Taking our style

It’s no secret that black and brown women are often criticized for their fashion and beauty choices. From wearing hoop earrings to sporting braids, we are constantly told that our style is “ghetto” or “unprofessional.” But when a white girl does the same thing, it’s suddenly “fashionable” or “trendy.” It’s frustrating and exhausting to see our cultural creations be appropriated and celebrated on others while we are ridiculed for it.

Let’s take hoop earrings, for example. Hoops have been a staple in black and brown culture for decades. They are a symbol of our strength and resilience, and they have been worn by women of color as a way to express their identity and heritage. But when a white girl wears them, she is seen as fashion-forward and trendy. It’s almost as if the hoops are only acceptable when they are worn by someone who is not black or brown.

The same goes for braids. Braids have been a part of black and brown culture for centuries. They are a protective style that not only looks beautiful but also helps to maintain the health of our hair. But when a white girl wears braids, she is praised for being “edgy” and “cool.” It’s as if our culture is only acceptable when it’s on a white body.

And let’s not forget about the obsession with “real” butts. Black and brown women have been ridiculed and shamed for their curves for decades. We have been told that our bodies are “too much” or “not attractive.” But now, thanks to celebrities like Kim Kardashian, having a big butt is suddenly fashionable. It’s frustrating to see our bodies be fetishized on others while we are still being shamed for them.

In conclusion, it’s time to recognize the cultural contributions of black and brown women. Our fashion and beauty choices are not “ghetto” or “unprofessional.” They are a reflection of our identity and heritage. It’s time to stop appropriating our culture and start celebrating it.