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?

Basically this

I don't think that is cultural appropriation at all. I do think that it a very strange print for clothing, and for that reason people are highly likely to look over, take a second gland etc. so it depends how you feel about getting some odd looks. I wouldn't wear them, but if you like them that's fine.

Cultural appropriation is definitely a "thing". The problem is that people who either genuinely or disingenuously misunderstand the concept muddy the waters.

It’s interesting, seeing them I felt a little uncomfortable but I absolutely cannot pinpoint why. I am currently wearing a shirt with a brown woman on it (I am brown myself though) and I don’t see why you shouldn’t. It’s not cultural appropriation, that’s for sure, (cultural appropriation is an entire thing entirely). So my conclusion is that I am unreasonable for feeling uncomfortable for reasons I can’t pintpoint, and that you are completely fine and should just carry on and wear them.

Yes you can. Stay off Reddit

That’s interesting. I didn’t think it was cultural appropriation, but I wouldn’t have been comfortable as a white person wearing this. Hard to put into words why.

@CurlewKate
Did you know you can't say Happy Christmas any more?

Yes you can. Stay off Reddit"

🤣 No you can't. I read it in the Daily Mail. And my hairdresser's dog groomer's sister lost her job because she ate an Easter egg in the office.

@Specialguardianshiporderchild "The other black women I know would love to see a white woman wearing this."

I can see why they wouldn't mind or not care or not notice -but why would they actively love to see a white woman wearing it?

Wear whatever you like, fashion your hair however you like, pump your lips however you like, pump your bum however you like. It's YOUR life and nobody has the right to tell you how to live it ! Wear your jumpsuit with pride. 😍😍😍

I am also curious about this.

Like I have said instinctively, my reaction would be a mixed emotion. I wouldn’t react negatively at all to those pants but I absolutely would never feel excited about seeing them specifically on a white person. Like, at best it would a non-event, at worst I would be curious as I find them an interesting choice, but I feel like it would be strange to be excited that someone has drawings of black people on their pants, my assumption of the OP would be a positive one though, that she likely isn’t racist and does embrace other cultures.

But I don’t even see it as cultural appreciation as there is nothing cultural about those pants. Those aren’t garments from a specific cultural background. They are just pants with random black people on them, so, nice to see a more inclusive pattern but nothing to jump about either, I would say?

Agree!

This. I’m black too and it would make me happy to see a white person wearing this. Actually I would love to see more people doing this.

The print is by Asaph Lucas who is black.
They're cute I like them. Not what I would consider to be cultural appropriation at all.
https://lucyandyak.com/pages/bqtgcollection

I'm Scottish - do I shout Cultural Appropriation every time I see someone wearing tartan?

I don't think it can be seen as cultural appropriation as that's the wrong word here. However I do think it could be asking for trouble wearing it as a white woman if someone (of any colour) felt that the drawings are in some way stereotypical/mocking/not ideal etc.

I had a t shirt from ASOS that said “miso fancy” and it was cute graphic of a bowl of happy noodles. It was so cute I loved it. I wore it out shopping one day and I was told twice that it was cultural appropriation etc

I have never worn it since. I bought a jumper just to cover it up I was so ashamed.

Tread carefully OP - your DH may be correct in his thinking. I certainly wouldn’t after my experiences.

Your husband doesnt know what cultural appropriation is.

Those trousers are fab!

I would rather own my mistake and cover it up than upset or offend anyone. I was gutted knowing I had offended someone!

I don't think "cultural appropriation" is quite the right term OP, but I know what you mean. At the beginning of Covid I ordered two cotton face masks in random patterns, and one was of black women dancing on a cream background. Not unattractive, but I didn't use that one - I honestly wasn't sure if anyone would take it the wrong way.

I’d not say it was cultural appropriation but I did think they were pyjamas and was surprised when you wrote you’d wear them outside.

If we all stick to things that ‘look like us’, things we’ve always done, then surely we’ll end up in silos of division? We try to encourage diversity, not exclude things which are diverse, surely?

Wouldn’t sticking to what we already have/look like etc just finalise and accentuate division instead of diversity? Surely we need to normalise diversity?

No, but it's nightwear appropriation.

It would be inappropriate for anyone to wear this but it's not "cultural appropriation" because nobody of any culture would wear it.

The way some people live their lives in fear... It's just sad. Wear what you want!

It's not cultural appropriation, but I don't think it's OK.

What did you like about it? Would the same print with white faces have appealed? .