To think this isn't cultural appropriation?

[JennyBeans141]

It's the print on a jumpsuit I have bought, and love.

To be honest I didn't even register the fact that the illustrations are of black women, but so what if they are?

My OH is of the opinion that I'll raise eyebrows wearing these out and about, given that I'm a white person. We live in a multi cultural area where there are a lot of black people. He thinks somebody might accuse me of "cultural appropriation", particularly our neighbour who we don't get along well with and always seems to be looking for a reason to have a row.

So what do you think? Are they inappropriate or is it a total non event?

I wouldn't wear anything with stereotyped images of black people on it. It's not cultural appropriation because that's not what the term means. But it is insensitive, IMHO.

What about the images seems stereotyped to you? That’s a genuine question, because to me They’re just black faces.

I wouldn't risk wearing it as people look for any excuse these days to get outraged. You are leaving yourself open to abuse.

When I worked for English Heritage the number of women who'd stride up to me and demand if 'this had anything to do with slavery?' Even more bizarre, was the fact that they were mostly white women (and a couple of men). The irony of how they wouldn't hold back to let you know just how disgusted they were, make you feel like a criminal (sorry, but I wasn't around in Georgian times) and then demand that (a) appropriate signage be put up, (b) the site be immediately closed down (c) everything sold off and the money given to 'Africa' - all, so you were made very much aware of how virtuous and socially conscious they were. Of course, ten, even five years ago, nobody would have given a toss because they hadn't read about it in The Guardian...

It's a fun fabric design, but it's just not worth the hassle.

@TheOriginalEmu "What about the images seems stereotyped to you? That’s a genuine question, because to me They’re just black faces"
Thick lips. Fuzzy hair. Broad nose.

I totally agree. From time immemorial cultures have learned from each other and copied things, adapting them in a sort of cross-fertilisation which has produced fantastic new ideas, art, music, architecture etc etc. It's absolutely bonkers to claim this is insulting in some way - quite the opposite. You're right - it's just virtue-signalling by people thinking that the more offended they are, and the more things they find offensive, somehow the better they are - crazy.

Someone I knew went to the Chinese New Year celebrations in London and the people behind them were tutting disapprovingly because they'd spotted that some of the performers (in the lion/snake thing) were not ethnically Chinese in appearance. They used the term 'cultural appropriation'. Horrors!!!!

@CoffeeCantata
Someone I knew went to the Chinese New Year celebrations in London and the people behind them were tutting disapprovingly because they'd spotted that some of the performers"

Sure they were.

Super cute I love them!

Oh God - this is SO depressing. These people just love stirring up inter-racial and inter-cultural dispute - it makes them feel good. Don't they realise all cutures (in varying degrees) borrow/steal/appropriate all kinds of things from others?

Actually the few people I've met of that type are shockingly ignorant, often, of both history and culture. As you say, they've usually just read an article in The Guardian and got into a froth about it.

I would think it's more offensive to think you are forever banned from enjoying anything 'black' if you are white and vice versa.

Are they not pyjamas?

*misses point.

I think you're fine. Faces on dungarees isn't a culture. They're really ugly though.

Did you know you can't say Happy Christmas any more?

Cultural appropriation is taking something unique to a culture and using it in a disrespectful way.

I doubt these trousers are historically sacred to any specific race.

That is their problem

Lucy and Yak Ebay outlet 🙂 Last time I checked there's still some size 12's, they aren't on the official website anymore I think they may be limited edition.

@LakeTiticaca it is indeed their problem. That’s why I don’t understand how you can decide for them how they feel about it.

Nobody ever died from being offended.
Supposing someone came to the UK from Egypt or India etc, insert a country of your choice, are we allowed to tell them.they can't wear western clothes or have fish and chips or full English breakfast?
Would they be appropriating our culture?
Or does it only apply if your white English?

This reminds me a bit of when I was sending some joke postcards that had satirical/ jokey cartoons of famous people on them. I happened to choose one that had Obama on it to send to my mixed race cousin. My mum said she was worried it might 'look racist'? I said 'why, BC the person on the card is brown, or the recipient is brown, or both?!'
She couldn't really answer. Its like she felt a picture of a brown person was inherently racist?

It's unusual but I don't see what it has to do with cultural appropriation at all.

You think only white English people get accused of cultural appropriation?

Those are awful, that's what would raise my eyebrows!

It seems so, according to mumsnet 😆

Fuck me next you will be saying I can listen to little Richard, Chuck berry, the penguins, the drifters, Lloyd price, frankly lymond and the teenagers...or have their pictures in my teenage wall. Chubby checker...your next...I'll never twist again

I second that!

It’s not cultural appropriation but that is one of the weirdest prints on an item of clothing I’ve ever seen.