Kim Kardashian slammed for crediting white actress with braids
Kim Kardashian is often recognized for her fashion, but this week she was criticized for crediting a white woman for her latest look that features her in braids.
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Earlier this week, the entrepreneur took to Snapchat to debut her new hairdo - blonde cornrows with beads on the end. In the video, she said, “So guys I got Bo Derek braids, and I’m really into it.” Bo Derek is a white actress, who famously sported the look in the 1979 flick “10.”
While she saluted the 1970's star for popularizing the look, declaring herself "Bo West," the braids Kardashian are wearing are a traditionally black hairstyle that originated in Africa. It's specifically called Fulani and is inspired by the Fulani tribe of East and West Africa.
Black Twitter was quick to correct the 37-year-old, accusing her of cultural appropriation.
Black people lose their jobs, lose privileges like going to prom and being on sports teams for wearing braids, which is actually a protective style for their hair type. White people do it cause it’s cool and trendy and they never receive the same backlash
— kyra (@kyranicole98) January 29, 2018
Bo Derek did not come up with these braids. The problem is you guys don’t like to give credit where it’s due . Give the Fulani Tribe their credit , they’ve been wearing this style before Bo Derek was even born . You not gone keep taking whatever you want from us and think it’s ok pic.twitter.com/TuU4xfkM8P
— ✨Tatyana✨ (@PrincessTaaaty) January 30, 2018
Kim ....these braids did not start and end with Bo Derek ....they originated from African culture pic.twitter.com/RQY8RTH6fX
— Melanie321 (@Mellie4Justice) January 29, 2018
They are called Fulani braids or some may even say corn rows. You could of called them either one but you called them "Bo derek" giving credit to a white woman for a black style knowing you already catch heat for culture vulturing. #KimKardashian #culturalvul pic.twitter.com/aIF4NzJ9rw
— Roses🌷 (@Teenagenature) January 29, 2018
First of all @KimKardashian it’s Fulani braids not Bo Derek. Wayyy before her. Do your research for once before engaging in the culture. But anything for publicity right? Ugh.
— I Am Keisha Monique (@IMKeishaMonique) January 29, 2018
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Others were not offended. Several saw no problem with her hairstyle and thought there were bigger issues to discuss.
Kim Kardashian literally gives hundred of millions to charity, makes sure to raise her half-black child to be proud of her black heritage, and all in all a good woman but as soon as she gets braids she turns into a culture vulture. Lol relax.
— samantha jones (@anybuhl) January 30, 2018
The difference betwn culture appropriation and culture appreciation is credit. No where in this post or even in her life has she claimed she invented braids. Kim isn’t racist, the “culture appropriation” chant is tired and needs to stop. Save it for when it’s actually needed.
— Drew ✨ (@drewhughees) January 29, 2018
If black women got told they can’t wear “white” hairstyles like straightening their hair, ponytails, etc people would scream racism. Because it is. The same way it’s racist to say white women can’t wear braids. There are plenty of real race issues, hair isn’t one. Don’t be petty.
— PoppyH (@LindsayVeselak) January 29, 2018
Amid the controversy, Kardashian seemed unconcerned. She posted a photo on Instagram with the caption, "Hi, can I get zero [expletive] please, thanks."
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About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
