I want to be team Kylie Jenner. I really do. But her decision to continue practicing cultural appropriation has me all kinds of fed up. The reality star recently hit up NYFW this week wearing a du-rag. Yes, a du-rag. Not only did she get away with it, but she was also praised for her edgy and hip look. Here's my problem with this.
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This is far from the first time Jenner has practiced cultural appropriation. This has practically become her thing. When she's not rocking cornrows, bantu knots, or acrylic nails, she's sporting outfits, that if worn by a black woman, would be considered urban or even ghetto.
Jenner isn't the only one in her family guilty of this either. Her sisters Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian are also constantly committing cultural appropriation. But here's the issue I–and a lot of other people–have with it: They 1,000 percent benefit from it without ever acknowledging the inspiration or origins of these styles.
Let me break it down for you. Jenner has made millions from her new Lip Kit, which was inspired by her full lips, which she later admitted were achieved with injections. The first Lip Kits sold out on her site in seconds. Every time Kim does a photo shoot or takes a belfie exposing her bare butt, the internet goes crazy. But women of color are hardly ever praised for their naturally fuller features.
Bantu knots, cornrows, and du-rags are hairstyles and accessories used mainly by black men and women. They are used to marginalize the black community. If a black woman or man walks into a room rocking a du-rag, they will most likely be viewed as ghetto, uneducated, or even unkept. But if Kylie Jenner walks into a room wearing a du-rag, it's suddenly viewed as cool, edgy, even badass.
That is called white privilege. And someone as privileged as Jenner, should at least acknowledge that and she doesn't.
It's an issue that's so much bigger than a mere fashion choice. And until she finally starts taking ownership and responsibility for practicing cultural appropriation, I (and the rest of the world) will continue to give her crap for it. End of story.
Image via Splash
