Are mixed-race people guilty of cultural appropriation no matter their choices of style in hair, clothing…anything?

According to Maisha Z. Johnson in her article “7 Reasons Why White People Should Not Wear Black Hairstyles” (July 28, 2015 here) white folks should not wear traditionally Black hairstyles, and she, in her own words, is riled up, and not only at Kylie Jenner.

As it stands, especially given the title of the article, this looks to be a purely black and white issue. But bear with me those millions of you that fit between these two supposed opposites, I will get back to the subject of the title in a moment. The author proceeds to pose, and answer, the questions that many of us may ask ourselves at this point, and it is worth the time to think about these questions and find your own answers:

1. “Why can’t we all just be equals and share our cultures?”
2. “What about when black women straighten their hair?”
3. “Why are you trying to limit freedom?”
4. “Where do you draw the line? Why are you trying to segregate people?”
5. “Are you saying I’m a bad person if I have one of these hairstyles?”
6. “What if my black friend says it’s OK?”
7. “I don’t support racism, so why is it a problem if I wear a traditionally black hairstyle?”

Question: Do you have opinions either way on the 7 questions posed by the author in this article? Join the discussion here in our forums.

Question: If Kylie Jenner wearing cornrows causes a cry of cultural appropriation, does a mixed-race person cause upset either way they go, or can they “appropriate” either way they feel? Join the discussion here in our forums.

Some may suggest that we are only talking about hair here. It’s not to the controversial levels of Swedish model Emma Hallberg or the blatant cultural appropriation of Rachel Dolezal that is getting the author “riled up”, but, whether you agree, disagree, or equally nod and shake your head at the views expressed, it begs the question that brought us here; where does this leave people of mixed race? Must you pick sides? Should you divide your style choices according to the percentages of your racial heritage. Are you right no matter what you do? Are you wrong no matter what you do?

Please feel free to post your thoughts and experiences on the matter in the forums here, or should you have a larger submission, send it to reachout@1mixedfamily.com for possible inclusion in our reader articles. All participation is welcome.