Twitter Blasts ‘Elle Canada’ For Attempting Appropriating The Dashiki

Photo: Twitter 

Another day, another appropriation.

It seems that certain individuals have ran out of ideas, so they are only left with biting the true originators: black people. The above tweet that you see comes from Elle Canada and it is understandable that given its location that they might be late when it comes to what’s cool in couture.

It’s Canada, you know. A land where hockey reigns supreme and the coolest person from there is a guy who swoons over hip hop beats. So, with that in mind, it is understandable that the publication would attempt a feat as insulting as this. Yet, what continues to baffle my mind and black people around the world is why is ripping off black culture so acceptable nowadays?

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Elle already deleted the tweet that put forth the idea that the dashiki is “the newest it-item of note.” However, the piece, which is titled “Is the dashiki the new kaftan?” Let’s be clear, the traditional African garment has historical context for at least one full century within the Americas. From shows such as Good Times to Coming To America to the Native Tongue movement in Hip-Hop to singer Jhené Aiko — the dashiki has deep roots to black culture.

Which is why it is insulting to see such a venerable publication like Elle remarking that it is “new” or even worst, writing, “When SJP [Sarah Jessica Parker] starts rocking it [the dashiki] you know it’s hot!” So, what you’re saying is that when the white Sex and the City star wears it is fashionably stunning and worth chronicling, but when Beyonce wore it a few years back Elle (and others) wanted to be quiet.

Well, thanks to the wonders of the Internet, ripping off black culture no longer goes unnoticed. People across social media are expressing their displeasure about the Elle piece and position by slandering the publication online and on the website’s comments section. When you add up all the police killings of unarmed black people, the blatant support of racist merits (like Dylann Roof and George Zimmerman), the cultural appropriation of black style, and putting black face on white models during fashion week — and you have the makings of some very problematic situations.

For those who don’t know, the dashiki is a traditional garment that originated in West Africa. It isn’t something that shouldn’t be considered “in” or “out” of style. Sure, those aforementioned stars like Beyonce and SJP were photographed wearing the same type, but those in this game have to be smart enough to come up with a better way to describe apparel that has a deep rooted history. Sadly, it doesn’t seem like those with editorial voices are going to do the extra due diligence to ensure no further disrespect will happen.

Needless to say, readers and those of African descent were not happy with Elle‘s phrasing and took to Twitter to speak about it. We have some of those fiery tweets for you to see on the following pages below.

[via Elle]

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