Thanks for your clarification, and your thoughts on cultural appropriation. I see your point on the issues that people of color sometimes have when it comes to wearing certain styles especially i.e. locs, and braids at work, or in a formal setting. I agree that the wearing of such styles have also been seen as unprofessional by some corporate types, usually people of non color. Some of these people may believe that these styles are dirty, or unattractive. I have heard of many instances where black people were subtly, or not so subtly told that the wearing of these styles could have an adverse effect on how they are seen in the workplace, possibly effecting promotions, or even being hired. This also brings to mind the young man who was told that he had to cut his locs on the spot ,or forfeit his match at a high school wrestling tournament.(abhorrent, and ridiculous)The acts that were perpetrated on these individuals were to convey dominance, and power, not because of cultural appropriation.

I don’t agree that black women wear wigs , or weaves because of poverty, or because they fear being criminalized. Black women of all statuses, and income levels wear these hair styles. I am old enough to remember when wearing a weave was seen as being a deceptive practice about the length of ones hair. Alexander O'Neal had a song out about it in the eighties called “Fake.” “Your hair was long, but now it’s short, you said, I got it cut ,but I don’t see no hair on the floor.” Today black women wear these styles often because of convenience, and style/fashion(wanting to have options for their looks). Most of us are no longer trying to “fool” anyone into thinking that we have grown a super long mane overnight. That in itself is progress. We are no longer concerned about what others feel about this hair accessory.

I stand in solidarity with any person of color who is being harassed because they choose to assert their right to look the way that makes them feel confident, and self- assured. I also stand behind my thoughts that cultural appropriation is when someone, or many decide to take any vestige of another persons culture, and deem it theirs because it seems fitting to them at the time. More power to people of non color who want to wear locs, braids, etc. It does not hurt my feelings, or offend me in the least bit. If they can get their hair texture to rock that style, go for it.

I also feel that in the scheme of things with all that we need to fight for, all that we need to bring to the attention of the powers that be, and all that we have sacrificed in the past, a hairstyle, while it may bring us pride, is not the hill I choose to die on.