How People are Using Locs to Enter their ~BlackFishing Era~ : Cultural Appropriation

[@thelovelyz]

I remember seeing a tiktok of an Asian woman taking out her box braids because had a job interview. She knowingly associated braids with being unprofessional and unkempt. The fact that she can just take them out and revert back to her straight hair like our culture is a costume is insane.

[@mayowasworld]

That part!!! I wish I could see that video

[@priscilla8068]

There was also a white woman who did the same thing and told us she was confused because we were mad at her for having the hairstyle but now were mad at her for taking them out. She ignored all the comments that were telling her that no one's mad and that we're all just annoyed that she can just easily take the braids out of her hair when she wants to be taken seriously when we can't do the same. These people perpetuate these harmful stereotypes and then have the audacity to be surprised when they review backlash.

[@yveje9720]

I think the focus should be on making these hair styles acceptable for professional settings not gate keeping them. Anyone should be able to style their hair however. There are black women who feel the exact same way as that Asian woman, who would take out braids for an interview or something professional, so the issue isn’t whose wearing the braids per se but that they aren’t accepted. There is no reason why braids should be viewed as unprofessional. Getting mad at non black people for wearing braids does nothing to address that.

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

​@@yveje9720It draws attention to the issue.

[@cutesyjam]

​@yveje9720 there is the problem that non black people tend not to be criticised so harshly for wearing braids and locs. The fact that they can try on and take off when it's convenient is frankly insulting. Many bk women still have natural hairstyles and are persecuted for it. We're not the ones who are in power or can influence those in power by forcing it. It would help if non bk people stopped perpetuating stereotypes by using bk hairstyles to look "hood" and "gangster"

[@Teenytinymia]

I hated ballet growing up, because I had to go through the torture of the hot comb. I even tried to reason with my dance instructor and I asked if I could just have some neat braids pulled into a bun. She (a black woman with an all black dance school) always told me no. She would say its not a clean look. This woman could have changed the game and had an all black ballet school where she embraced our hair. She refused smh. She was conditioned that kinky hair had to be pressed or permed and slicked back to have decent recitals and shows. I never understood it. She didnt even have anyone to answer too. It was HER dance school.

[@donnabohanon1570]

Interesting! That definitely was the case when I took ballet but that was 50 years ago. I’m assuming your experience was much more recent and it makes me angry because it’s unreasonable.

[@757Princess]

😢 I hope the school has since changed its policy

[@andjelabozic2317]

Well, it is a standard for every ballet girl to put her hair in the same bun... I can see your point, but still... I don't think it's a big deal if you all have different buns, but since it's a standard it's kind of "it is what it is" type of situation.

[@MsOrganicBlack]

@@andjelabozic2317 You can have your hair in a bun without changing its texture. The texture change was the main point of her comment.

[@Intentionaltia]

10:10 😂😂

[@PrettyPrincess9609]

Meanwhile, I remember getting made fun of by white girls in highschool for wearing micro braids, cornrows, and box braids. I have even been denied jobs for wearing braids and faux locs and I had to take it out and slick my hair into a bun to get a job. I remember being ashamed of my Afro because how bad I was treated when I first went natural. I wouldn’t even wear my hair out in an Afro to my previous jobs. Now all of a sudden, it’s a “ trend” for non black people to get braids and locs.

[@ADysmalDyStOpiA]

Naw the facts that ""adults"" are out here revoking jobs because of a hairstyle LMAOO. An adult is just an overgrown corrupted kid

[@sunrise2148]

Tragic. True story: My daughters were in a dance troupe at an arts school. For a performance the instructor (Black woman - I use that term loosely) wanted "conformity" among the girls so she insisted they have their hair in a bun. Cool, an afro puff makes a perfect bun. When I suggested it, I was told it had to be a straight hair updo or they couldn't perform. I wish I would have insisted they sit it out.

[@michaeljohnson-ym8zp]

It isn’t a trend though. You can go a whole year never seeing non black with locs or Braids. And locs only became popular with black Americans within the past 10 years. Before that it was limited to Jamaicans and a few hip hoppers.

[@isa_virtual]

⁠@@michaeljohnson-ym8zpit's a trend, I bump into white people wearing braids and locs almost every week or so.

[@michaeljohnson-ym8zp]

@@isa_virtual a trend for some but not even most not even half not even a quarter not even 1/5 of people. Keep your blood pressure down and let it go. It’s giving Karen

[@itsgabbybtch5587]

The viking thing is a urban legend btw, us people of no colour never were out here looking like Bob Marley or Brandi with the box braids.

[@jsibley7163]

Not only was was it an urban legend it was also false. It was just a combination of not washing/brushing their hair with sweat, blood, and dirt. Matted up hair is different from locs look up a matted up sheep.

[@chayo4537]

And yet you're complacent and witness your people and a whole bunch of outsiders a.k.a NON-Black people talking sh*t and speaking hatred, perversions and ignorance into the universe about black people. You've probably participated

[@Coconutbabez]

@user-Mimi_622u ppl don’t have no damn Afros .. Afro is literally African, there is no such thing as “Rasta look” literally ignorant asf

[@selfproclaimedesper778]

us people of no color lmao dead

[@NekieGee]

People of no color??🤡🤡

[@Sunmoonandstars123]

Men's hair length is important to Indigenous folks too...my nephew has never cut his hair, he wears his almost waist-length braid proudly as a Native boy!

[@blackgirllovesart]

I think she’s mostly talking about texture not length.

[@wessicaswan1875]

@@blackgirllovesartyea

[@justme2272]

Well when you're not us nobody bothers you. Nobody discriminates against non bp.

[@ladybluelotus]

Good on him, Love! Native Pride is important.

[@musicismyhothotsex92]

No one discriminates against indigenous Americans? Come on

[@thelitlifeofericajean]

I just told a non- Black( nicely), that although every people group experienced woes - Blacks perpetually experience crap until this day and maybe forever-and many times it is covert versus overtly.

[@Greenlleaff]

I agree with this because i experience this and i’m not black, but people think i’m black. I’m tan and have 3c/4a hair texture, and i get treated very differently, i live in a small town and get followed in some stores i go in, honestly it’s just awful.

[@thelitlifeofericajean]

@@Greenlleaff oh wow! That’s truly messed up😞

[@Greenlleaff]

@@thelitlifeofericajean It’s really horrible how black people are treated, but unfortunately they will never admit to it!

[@kishahelena5312]

I don't understand the need to say, our woes are worse than some other culture's? Why can't it just be we all experience woes? I mean, to put it in perspective, no one in Ukraine are being bombed, killed, or are fighting in a war because they are Black. No one in Palestine is being bombed because they are Black. Hamas didn't murder, kidnap, and SA all those people in Israel because they were Black. I can 100% say (without knowing you) that your woes and my mine are nothing compared to what they are going throw now. Unless you actually know world history and have your finger on current events of the world and all cultures, blanket statement like yours make Black people look small-minded. We are not in a bubble. It's okay to recognize that other people and cultures have woes, it doesn't diminish our own.

[@thelitlifeofericajean]

@@kishahelena5312 I humbly think you missed the point. Now do ALL Blacks experience certain pain, racism etc? Absolutely not. I have not experienced racism directly, but people in my family have… even currently! Mayowa made excellent points in her video pointing out how Blacks are criminalized based on our features- same as in the 1600s and onward. We all deal with mental/ physical battles no matter our race, but Blacks are heavily targeted due to RACE.

[@hopejackson1806]

"Nothing will make you love your oppressors more than trying to look like them" - a WORD Mayowa!

[@MinaF99]

I’m not black so I’m gonna keep my opinions on the subject to myself, what I will comment on though is the Viking stuff, being Scandinavian. People using my ancestors as a shield is so beyond stupid because the vikings never wore their hair in locs. They wore braids, and braiding hair was a very important practice to their culture, but they never wore any hairstyle that is unique to black hair textures.

[@kittykat1853]

I glad someone finally brought that point up! It is true that there was various hairstyles that held meaning for the Vikings, it's wild that people assume any style they are drawn to will suffice. I mean looking at their hygiene practices should clue you in that most black hairstyles are not compatible with their lifestyles. Fantasy Vikings need to go away!😂 Edit: I realized I called them Vikings, but it should also be noted that Viking was a job title not an identifier so to speak so my bad for the misstep.

[@ladybluelotus]

Thank you for this. The Vikings had some truly unique hair styles. I think people are just too out of touch with their cultures and are misrepresenting cultures because they truly don't know anything that the tele didn't show them.

[@krh6239]

I was looking for this comment. Vikings didn't wear locs. They would regularly comb their hair, so locs were out. Best anyone can tell, this came from one guy saying Vikings had snakes for hair, and it ran from there.

[@thelitlifeofericajean]

Thank you for pointing this out.😀

[@royaltreasure5490]

Locs didn’t come from blacks either it came from the Hindus it was adopted by the Caribbean some of the Hindus migrated over there…

[@hopedash5372]

Also if it was just hair they wouldn't have had the tignon laws in the 18th century....

[@mayowasworld]

that part! and thank you for dropping that historical fact I had to go and look it up. very tru!

[@user-wi6cz4hh5b]

Do you think K-Pop groups need black people?

[@Justic3PourTous]

@@user-wi6cz4hh5bso they can get ptsd and experience micro aggressions non stop? Absolutely not. K pop is super anti black

[@Anonymous-dh4fl]

@@user-wi6cz4hh5b well the K-pop industry wouldn't exist without Black people, as The way k-pop got its push was by out-right copying black artist, everything from the 60's & 70's soul groups to the 90's and early 2000's R&B & hip hop groups. Black artist are the foundation of the whole k-pop industry, whether they want to admit it or not. and that also goes for at least 90 percent of popular genres today including country and rock (yes they where influenced, pioneered and even founded by black people)

[@hopedash5372]

@@user-wi6cz4hh5b Not anymore. They already stole everything they needed..

[@christalbailey6158]

I think you look lovely with your locs up. These other groups get to leave the “Black community” when it’s no longer convenient or “in”. As a dark-skinned Black woman with thick, short 4C hair, I can’t jump in and out of other groups.

[@thelitlifeofericajean]

Exactly! I think this part is largely ignored. Nonblacks will jump on here and make it seem like they are experiencing the EXACT same treatment.. and maybe to some degree they are, but they get to cosplay as us and when stuff really gets real, they can take it off and seamlessly weasel back into acceptance. We can’t do that. We are black with natural or styled hair and we’re black when we go to sleep and black when we wake up. No cosplaying… just all day black.

[@traumaqueeen]

They are obsessed with us.. but simultaneously hate us. Its not cute!!!

[@mayowasworld]

It’s not cute at allll

[@chavaliernsharps159]

OBSESSED! and even more so when we're validated in our own Blackness!

[@ChristinaMoralesMindfuqed]

Sounds like what jealousy is. People act like that when they are jealous of you.

[@michaeljohnson-ym8zp]

What I find interesting is no one came for the Wu Tang (Wudangquan ) Clan when they appropriated so much of ancient Chinese martial artistry and religious mysticism. They gave their group a Chinese name, they gave themselves Chinese names, they appropriated insignia borrowed from and Taoism tai chi. These weren’t hairstyle but religious beliefs. There’s way too much hypocrisy going on with this gate keeping business. When did Rastafarian locs become a battle ground forblack American women who have spent most of their history straightening their hair?

[@renejohn0409]

​@michaeljohnson-ym8zp Everything you described is a valid conversation and debate. However, there's a young boy in Texas who has been suspended for months because he has locs despite The Crown Act in Texas. There is no boy of Asian descent that would fight to keep their locs in or risk suspension, probably becuase it's a joke to them or a facade their trying to emulate of what they think looks cool or "hard".

[@Shannafai]

It's crazy because everytime when I go to Jamaica to visit Family, I always observe how the culture changed over the years. Jamaica gov is so weak and always bow to colonialism. N yes I'm Jamaican, but literally so sad how the government in Jamaica don't care about the Natives and preserving the culture for them.

[@Michelle-ol7io]

Sadly true dear

[@ashleighwilliams9765]

Preach !

[@t_ylr]

Nah if you have type 1 hair, faux locs should be illegal lmao. Grow then yourself 😂

[@mayowasworld]

jail time!

[@ADysmalDyStOpiA]

Lmaoo

[@sunrise2148]

Type 1...looks like anglocentrism/racism is being exposed with the hair type naming convention. Why can't we be Type 1? Aren't we the original?

[@reinelena9915]

Locs is actually a Southasian hairstyle.

[@maryjs4878]

😂😂

[@missantrafalgar782]

I'm Jamaican with locs (not Rastafari). when I heard about the child that couldn't wear her locs to school I was infuriated

[@priscilla8068]

Some people never take you seriously when you talk about these things but you never miss. I remember you questioning this thing of portraying racially ambiguous as the future of black people and the erasure of dark skin people in futuristic movies, adverts, etc and now everyone's talking about it on tiktok. The same thing will surely happen with this convo as well. People will see this as a non issue until it gets way too out of control.

[@thelitlifeofericajean]

I love the look! I appreciate that you are comfortable in your culture/ our culture! Although I absolutely love reading about Japanese culture and partake in Japan media.. plenty of material I own reflect my Black culture. I enjoy Japanese culture but never felt the need to change my hair , name etc. we have to be happy with who we are as Black people.

[@ashleighwilliams9765]

Exactly I love Japanese culture but never felt the need to change like they are so weird

[@CommeLePapillon]

It’s a humiliation ritual for them to make us remove our crowns. Yes, they take deep pleasure in watching it happen.

[@jasminer66788]

Do you know how many non-African Diasporans/Africans I see with locs and braids? They’re all over my campus and using our lingo. It’s quite scary actually.

[@jasminer66788]

Btw you look like a literal doll 😍

[@fbi1961]

why not worry about yourself?

[@idongesitx1873]

Africans brought braiding over to America. Once on the slave trips and and again in the ~90s as they were immigrating. If you want them to give the lingo ( of the country and community they were born into bc I’m pretty sure they are 1st/2nd/3rd gen and are far more American culturally than African) then please give up the African braids and stick to simple cornrows, if it’s truly that deep for you. This is just talk to divide a race of people (black) are already going through it. But if that is a tree you want to die on…

[@Sakaajani3625]

It feels like a lighter and subtler version of Black face or Black face without the ‘Black face’. Instead of (heavily) darkening their skins black back in the not so long ago old days, instead they now put on our hair styles and behave in the racial stereotypes they falsely and wrongly created of us and once they’re done or tired of the performance they take it off. It also feels sinister as it’s like they are preventing us from being able to fully embrace, celebrate and take full ownership of our culture. They’re basically saying we (white supremacy) can freely indulge and participate in your (Afro-peoples) culture with impunity, but if you people try to take it back well forever punish you for it. We’ll only allow you to wear your culture, if you fit or act in the racial stereotypes we assign you.

[@_thxxndo]

I remember this one time in high school when a teacher, made an Indian girl take her cornrows out. The girl asked why we were allowed to braid our hair like that and she wasn’t, the teacher responded with something along the line of “when you wear your hair like that, it then becomes a hairstyle”. It made sense to me because we were not allowed to wear wigs, weave or braids that included extensions on our hair.

[@copperredd]

Black ppls hair will always be political Because of the double standards in society

[@mizrelmizrel]

🎯

[@citizencoy4393]

Everything about us is political until THEY can do it or profit from our likeness.

[@loveyourselfalways28]

WHITE standards

[@BeastinOnLife]

You are a divine gatekeeper of blackness and I love it. ❤

[@JO-fk5ho]

The Arab girls are doing it too with the braids. I honestly laughed so hard. I’m a dark skinned East African girlie, so I know the history , I’ve been in circles with them they are more racist than white people. So loool when I saw the Arab girls I literally laughed so hard because damn, you’re down now huh?

[@restlessfae2407]

As a matter of fact.. because I love history. Vikings NEVER had locs. And when they did their hair in braids. It did NOT look like box braids, bantu knots or cornrows.. none of that.

[@Dominque-se5dx]

EXACTLY

[@Molly-iw1rc]

Me looking at the entire kpop industry putting braids and "twist" locs in idols hair when they do a "swaggy", "hip hop", "masculine" styling (girl and boy groups) 👁️👁️

[@Blackdove0421]

K-pop is nothing more than mimicking.

[@757Princess]

The genre makes me sick to my stomach and it is annoying. Their entire esthetic is sickening. Their promotion of eating disorder is disgusting. The ghost pale skin is odd. All of it is so unattractive to me.

[@GardensFlowers-f7k]

Am I the only adult that finds it creepy? I can't watch for more than 30 seconds.

[@Kingmarcel28]

I agree 🤢🤮

[@extrashotofespresso_]

This is why I never l liked it. When I was in middle school back in the early 2000s the girlies loved it in my “friend group” then I got older and though I’d escape it but nooo it becomes some freaking global phenomenon and I noticed a lot of black and brown people are at the forefront of being their biggest fans. I’ll never.

[@extrashotofespresso_]

@@GardensFlowers-f7kit’s cringey AF. I had a friend who made me watch their music videos back in the days when I would hang out with her. And then they’d call me racist because they knew I wasn’t really into it.. this was like in 2008/09 btw.

[@LAYYDADOLL]

Obsession and Hate .. two things can exist at once , but I’m starting to realize they don’t hate us at all very envious yes but envy is merely based on one’s inability to possess or cultivate something in this case it’s the coolness /fluid creativity & eccentricity within our community; we’ve been constantly brainwashed to think it’s us .. but it’s them . Even if asked they end up always giving underhanded compliments..

[@mamamoonie]

It's evil either way. Do more studying and this wouldn't flatter you a piece!

[@LAYYDADOLL]

@@mamamoonie what made you think I was flattered.. Did you actually read what I said ?

[@AnonymousC-lm6tc]

Have you ever considered the fact that you could be a covert narcissist? Thinking everyone is jealous of or hates you is rather delusional and unhealthy.

[@AnonymousC-lm6tc]

Have you ever considered the fact that you could be a covert narcissist? Thinking everyone is jealous of or hates you is rather delusional and unhealthy.

[@AnonymousC-lm6tc]

Have you ever considered the fact that you could be a covert narcissist? Thinking everyone is jealous of or hates you is rather delusional and unhealthy.

[@mrslyney1121]

It reminds me of the black woman who said no natural hair to her event . I think people who have no association with blackness see any type of hairstyle different and promote for us to confirm . The Idea causes negativity with someone who wears a natural hairstyle and also makes others feel like trying out our culture for fun . Due to them feeling the standard of beauty is straighter or less kink/curl.

[@rinarina9424]

I feel like most people can acknowledge cultural appropriation but don’t realize that when it comes to black culture it is a literal minstrel performance. It’s so disgusting and insidiously evil to me. But I think most of this goes back to the fact that ppl underestimate the deep-ness of anti blackness (including black ppl sometimes)

[@andjelabozic2317]

Yeah, all races seem to think unfavourably of dark skin complexion, unfortunately

[@BlackLilyxx]

Mayowa! I saw on IG about your union! Congratulations, babes! 🥂

[@mayowasworld]

thank you boo!!

[@OceanTea.music-otmf]

😆

[@LethalLemonLime]

Even if the Vikings did have dreadlocs (despite this being proven to be false many people still like to claim this) it's pretty weird how non-black people decided to call that style the same thing as what Jamaicans called their hair (which is why I'm using the term dreadlocs). They're clearly not the same style. Their hair doesn't function the way that afro type 4 hair functions. When you see locs on type 4 hair and then see locs on type 1 and 2 hair you can tell that type 4 hair does it naturally on its own and it truly locks together into one clump whereas their hair, you can still see the loose strands in the "locked" parts... the locked parts aren't truly locked so they look quite loose. I don't know if I'm explaining this right but the ends are usually still not locked and they have a ton of hair on the top that isn't locked either. To me their hair just looks matted not locked. I've had matted hair before. it's not that hard to make Afro type 4 hair matte. I had mine get matted after leaving salons where the stylist claimed that they knew how to work with my hair type. Mattes can be easily removed compared to actually locked up hair. of course people comb out locs but it's a much harder and longer process than combing out matted hair. And I feel like those people have matted hair not dreadlocks. As for the appropriation bit with Asians. I live in South Korea (and have for almost a decade). If you look in the hashtag 흑인머리 (basically black people hair) on Instagram you will a whole bunch of koreans with horrible perms that supposedly look like our hair... it doesn't though. It's honestly an insult that that's what they think our hair looks like. You can also see some occasional disgusting black face in that tag which I found recently and had a bunch of people report. I remember seeing a guy the other day on the subway, my hair was in mini twists up in a claw clip, and he had this horrible perm that made his hair kind of look like the pattern of a twist out but a twist out where you don't separate the twist so that it's kind of just flat, not voluminous, and sparse looking. and of course he had on "hip hop" style clothing. A big army print puffer jacket and baggy af jeans and sneakers smdh. but those people would never mess with us. it's not appreciation. they don't want to befriend us. they would never stick up for us if other koreans were saying racist things about black people. they just think that one aesthetic (hiphop/hood) is cool. it's so weird.

[@ShaunasWorld950]

Great points! I never thought about how some ethic groups like to use our hairstyles as a way to make a statement or to rebel. 😮😮

[@mayowasworld]

Exactly!!

[@tornadosirenwednesday]

Yup they do the same thing with piercings, ear lobe stretching and tattoos. All native to Africa but associated with white punks lol

[@232tt80]

Thank you for spreading awareness on this. Learning about Darryl George having to experience this discrimination even after legislation has passed in Texas is insightful into the way we're still having our culture and cultural practice rights stripped away from us. Also I think the point about length being gendered was really important to bring up and something that can often go unnoticed or be disregarded in how it affects the Black diaspora and our relationship to our hair in the industry (school, work, ..) .

[@mayowasworld]

Thank you!! ❤

[@destinyjade2371]

The part where you mentioned how nonblack folks say how you just don't wash your hair to help the locs freeform better is way too real... Had a white woman one time say her hair was "nappy" like mine when it "wasn't brushed," implying that my natural hair is the same as her knotted up, dirty hair. Like big on the rough and grunge aspects of black people hair, and also associating it to being unhygenic; a big way they also dehumanize us as black and brown folks.

[@MzCrayKray]

I'm so glad you mentioned Kpop myowah I thought it was just me. My niece is in love with Kpop and the culture. She gushes over how cool and innovative the music is but when I listen to it. Yes it sounds good some of it but a lot of it sounds like 90s music. Even the dance moves look like 90s Hip Hop dance. Very much Crunch Fitness. A lot of Kpop music sounds like the Hip Hop that we called corny in the 90s. Like the white washed songs. Think "I'm hot, your not" from the movie Teen Witch. Very kids Boppy. That song Usher recently did with that Korean dude was fire though.

[@jesusisapisces]

I guess you would rather she was listening to Young Thug and Kodak Black 🙄

[@jonesyftw9120]

​@thehomecomingqueen and whats wrong with that? The authentic not watered down stuff? You can enjoy kpop and still acknowledge that it's watered down for maximum palatability and capital gain....that's Pop music-

[@justme2272]

​@@jesusisapiscesthat's a very stereotypical comment.

[@copperredd]

​@@jesusisapisces the point is, even kpop is not entirely unique as it also heavily takes from black culture and artforms and whitewashes it....

[@jesusisapisces]

@@jonesyftw9120 the fact that you're more concerned and outraged about black girls listening to kpop as opposed to black rappers who like Kodak Black spew anti black female sentiment, says everything about you.

[@atthismoment3006]

but how you gonna hate black people and then copy everything we do - that is what gets me!-

[@kellyclark7517]

Lol😂 those faux rainbow bright “locs or braids or watever TF” are a hot mess!😂 U are a beautiful soul 1❤️

[@purpleloft8466]

I absolutely love locs. all locs. I'm currently freeforming myself and love, I just have to say, your locs are def one of my favorites i've seen so far. So beautiful and so honest you are mayowa💗

[@mayowasworld]

Thank you so much!!

[@NYKIRA]

Girl, I went to an event the other day and someone made it absolutely necessary to tell me (the only black person in the room - Jamaican also) that loc's are 'in their bloodline' because their mum had that style when they were growing up. this person literally had one loc hanging onto their European follicles for dear life... I prioritize detachment as a part of my spiritual practice yet it irked me deeply. This person knew why they chose to say this to me in particular. Genuinely, I didn't even know how to respond, because I shouldn't have to 'teach' or 'gatekeep' on a casual Tuesday at a networking event I wasn't even prepared to attend... Further to this it's not even gatekeeping. That comment really felt like an attack, or as if it was loaded, like he'd been saving this sentence for the right black person and because we were having a cool artsy conversation beforehand I became the bait. *infinitely rolling my eyes

[@Thankgot]

Heyyyyy heyyy love your content. South African fan😘

[@mayowasworld]

aww thank youuu!! I can't wait to one day go

[@norealnameyetok]

love the hair! The scalp sensitivity is so real with locs! I can have a style for 2-3 hours tops

[@gemmellian7698]

The Vikings cared for their appearance - they bathed regularly, they embellished their clothes, their grew their hair long and plaited it, and they kept their hair as clean as they can because that is what you need for plaiting. Speaking as a History teacher, they would not have dreadlocked their hair. When you attempt to turn white hair into dreadlocks, you have to rip it, damaging your hair. The Vikings would have NEVER.

[@starbright3509]

The Vikings bathed on a weekly basis***

[@GardensFlowers-f7k]

@@starbright3509 right...🤣🤣

[@cotton_kenny]

People are so curieus about what happens underneath the wigs and the braids. It’s an obsession. I remember as a kid I had braids and they were checking for everyone’s hair and they said they couldn’t see if I had parasites because of my braids and I had to go home and take them out . My mom got so mad she said it’s bulkshit because you van literally see my scalp even better . I felt so shamed and different . Luckily I didn’t have to take them out because my mom refused

[@tweetyntweety]

I freaking love your commentary! You say what we are all thinking but in a very articulate way. I’m here for it! 🙌🏽

[@traceeford2914]

Thank you for the learning. I've always been tender-headed, so putting my locks up is a short-term thing. You look gorgeous like always. ❤

[@mariapaulamandombemoniamambu]

Although I believe many people do love our culture what I don't understand is if someone appropriates Chinese, Samoan, Cherokee or Indonesian culture that person ia going to be called out for disrespect and most people don't appropriate their culture but when it comes to our culture people like to say "culture is supposed to be shared blah blah blah " "is just hair" like🙄

[@shakesqueeeeeeer]

I live in Nigeria and have short, 10-month-old semi-freeforms (started with twists and haven't and will not get retwists) and i have a visa interview this month. I found myself worrying about if I'd be turned away before i even got into the venue of the interview, IN NIGERIA. I just hate that that's actually a valid concern and the anti-blackness is so prevalent even in spaces mostly occupied by us but anyways I'm standing on business and going as I am. Thank you for this video ❤️, also whats the song that's always in your intro? I've tried looking up the lyrics but it doesn't come up anywhere

[@Candyrock15]

I hope your visa interview goes well. I'm Nigerian too but I was raised in London. And my locs are also 10 months old! (loc twin) although they're traditional locs.

[@shakesqueeeeeeer]

@@Candyrock15 hi loc twin 😄, thanks for the well wishes 😊💕

[@lilidonna]

I'm Samoan and this has me side-eyeing my fellow PIs

[@DerpDerp27]

They here in California saying the n**** in raps

[@Crowtv66]

U a a mai?

[@mab1116]

I love the updo, although i just made a declaration about 2 weeks ago to stop putting my locs in tight up do buns

[@mayowasworld]

I took it down as soon as I stopped filming 😂 it hurts too much

[@mab1116]

@@mayowasworld I don't blame you at all. Lol

[@Brownmahfun]

CONFORMITY when it comes to how we look IS THE DEVIL.

[@freelanceteaching1641]

I live in Japan and I see black-fishing everywhere 😭😭. I don't mind people wearing locs because they like the style but the same people who wear locs here almost try and embody blackness to an uncomfortable level. It is one thing to like a style and another thing to become a caricature of an entire race all while being ignorant about the things that affect them. I have seen people openly using the "N" word , throwing gang signs and harassing black women with in appropriate comments on dating apps(personal experience) .

[@chayo4537]

And you do nothing!

[@ClassicRuby]

7:43 the Asians in particular are so into hip hop and reggae culture they literally perm their hair so they have 4c hair so they can do afros and fades and etc. It's wild. P.s. in Jamaica there's no such thing as freedom of choice or freedom of religion. In Jamaica locs will always be seen as a religious and political choice. And it will always be ok to discriminate heavily based on religious beliefs. Always. North America really thinks in black countries that this kinda discrimination doesn't exist. Saying that's wrong is an understatement

[@LittleBitOfLee]

Historically, hair styles in various African cultures were used to depict social status, shame, mourning, and so much more. Additionally, hair care and styling was seen as an opportunity for building community and bonding or even as sacred. It never made sense to me how the naturally occurring hair from one’s scalp is “unprofessional”. It’s the same as one’s skin, height, eye color, etc. being considered unprofessional. As much as black people can manipulate their hair, they can never change their natural texture-not without chemicals or heat. As a Jamaican, locs are a popular style, but is associated with Rastafarian practices. There are underlying feelings of Christian essentialism and international racism. BTW: love the fit and your makeup is always fire, especially your lip look❤

[@Baruch1girl]

You look lovely! And I admire the fact that you know your lineage and tribe. I think that is so empowering! 🎉 keep up the great content!

[@sunrise2148]

Viking locks?! Straight hair doesn't lock or hold braids well. I guess it will matt if not combed but not be stylized. Why didn't Scandinavians continue to wear locks? They're still here. They might wear a "French" braid or a few individual braids but nothing as intricate as Africans. It doesn't make sense to utilize a hairstyle that allows airflow to your head in a cold environment. Culture is developed based on need.

[@lloroshastar6347]

Yeah there is no clear evidence Norse cultures ever had locs. It's likely a modern portrayal by Hollywood to make them look more 'barbaric', because they believe black hair = 'barbaric'.

[@MrAwesomer360]

I love your locks. Your smile, and confidence, make you even more beautiful. You are gorgeous, and i appreciate the love that you give, not only to yourself, but to our people. 🙏🙏blessings upon blessings to you, and your family.

[@TrazzyStar]

Omg the blush looks so good

[@TrazzyStar]

STOOOOOP I commented this ^^ before I even got to the part where you mentioned ur blush

[@olgar.6604]

The blush is giving such an adorable vibe to the look 😊❤

[@Molly-iw1rc]

Also with Korea specifically, I see culturally there is a default look that the public and people expect from other Koreans (straight hair(and long hair for girls) pale skin, skinny, soft make up, etc). So, girl idols with short hair will add extensions for special occasions or tan idols might be filtered to look whiter for certain concepts (the feminine concepts). I feel like some Koreans view black cultural hairstyles as a way to push against the homogeneous culture in Korea and for themselves to stand out, but they don't know any black people or know any black history. In other countries like China, they do the same thing most of the time, but for some reason (last time I checked) the idols in China are more open to wearing their natural hair (curly hair) and owning their own styles compared to South Korea, so even though they still appropriate, There is a slightly higher chance that they actually know something about black culture that resonated with them (compared to South Korea where I find it's basically always more a costume then their actual styles). It's a weird difference tbh. I forgot to compliment in my first comment, the blush looks great and the anarchy vest is cute 🫶🏽

[@richardbankz67]

Hi Mayowa I have been watching your channel for about 6 months I like your locks

[@shhhperry9852]

What’s crazy is these people hate us… Who in their right mind emulates someone that they hate? Insane people, that’s who.

[@beatsbydizzy8932]

Our hair is a direct signal to our creator, As a black person you are the only human on this planet that have hair.

[@Timeless_Ascension]

You mean, 'Gravity Defying Hair', right?

[@Timeless_Ascension]

@@bunwithgun1587 Your multiculturalist leanings seems to have you triggered. Reread my comment and revert.

[@beatsbydizzy8932]

@@Timeless_Ascension no, hair, Everything else is fur.

[@Timeless_Ascension]

@@beatsbydizzy8932 No arguments there. 😂👍🏿💯

[@sunrise2148]

My Negus...SALUTE!

[@CoolBeans193]

"Nothing will make you love your oppressor more than trying to look like them, knowing that you can never do it, but it's a constant aspiration. Having that dynamic will always make the oppressors feel more beautiful and the oppressed always chasing." u really spittin. put that on a freakin shirt!

[@journeyofitall]

Hi beautiful, I love your locs! Love your channel.✌🏽

[@mayowasworld]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@nathanscore]

i listen to a lot of korean music and yeah it is so obvious that when a company wants a group to have a "hip hop concept" they will mimick elements of black culture specifically the hair. it happens with a lot of companies but i think it's especially prevalent with YG artists because they have the reputation of being a company with a lot of idol rappers. the company was created by a former member of seo taiji and the boys, who started bringing hip hop to south korea in the 90s because it had a sort of "shock factor" and i guess they found it interesting. one of the performances of their song "come back home" features one of the members in blackface - a lot of people were surprised when they found out he was not black. it goes really far. more recently a guy from the group "treasure" recently was called out by Black kpop fans for repeatedly wearing braids even after being informed by fans on why it is offensive. in this particular case it doesn't seem to be what a stylist assigned him to wear, rather a personal decision to keep having locks and Black hairstyles. but as you said, in kpop hair often is associated with an "era" or a "concept", and it seems those artists see having locks the same way they would see dyeing their hair in a different color, or wearing a punk inspired costume on a comeback stage for a more "aggressive-sounding" song.

[@papazjose1274]

The Black Pharaohs of Egypt and people along the Nile river wore locs... The styles were done relative of your position in the community, society. These people walked the earth before the Vikings

[@rahkeemthegreat360]

That is false.

[@papazjose1274]

@@rahkeemthegreat360 It has been proven with DNA

[@twen2times]

The up do is gorgeous

[@Lin10uson]

I'll start with the fact that no one has been able to show actual evidence of Vikings having dreads of any kind. Anyone who's claiming that is getting it from TV or Hollywood-the exact same place from whence they think all Black people get our information. I am so glad you're speaking to this issue because I did made a similar video through my other channel (this one's dedicated to my music) focusing on how oppressive it is to be a Black person in America-especially a Black descendant of enslaved Americans because people love to operate within this oppressive system that keeps us from existing as we naturally are, stealing from our culture and being to do the things we're prohibited from participating in, even if it's who we are, meaning we have to completely change and be less of ourselves just to make them comfortable as that's the only way to operate within the society with some semblance of peace... or at least with some money! People see these videos you're showing and still have the nerve to not only appropriate our styles, but act as if we're ashamed of them, completely dismissing the history of abuse we have, and continue to, experience(d) along with centering whiteness made many disown their natural features and rid themselves of them. People act like we're supposed to take this as a compliment while we look at the state of our communities and how no one wants to ever acknowledge anything we do and give us a damn thing, but they take and take and take.

[@ambientbirdsounds3917]

Love the updo! Your hair looks so good! ok and that surprise anarchy symbol on the back--you're like the Black activists on the punk scene that they based Hobie on

[@Tunenine]

Girl you are awesome, this is a video everyone should see.

[@farfrompleasant]

You’re on point about everything, but especially the k pop part. Call it out because it’s true! They think our culture exudes that “gangster” aggressive edge and it’s sickening. I hate the perception that comes with our looks. We’re not a trend, or a costume. Edited: I love the updo, it gives me the impression that it’s a high loc pony and that’s super cute! It really compliments your face too c:

[@hannah60000]

@11:03, Agreed, particular the Kpop music up until2018 ish that’s what drew many black fans towards Kpop (truth he told!)

[@FollowingTheDream455]

There is a rise in black fishing, but there's also a rise in people discovering their true ancestries as well. For example, I found out last year that my paternal great grandmother Nellie was mixed race, and linked to the South and a Creole family in Connecticut. I found documentation such as records and photos of my black ancestors, and still I carry a small amount of West African DNA. Not at the quarter level, so I'm not a mixed race woman. But a black woman, with black ancestry. I have been watching different videos because I have been encouraged to research black ancestry, and knowing these facts have sparked a curiosity within myself.

[@genevievegreene1595]

It is so important to be comfortable with yourself and to honour who you are, and your ancestors before you. I think this goes for any group of people. I also really wanted to see the back of your head lol. It is crazy that the issue of being able to wear locs at school is still ongoing and I will never be sat in the midst of a bunch of folks removing mine. Like no. Just never. I don't even care what it is I would be "missing out on" because if I gotta change myself to fit in then it's not a thing I want to fit into.

[@destinyjade2371]

The moment I saw your updo, I was like, "OHkay Mayowa, I see you eating it up with the new hairdo," I think it looks amazing on you girl. Periodt.

[@AshtonsMind]

They be crossing that line and it really needs to stop. Great video!

[@Self2love]

You look famtastic! Good content, and I completely understand what you mean, especially regarding the ‘hard look’ versus ‘soft look’. It always struck me that in luxury settings, you never saw a single woman with locs among Black women or Black girls! I have microlocs myself, and it has been the best hair choice for me, i love it. I feel more free, happy and beautiful.

[@Domo716]

I love the updo! And down as well. The blush is perfect!! That’s a really good question to consider like would you wear this hair style to a nice restaurant or fancy black tie event if you’re not black? Cuz then don’t lol I do like kpop but yeah…doing black hairstyles to be “tough” or “gangsta” is kinda messed up..

[@isa_virtual]

Thank you for always shedding some light on important issues. I love to hear you talking ❤

[@abyssal_stars200]

I loved your perspective on this! I always get a nagging fear that I’m appropriating when I appreciate (it’s the illness! I have anxiety over everything) but hearing your perspective is like “yea this is the entire thing” I’m so excited right now I’m SUCH an anthropology nerd dear god I have always loved black hairstyles, especially now, and I would absolutely have locs IF and ONLY IF my hair texture worked with them. But it’s not! That’s not my hair! Not my culture! I LOVE seeing it yes absolutely, and will always go out of my way to compliment it, but the difference is I view it in a “normal” way, like how you enjoy something visually but know that you could never wear that because you physically can’t. (Context, my hair is pin straight and brittle! It’s a lot stronger now but I have to be careful with the amount of pulling and movement because my hair texture is very different.) Black hair is often very strong and holds up to a lot of styling and just shapes that way naturally, mine is very different and doesn’t shape that way naturally. To try and make it that way would actively hurt me physically and also cause a LOT of breakage and build up, which is why I stay with normal braids, ponytails etc etc (AKA, things safe and good for my hair!) There are so many ways straight hair can be worn intricately, and I think there’s a much bigger conversation to be had here about the stripping of culture from youth not only in people of color but in everyone under the ruling class. It can really be felt in youth nowadays, in the ways we graft onto social media trends and any form of self identity and culture, precisely because colonialism and stripping of culture affects EVERYONE, not just people of color. Obviously poc (in this conversation, black people) are singled out and treated badly very overtly and violently and that’s disgusting! As the saying goes, no one is free until we are all free. People may not realize it, but these sentiments are incredibly damaging to every single person under the ruling class, even people who are in much better positions in terms of immediate danger. THATS IT! Typing this in real time, People who are visibly oppressed (ex: black people) are in immediate danger, but with the policing of everything (and removal of identity, individuality and culture) EVERYONE suffers IMMENSENLY! Yes, some more than others, but the point is that this is good for no one! Dear god how the fuck do people not get MORE angry over these things.

[@jamen3328]

Fire video, didn’t know you used to fight!! That’s badass. Happy Black History Month Yall ✊🏾 And congrats!! 🎉

[@bear3279]

hi sweetheart love your content, really makes me think. also the hairstyle is super cute on you. im really sensitive to tension from updos too so i sympathize ❤

[@minkahtaharkah3957]

The turtleneck vest combooooo

[@AllieoreoCraii]

i had to take a minute to watch this video because…..whew 😮‍💨 im glad you decided to address this topic! with this same line of thinking, even people who are “white-adjacent” or possess lighter & different features (ie: looser textured hair, etc) who are still the standard of beauty adopt locs as a way to be further “black-adjacent” or blackfish. so when people make those “black people in locs” or “black people in _____” threads majority of those folks included are still people who are typically, by society’s level, the standard of beauty and who still benefit from those expectations. hopefully this makes sense and is somewhat still relevant to the conversation 😅 anywho, thank you so much mayowa and fam 🫶🏾🥳❤️

[@ceciliecerise]

Love you !! Hope you’re doing well 💜🤍

[@angelacoleman8449]

I’m loving 🥰 the hair MAYOWA!!! But I also overstand if wearing up do’s are painful 😣 as well!! Peace and harmony beloved 🙏🏾✨

[@AshleyRania]

You be so fly every time I click on a video! The updo is so pretty! Love it up!! Love it down!! ❤❤❤

[@Blackdove0421]

I think they’re jealous because we can do so many things with our hair not all of us but the majority.

[@Sea.]

Hi Mayowa, I actually got into a huge argument with my ex boyfriend over the topic of black hair. Im not a black person but, ive listened to black voices and that its not appreciated. My ex was a white person and being a POC i definitely understand how it feels to have them use cultures as costumes. He kept using the Viking thing as many white people do to claim it also belongs to them. You ask simple questions like.. okay so how do you do it? Without a youtube tutorial and they have no idea. I watched your previous video on this topic and noticed the comments were off and i assume its because people attacked the video. But you are RIGHT! Hair will never be just hair until people arent penalized for it. Thanks for making these videos even with the backlash. ❤❤❤❤

[@kharichannells6423]

I completely agree with you! But this whole idea just proves that we’re the best culture. Because everybody wants to be us. It’s kind of annoying.

[@Candyrock15]

Nah we're not the "best". I'm proud of being black but when we perpetuate the idea that there is a superior culture, that's when we start getting problems. The Europeans did that and look where we ended up. Pride does not have to equate to superiority

[@tonyagibbs1963]

Super cute! 😍 I love the updo and the denim!

[@imokage]

Yall rlly be taking ts too serious let them ppl show their love for our hair, if they like it n it looks good, why freakin not ?

[@morbidmanuscript9324]

The shell beads are so cute !!

[@thatsthatdrpepper]

Thank you for your service and touching base on this bc yes, non blacks have definitely gotten out of control with the phishing, appropriation and vulturing.

[@reinventlove1866]

10:35 not hendery made it on this channel 11:03 and you wouldn't be wrong. A major part of that is because lots of black american producers have been working with kpop companies for a long time now. Like Teddy Riley, Harvey Mason, Jr. And Darkchild for example

[@OceanTea.music-otmf]

I would love to freeform my hair but when i had manicured locks i just kept getting told this and that about myself and it was hard for me to l've day-to-day life without negative comments. I suffer with mental health as it is and it was tearing me down. So I want to commend you for the strength you have because you are so strong to be able to keep going. Love seeing your journey girl respect.

[@JordanMBS222]

Mayowa ❤️ Loving the Locs and make up ! I’m almost two years Loc’d and I agree. My head is super sensitive. I start the day with a cute updo, attend an event and on the way home I take my hair back down lol I agree with you 100% . Another thing I find weird is when people who are competing in body building competitions tanning . Not like a little tan to even a tone or something , but completely changing the complexion. Seemingly trying to appear as a muscular black man or woman. I think it’s pretty odd. Same with the “boxer” braids 😂😂😂. It’s an image thing for them .

[@theonlyem0hique]

As someone who went to school in a different Caribbean island, the primary schools had very strict dress/hair codes. Boys were not allowed to have long hair, no matter what style it was in. They would be sent home so their parents could cut their hair. Girls also had to wear at least one ribbon in their hair. If you forgot one, you'd just find someone who has two and ask for one ribbon before class starts. You can do whatever you want with your hair after you graduate secondary school.

[@london9830]

We wear theirs. Some literally wear hair from other women on heads

[@GardensFlowers-f7k]

What you talk about is so important. Thank you for continuing this content.

[@solitarymaninblack]

I saw both twitter threads and countless people thirsting over these men.

[@nothisispaaatrick_]

Cute and wholesome is exactly the vibe of the updo :) always appreciate your thoughts on these videos.