Is Wearing a Durag Cultural Appropriation? Exploring the Debate

Introduction

Cultural appropriation is defined as “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, without showing that you understand or respect this culture” (Dictionary.com, 2020). In recent years, debates around cultural appropriation have become increasingly prominent, particularly when it comes to fashion. This article will explore the debate over whether wearing a durag constitutes cultural appropriation.

Examining the Debate Over Wearing a Durag: Is it Cultural Appropriation?

The debate over whether or not wearing a durag amounts to cultural appropriation can be broken down into two opposing arguments. On one side, some argue that wearing a durag is not cultural appropriation because it is simply a fashion statement. As one person argued, “Wearing a durag is no different than wearing a pair of jeans or a bomber jacket. People wear what they like and that doesn’t make them appropriative” (Oprah Magazine, 2019).

On the other side, many argue that wearing a durag does constitute cultural appropriation because it is a cultural item that has deep roots in African American culture and has been appropriated by those from outside of this culture. As author and activist Feminista Jones commented, “Durags are a part of Black culture and have been for generations. To take something out of context and use it for fashion with no understanding or appreciation of its origin is a form of cultural appropriation” (Teen Vogue, 2017).

A critique of cultural appropriation in the context of wearing a durag is that it denies the history and significance of the item to the culture from which it originated. As Jones noted, “When people appropriate items of clothing that have special meaning to marginalized groups, it erases the significance and importance of these items” (Teen Vogue, 2017).

Exploring the History of the Durag & Its Connection to Cultural Appropriation

In order to better understand why some people view wearing a durag as cultural appropriation, it is important to examine the history of the item. According to The New York Times, the durag was first popularized in the 1940s by jazz musicians such as Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk (New York Times, 2020). In the 1970s, the durag became more widely seen as a fashion statement, particularly amongst African Americans. It was often worn as a way to maintain hairstyles such as waves and braids, as well as to project an air of confidence and coolness.

Given the history of the durag and its connection to African American culture, it can be argued that wearing a durag without acknowledging or respecting its origins constitutes cultural appropriation. According to The Guardian, cultural appropriation is “often motivated by a desire to appear edgy or trendsetting and rarely involves a meaningful engagement with the cultures being appropriated” (The Guardian, 2017). Therefore, when someone wears a durag without recognizing the significance of it to African American culture, they are engaging in cultural appropriation.

What Does Wearing a Durag Say About Cultural Appropriation?

In addition to exploring the history of the durag, it is also important to examine the meaning behind wearing it. As mentioned previously, for many African Americans, wearing a durag is a way to express confidence and coolness. As one person stated, “The durag is an expression of pride and identity for many young Black men. It’s a symbol of strength, resilience and self-love” (Oprah Magazine, 2019). Therefore, when someone wears a durag without acknowledging or respecting its cultural significance, they are not only engaging in cultural appropriation, but they are also denying the meaning behind the item.

Another aspect of this debate is the role of power dynamics in cultural appropriation. As The Guardian noted, cultural appropriation is often driven by the desire to appear trendsetting or edgy, and it is typically done by people in positions of power who are taking elements from cultures that are less powerful than their own (The Guardian, 2017). Therefore, when someone from a dominant culture wears a durag without recognition of its significance to African American culture, they are perpetuating power dynamics that privilege their own culture over others.

Conclusion

This article explored the debate over whether wearing a durag constitutes cultural appropriation. It examined both sides of the argument, its history and how power dynamics play a role in the discussion. Through examining the history of the durag and its meaning to African American culture, it is clear that wearing a durag without acknowledgement or respect for its origins is indeed cultural appropriation. Therefore, when considering wearing a durag, it is important to recognize and respect its significance to African American culture.

In summary, wearing a durag without acknowledgement or respect for its origins is a form of cultural appropriation. This act denies the history and significance of the item to the culture from which it originated, and it perpetuates power dynamics that privilege one culture over another. Therefore, when considering wearing a durag, it is important to recognize and respect its significance to African American culture.