cultures and doesn't think others should either. Maybe she felt that your friend didn't embrace her own culture enough.

I think a degree of PC is needed. Just because there are lots of pockets of America where black, hispanic, or other people wouldn't be able to freely express themselves. I'm sure there are places where they still can't with comfort.

It like all things, PC can always go too far. Maybe it goes too far if the culture feels like they being ripped off. But who can speak for a culture as a whole? Or is it PC at that point? Hmmmmm

On a side note I went to a Caribean festival this last weekend. Lots of dreads everywhere. It was cool! Fantastic Parade!

Also Fig leaves are not my style

[matty]

Fig leaves are my style! You go, 007. Ruff.

[007]

Fig leaves are my style! You go, 007. Ruff.

Thanks. Boo-Yah!

[matty]

I'm wearing a fig leaf right now. It makes my wang itchy.

[bangg trimm]

mmm.. itchy wang.


wait.. does this still qualify as "politics"?

:headbang:

yes, indeedy.

[larryhead]

My next band will be called The Itchy Wangs. Thanks Matty! :p