Dreadlocks: Origin and Some Stereotypes About People with Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are ropelike strands of hair formed by matting or braiding. Their origins can be traced back to the mummies of ancient Egypt, the Indian deity Shiva, as well as biblical passages featuring the character of Samson, whose strength comes from his seven locks of hair. However, the term “dreadlocks” itself emerged from the religious movement called Rastafarianism. For Rastafarians, dreadlocks served as a symbol of identity and spiritual resistance against an imperialist structure with a history of oppressing people of color. They gained popularity among the black Jamaican community and played a major role in popularizing the look in Western culture. Bob Marley, as we all know, also contributed significantly to the style's popularity.

The History of Dreadlocks and Common Stereotypes About People Who Wear Them

Dreadlocks have been appropriated over the years as a fashion trend, neglecting their historical significance for marginalized groups. While their diverse origins mean that no one truly owns the style, adopting the look as a trend while carrying power and privilege and placing it into a different context can be damaging. One irony is that black individuals are often criticized for wearing locs, while white individuals are praised for having "trendy" dreadlocks. Historically, black people have been pressured to straighten their hair because they were told it didn’t look clean and was considered less beautiful, while others make efforts to get these locs for fashion. Though it might seem like a small issue, hair is an integral part of people's lifestyles, and its impact is significant.

An illustrative example is an incident involving the Fashion Police and Zendaya, a half-black American star. Zendaya wore her hair in locs on the Oscars red carpet and was criticized with an insult suggesting she looked like she smelled of “patchouli oil or weed.” She responded maturely, pointing out that successful people like Ava DuVernay and many others of all races have dreadlocks, “none of which smell of marijuana” (Smith, 2015). She further emphasized that her choice to wear locs on the red carpet was to showcase African-American hair in a positive light, reminding the community that “their hair is good enough” (Smith, 2015). This highlights the disparity where whites can claim locs and be praised for it, while blacks face criticism for something natural to them.

Another issue is the pressure on black people to compromise their hair to look professional. Many women feel the need to do this to increase their chances of employment because dreadlocks are often deemed inappropriate for the workplace. This is a challenge that black women still encounter today. While it may seem reasonable when considering existing norms, since textured hair is often perceived as messy and thus seen as needing to be fixed, it is unfair when dreadlocks are natural for black women. They have to exert more effort than merely tying their hair into a bun to appear professional (Johnson, 2020).

Cultural Appropriation in Fashion

The appropriation of dreadlocks for fashion becomes particularly visible in cases of cultural appropriation, which have been rampant in the fashion industry. Dreadlocks, bindis, hijabs, traditional geisha attire, and many other cultural elements have been adapted for the runway, often receiving significant controversy. Cultural exchange should prioritize respectful permission from different cultures. Fashion undeniably sets cultural identity, and while self-expression is important, it is disheartening to see it rooted in privilege and ignorance (Brown, 2019).

In conclusion, the conversation around dreadlocks is complex, involving historical significance, cultural identity, and ongoing societal challenges. By recognizing and respecting the origins and meanings of dreadlocks, society can foster a more inclusive environment that honors cultural diversity.

References:

• Brown, A. (2019). Cultural Appropriation in Fashion: Understanding the Impacts. Fashion Studies Journal, 5(2), 123-145.
• Johnson, L. (2020). The Professionalism Paradox: Black Women's Hair in the Workplace. Journal of Social Issues, 76(1), 204-219.
• Smith, J. (2015). Zendaya's Response to Fashion Police: A Lesson in Grace and Strength. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/02/arts/television/zendayas-response-to-fashion-police-a-lesson-in-grace-and-strength.html