Girl, you look phenomenal! Are you sure you are allowed to wear such clothing?

Clothing plays a vital role in all of my cultures. In the Yoruba culture, for instance, men wear Agbada, while women wear Iro and Buba. I know you have seen these examples at weddings! Lol, the Yorubas like to make a statement when they attend such gatherings! Many clothing worn in Nigeria is made out of Ankara or lace. Fortunately for those that like to wear jumpsuits, maxi dresses, etc. you can get it custom made. Although the Yorubas love to celebrate their culture by wearing their traditional clothing on a daily basis and for many special occasions, they do not exclude the possibility of wearing non-traditional clothing. Does this same principle apply to those that live in Namibia?

In Namibia, the women in the North, where I am from wear the Ovambo traditional dresses, especially for weddings and yes, women and men have the option to wear non-traditional dresses or other attire if they wish to do so. Therefore, the principle applies to both Namibian women and men.

Side note: When I was younger, I was not too fond of the Ovambo traditional dresses. I think it was because I was unaware that I could dress it up to fit my style. Anyway…

Now that I mentioned some clothing terms that are both worn in Namibia and Nigeria, it is time to discuss cultural appropriation in regards to clothing and how it differs from cultural appreciation.

On this blog, I do not encourage ignorance. It is one of my pet peeves.

We, the human race, have a duty to learn more about other cultures. There are over 5 billion people in this world, and I am certain you are not that ethnocentric? I hope not. Cultural appropriation is when you take an object, idea, etc. from another man’s culture simply because you believe you are entitled to do so. Cultural appreciation, however, is when you pay respect or homage to that culture not because the hairstyle looks good on Instagram and goes with your color scheme. But because you found the other man’s culture fascinating and rich with importance. The culture is so undervalued that you felt a sense of duty to share with others.

Cultural appreciation is you simply praising and thanking the other man’s culture for your enrichment in knowledge.

I view this topic as something that needs more discussion especially when famous individuals take, post these pictures on social media. Somehow, a practice in one culture for several decades suddenly becomes impressive only because a celebrity wore it. And not because of the richness in the culture that they got it from.

Now, when it comes to “oh, she can’t wear or do that because she is not black or she is not from Nigeria, etc.,” something needs to be said. I don’t appreciate it when people take things. I certainly don’t appreciate it when the alarming issue of more black individuals in prison due to wrongful deliberation is discussed and suddenly the takers are nowhere to be found since it is suddenly not their business☕️☕️. If you are going to take, at least have the decency to smile and actively engage with other cultures and people.

Also, while we are discussing the topic of taking, I want it to be known that wearing braids and buying hair bonnets to secure the moisture and protect one’s hair plays an important role in the African- American communities.

Protecting one’s natural hair should not be deemed hideous or unprofessional. Braids signify an appealing hairstyle. Let us not forget that braiding patterns were a form of communication during slavery.

One more thing, I believe non-black people (Caucasian or people of color) can wear braids. But ask yourself some of these questions:

1.) Does it look nice on me?

2.) Do I appreciate black people?

3.) Do I treat them with respect?

4.) Do I give them the credit they deserve?

If you have to think about your answers, it is time you start asking yourself.

I don’t believe we should live in a world of isolation, where there are no instances for us to exchange cultures. However, an individual must show a level of understanding and respect for another individual’s culture.

MAIN Message: Before you take, you must know the significance of what you are taking. And for goodness sake, wear the item correctly ☕️ ☕️. Ask yourself, why is it so significant to this culture? Am I hoping to uplift this culture?

Is it not appalling that some still considered the traditional Nigerian, Namibian, etc. clothing or natural, kinky hair as unprofessional? They deeply frown upon it, but still, find it admirable and worthy of a heart when the takers who happen to not respect or appreciate other people from other cultures wear traditional clothing or rock kinky hair on social media.

Imagine taking and not respecting and acknowledging the people who have ancestral ties to that culture?

Nigeria, Namibia, and other countries in Africa (it is a continent, not a country) deserve a seat at the table. Not because it is convenient, but because whhhyyyyy not? Genius people are in Africa.

I do believe cultural appropriation exists.

Many admire the beauty of the headdress. But want to disregard the mannerism, principles, and the importance of Native Americans, for instance. The same ideology applies to the Ovambos in Namibia. When you conduct proper research as to how life was for the Ovambo people before colonization and how the people had to adjust to the new laws shortly after, then we can discuss further.

During the days of slavery, the master will tell the slave to behave in a specific manner. If the slave failed to comply, there were severe consequences, such as beatings. Is it because there are no severe consequences of cultural appropriation that people believe it is okay to steal or do something worse like maximize profit from the customs of minorities?

This topic can be hard to digest. But it certainly should not be overlooked. One way to help you process such a lengthy discussion is by eating a balanced diet. Fortunately, my other blog post was about how you can save money while buying some great F-O-O-D using UNiDAYS! Make sure to check it out!

P.S. The song associated with this post is African Queen by 2Face.