Why it's OK to wear BRAIDS in the Caribbean. JAMAICA VLOG.

[@amandamyers890]

This is brilliant! Jamaica has such an open culture. Get your braids we don’t care! It supports our economy and it looks good on you.

[@Roseboat3085]

Agreed. One love

[@hutchinsonjohnson2909]

That is the difference between Jamaica and US freedom

[@tt2524]

Really love that you address that comment about cultural appropriation. Jamaicans aren't bothered by anyone embracing their culture. Love the videos as always. Stay blessed stay safe

[@oniel4eva]

Irie, apart of the issue is that in the US double standards exist. A white lady could wear braids and not experience the same level of prejudice from the wider society while a black person is not given the same level of freedom to express themselves and culture in many corporate settings. Naturally this would make anyone frustrated. The underlying issue is racial discrimination and trying to minimize our right to celebrate our african culture. Also, so much have been taken from black americans that in some sense many of us are trying hard to hold on to the things that make us who we are. This is just my experience from living in the US. However, in my Jamerican view I have no problems sharing my culture. Maybe that's my Jamaican roots talking.

[@trevorsteer7331]

Yep. And I am glad she took the time to explain why in America it is viewed differently than in the Caribbean.

[@56jklove]

Um black people can express themselves and they do.

[@Dee-pj7hh]

Jamaica, Jamaican, Jamaicans. We are nationality not colors. We do not use cultural issues as a weapon against each other. It’s very sad the United States is like that, but not in Jamaica. Love your braids. keep wearing them iris you are in Jamaica . 👌👌👌

[@WIDFRANKE]

As a Jamaican I don’t see anything wrong with a foreigner wearing braids. Jamaicans sport straight hair all the time, in the form Of perm and wigs 😂

[@katrinaamirs9246]

''How is this relevant to the rest of the world?' that is the question that can be asked about SO MANY THINGS in the US. I find Americans often just assume that whatever is relevant to them, is relevant everywhere. It's not. *and now I am in love with Jamaican banks! :D

[@craiggarrickfr4fgz877]

She dweet again.... BIG UP Irena on another hot topic for everyone to listen again🎼🎵🎶🎶

[@winstontownsend2516]

This lady bro,let them know irina Jamaica and Jamaicans is nothing like the US when it comes to race,they like like to turn races against each other.

[@marcwatson6063]

In the US police have braids ,tattoo midgets..Not in JAMAICA. It's all about what part of the cake you choose to slice.😅

[@tamichyn2635]

Even the Queen of England needs her hair braided😂😂love my country

[@beminae1603]

😂😂

[@AfroJamaican]

We have 99 problems but braids ain’t one!

[@zeetaca9801]

I love how you shared both perspectives. No one is "wrong", it's just a matter of culture and experience. I'd be sensitive too if I grew up in America as a minority and always got my culture stolen. However, African-Americans need to realize that the world is much bigger than the U.S and not everyone experience the same things they do. GREAT VIDEO.

[@trevorsteer7331]

Yep. Totally agree

[@leosatchell9478]

One Love! 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@kayonnewebley7123]

That's it in a nutshell.

[@mykalwagner5341]

Americans always try to find an agenda to fit there current narrative of what you should be offended by. I'm a German white male with long hair and while in Jamaica, I got my hair braided by a local in Montego Bay. I never once thought about having my hair braided in the U.S. because it would cause a lot of backlash. In Jamaica, I didn't even go to the local shop, a woman on a tour destination offered to do it and I agreed and tipped her after she was done. She was wanting to do it for free, but I can't have a service provided and not compensate her for the time. Remember, I'm German with long hair and she braided it like Sean Paul. That's a reference point for comparison. This was at a local town, at her home, with her husband there and I am a stranger and was treated like part of the family and even had dinner with them, totally unexpected. Anyone thinking this is a bad place to visit, needs to do some homework, It's absolutely safe and people are engaging. Even after getting my hair braided, I was there another 3 weeks. The only stares I got was from the tourists, not the locals! Damn, that was longer than I thought it would be, but also true! I've commented on your videos in the past and I am really looking to move there for retirement, if you guys can meet me at some point this summer to look at properties, that would be really helpful!

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Thank you for sharing this and so happy you had good experience in Jamaica! We had many guests from Germany staying at our Airbnb before covid and it was always a pleasure hosting them! I hope things go back to normal sooner than later and you can come to enjoy Jamaica again! As for properties - I'll be making a video on the subject, so hopefully people can get some professional advise from realtors (since I don't have a property in Jamaica, I don't really know much on the subject!). However, sure, if you're in Montego Bay, do stop by to say hello! 😊

[@mykalwagner5341]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE Absolutely! Once I know when travel is somewhat back to normal, I'll check out the Airbnb and go from there.

[@AcheliusDecimus]

I for one and glad to see people realizing that the Jamaican life is free from most of these international issues. I hope you get to retire in comfort and live out your days in love and peace.

[@TheAmorchef]

When I was there with longish hair many times I was offered cornrows. I find that when it comes to race Jamaicans are the least concerned. Yes there are prejudices. However. "Out Of Many One"

[@leosatchell9478]

One Love! 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@pgpratt9007]

I am totally Jamaican with hair braiding for everyone regardless. These uptight people need to free their minds from their mental slavery because there are far more important things in life to worry about. Peace, Love and Good Vibes for the human race.

[@JanRay2020]

Right on. So true

[@pgpratt9007]

@@JanRay2020 Cultural Appropiation seems to be another of a continuing stream of buzz phrases which is bewildering and perplexing. Cant remember if in the 20th century when peoples of african descent straighten their hair from it's natural state, then shifted back in the 60's to Afro any one really cared. Today with preponderence of wigs, hair extensions in the west from as far a field as India and other places, the question becomes whether or not the Indian culture is being appropiated fo example?

[@michaelfrancis3598]

Mental slavery is allowing yourself to be a victim of circumstances, whether it be race, gender or colour. You have to free your mind of those restriction that prevent you from pursuing your dreams. I’m so with you on that.

[@pgpratt9007]

@@michaelfrancis3598 I recognise and acknowledge the great beauty that flows when human beings share and learn honestly from each other with genuine respect. There are more that enough beautiful caribbean/african cultural things that can enlighten everyone. I echo Bob's words without hesitation "That until there no longer First class and second class citizens of any nation Until the colour of a man's skin Is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes" We dont need no war....One Love

[@JanRay2020]

@@pgpratt9007 True

[@cathyh2086]

This is true the Jamaicans don’t make it a problem. It’s a U.S issue. Have not heard much about this in Canada really. Everyone should be able to wear their hair as they like and feel comfortable

[@alexandercameron3795]

What I love about my country , your skin colour has no place in how you're seen , but the way you deal and act with people determine how you're treated .

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Very good point! Thank you!

[@trevorsteer7331]

Alexander, so very true

[@Tammy-ub8kx]

Just goes to show, racism in America is truly systematic. Black hair =Normal and boom appropriation starts to become a non issue. Racism is a shock to the system. Left Jamaica at 10 and wow. When I return to Jamaica my body is instantly becomes pain free.

[@ddhardial]

Hello Irie from Canada 🇨🇦 . You make us feel warm inside even though it's cold 🥶 outside.

[@Nicuju]

Good job on the video. The problem in the US is racism and discrimination while in Jamaica that is not present.

[@leosatchell9478]

One Love! 🇯🇲 🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@lemorjohnston5006]

We Irie that's why, Smiling. We don't get caught up on things that don't matter. We have so much more issues than hair. India Arie said we are more than our hair

[@omaramcfarlanewilliams2368]

Wear what u want. People too petty.

[@mykalwagner5341]

Agreed!

[@1Devonpen]

Agree 100%

[@Fabziy]

Great topic, Jamaican loving people

[@keshastewart8408]

I personally think that Jamaica is a mutual ground for everyone. So when you come here just enjoy yourself and don't bother with racism and cultural appropriation. It's neither necessary nor wanted.

[@iveylynn7581]

Katy Perry went to Jamaica and got her hair done in a Jamaican bun look idk what it’s called but people in America went crazyyyyyy like flipped out calling her racist when she got her hair done in Jamaica.

[@maryjs4878]

Ivey Lynn you said " Katy perry went to Jamaica and got her hair done in a Jamaican bun look idk what it's called but people in America went crazyyyyyy like flipped out calling her racist when she got her hair done in Jamaica." Lol. You got all that wrong. And that wasn't Katy Perry.

[@iveylynn7581]

The person I was speaking about was Katy Perry! Maybe a different human you are thinking of! But thanks!!

[@maryjs4878]

@@iveylynn7581 no it wasn't Katy Perry, but you're welcome.

[@lordbeerus6182]

Adele too they went bonkers

[@supaexcellence]

Some really good points in this video! Also good to hear locals point of view on the topic. I'm from the UK and I personally haven't had direct pressure to fix my hair a certain way but I will say that what is portrayed in the media as a professional style has lead me to style my hair in a certain way for interviews and jobs. The straightening of hair for special occasions....why? The issue with white people braiding their hair on holiday is also to do with what people do and don't do "behind closed doors", some of these people are so fast to "get stuck in" to culture on holidays (braids, ganja or twerking on the beach) but will be the same people clutching handbags when a black man is due to pass them on the street. It's about cherry picking what u want from a culture that u would otherwise want not much to do with and/or throw stereotypes out about at all other times as well as benefiting from what's been picked to showcase without giving original props.....good reference with the Bo Derek braids!

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Yes, there has been agenda with portraying straight hair as more "professional". As a white person with really curly hair I felt it as well - e.g. I was not allowed to wear my hair down at school in the USSR, while girls with straight hair could do that. When I asked why it's ok for them and not ok for me, I was told that my hair was a mess, while theirs was tidy. 🗿🗿🗿Obviously, it wasn't a racial issue but a dress code issue, but I can see how complicated it can easily get in a multicultural environment. As for people behaving differently on holidays and enjoying things that they later condemn, wow, interesting point! I never realized that existed, makes me think 🤔

[@orianafisher3960]

This is why I love your channel Irina and jamaican people, culture ~ can't wait to get back there 🥰🌴

[@prezzydentdubal2420]

Yes you should for sure ok!!!

[@tamichyn2635]

As a Jamaican, most Jamaicans do not care of you wear braids. There much greater issues in the world.

[@yanikeonpurpose]

Exactly. Jamaicans are too concerned with survival to have time to study things like hair so deeply.

[@gbb82]

I am a Jamaican in the U.S. Army and this is a very sensitive issue....When we were training to go to Iraq in 2005, two white female soldiers had braids in their hair....They were told by the Army they could not do that because it was cultural appropriation...Man, they were pissed. Then you remember in 2014 the military decided to prohibit black female soldiers from wearing dreadlocks and twists; there was such an uproar from black people the military reversed it's decision. So in America today, everything is an issue, people can't stand each other and we are all so stressed over here, which is why I am going back to Jamaica soon.

[@BORNFREE876]

Braid, live & be irie Irine. Many problems, but braiding is not one.

[@FallacyAsPraxis]

Just a few weeks ago you were celebrating 20k subs. Now you're almost at 30k!

[@NATURALMYSTICMK]

She deserves triple this amount.😃

[@Lifestylewithjada]

She blowing up fast lol

[@trevorsteer7331]

@@NATURALMYSTICMK , totally agree. I've been talking about her with a lot of my Family and Friends (Jamaicans or otherwise) here in the States. hopefully, I will get a chance to meet her F2F when I visit Jamaica later this year

[@glencampbell6217]

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK .I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL.GOD BLESS YOU ALL🙏/

[@silkshakes]

Seeing how kind-hearted and inclusive people are in Jamaica is making me want to live in Jamaica forreal.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Thank you! One of the main reasons I chose Jamaica as the perfect place to live - is people!

[@tonig3534]

Jamaica is a melting pot of cultures, and some of us enjoy seeing other people enjoying our culture. This thing about cultural appropriation is constant in America, so they lash out when they see other in other countries.

[@iveylynn7581]

I wanna move to Jamaica so bad 🥺 why can’t we all just love one another and except all here in the us.

[@eileenwatt8283]

So come on down make sure you have a nest egg to survive on. It's a bit expense so pay off all your bills. Stock up on all the staff you like and bring with you because they are triple the price in Jamaica. When you get their stay away from baggers and people who have nothing . You will be targeted . Don't let your guard down. You will be fine.

[@imsk6729]

Ivy Lynn....Nice and wishful sentiment... thinking of how the world should be.... but unfortunately that is not how the world is...my sister once said... (after hearing of a black woman being racially abused as she was the only black person at a ballet school)... aah..she should be able to go to the ballet school or anywhere she likes)...to which I explained...that is how the world should be...not how it is...so a pointless statement she made....we always recall the behaviour of one set of people over the entire planet...

[@bribri6300]

Cause of your people

[@travelling5039]

Krystal Tomlinson, Damian Crawford, Orlando Terrilong, Andrea Brown - Burk are just a few people who have dreadlocks and are in our Jamaican parliament, every sector of society wears braid.... Thank you for another great video Irene.

[@tanshievlogs]

Crawford cut his dreads now

[@troyhenry3505]

Always find these fire 🔥 topic....living in Canada but will never give up my culture as a Jamaican.but again I respect everybody else cultures.

[@1nonlymelimel]

Lady in black “ mi love Rasta man 🤣” You want braids get braids life is too short to be worried about offending people. As long as your not going out of your way to do so then live you life and rock your braids 👌🏾

[@Lifestylewithjada]

Murdaaa😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Jazz-pu1qw]

All my white friends wanted braids and I don't see a problem with that.

[@harmonsalmon3313lfj]

Great topic of discussion Irena, you my number one information centre on things Jamaican.

[@vegantrader]

Excellent journalism Irina, as usual... I've commented in the past on how great you look in those old videos with the braids.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Thank you so much! 🤓🥰

[@christophernelson4824]

Jamaican don't discriminate Irene we embrace, out of many people 👭

[@diannetgoldingfrankson2105]

America's issues are not applicable to Jamaica, America has a very different set of issues, racism has shaped every aspect of American life, African Americans have been damaged beyond repair. Jamaicans have been free from that type of racism, and would not understand it. What there used to be in Jamaica was a prejudice about dreadlocks, but that was connected to our early prejudices about Rastafarians. But that has been changing now, though.

[@kemarsinclair9659]

Facts. Ja is unified- US is not

[@LivingOnPurpose1]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾‼️

[@trevorsteer7331]

So true. And I'm glad Irina took the time to explain some of the differences between the USA and Jamaica in this regards. Also, I remember when growing up that Dreadlocks was looked down on. Now I go back home, and it is style worn by some Church People (at least, in the Church I grew up). Of course, it is a very accepted hair style in Jamaica now. Not sure how the TRUE Rastafarians feel about that though.

[@Lifestylewithjada]

Factss👏🏽👏🏽

[@yanikeonpurpose]

Yes indeed. Americans are so sensitive to race it’s actually ridiculous. The racial climate IS more pronounced in the west in comparison to the Islands & Africa... but the issue is that American Blacks think they represent ALL black people. You don’t. Relax. ✋🏽

[@RICOCHAMBAZ]

America is country with overt racism and cultural misappropiation seems to be a huge issue apparently affecting minorities. I never knew something like braids was such a problem. Wear braids if you want. Anyone from anywhere can get your hair braided.

[@bopee2519]

Really good piece, my friend. I am Jamaican living in America. My husband and I can't wait to meet you. We are planning to spend a couple of nights at your place very soon. You are phenomenal. I really like you. I like you for showcasing beautiful Jamaica. You are helping Jamaica's economy in more ways than one. Your constant positivity about Jamaica has influenced many Jamaican to want to return to the land of their birth. Kudos to you for being so generous with the truth, be it good or bad.😌

[@trevorsteer7331]

So True.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Aww, thank you so much! Looking forward to meeting you soon! ❤️

[@ethanwilliams6340]

Jamaica u so free living there can’t wait to move back

[@anthonysimpson4084]

It’s funny that I keep on checking my phone every day to see what if you post any new content. I love your channel soooo much you would not know 😂

[@Weislawa]

As we can see, just as most people in Jamaica don't know about this issue in the U S. So it is for the trolls that would troll, someone like Irina. As a born Jamaican, who grew up in Kingston. Went to a very prominent girls high school, in Kingston. Where "waterfalls braids" were Not allowed, period!! You could only wear them during the two months of summer break. Growing up in Kingston, in the 80s, to late 80s. I don't remember seeing many women in the culture wearing Braids, it seems to me after moving to the US. In the early nineties, that maybe it got popular then, in Jamaica. The only issue I have with so-called "Cultural Appropriation," is this: When other ethnicities, wear it as a trend, They. Are given credit for it! Or they try to rename it (Corn rows) "Boxer Braids" or when a certain high falutin celebrity wears it. It's referred to by her name! Really! Ok continue to ignore "black culture," and, discredit us. Otherwise, I love embracing cultures, or when others embrace my own. People just need to get over themselves, and basically mind their own business!!!

[@trevorsteer7331]

Yeah. When I was growing up in Jamaica (the 70's), girls wore "Plat" (pleated) hair, and I never saw braids...and dreadlocks was looked down upon as a whole. I moved to the USA in 1981, and my years of going back, I have seen a HUGE change in acceptance and "Braids" AND "Dreadlocks" hairstyle. Even some people in the Church were I grew up, now have dreadlocks. It's a GREAT thing to see.

[@Weislawa]

@@trevorsteer7331 yes, glad I'm not the only one to observe that. Yes, in those days. Plaits (plats), or Relaxed, (Cream) or Pressed hair.

[@Patricia-uz2xx]

the same thing in UK, i wanted to get my hair fixed by somebody, as i have long wavy frizzy hair, and my ex was going to get his cornrows and he forbid me to get my hair twist out and asked me for what reason do i want to be unemployable. i was working at the restaurant that time and any hair color or braids or locks were ok. since that i never got my hair twisted nor braided again. im from Slovakia and as a child i was rocking braids all the time :( no idea this was such a big thing in US, but i understand the issue of course. i also had this ,,quick twist,, machine/ toy in 90s and our national hero (Juraj Jánošík) was rocking braids in 17th century. next time im in Jamaica i will get box braids done for sure. thanks for the video :)

[@tangitv6758]

Thaaanks for covering this topic !!

[@j-cultureEnt]

Jamaican people are so nice 😊

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

True!

[@wren1718]

Big up Irena!! Can’t wait to c ur knotless braids in the next vid.

[@annemariemckenzie-brown5648]

Excellent. So true. Even better you made sure to highlight and support local talent.

[@sophiedavies3558]

My best friend was of african descent. When we were in high school she came in to school with braided hair. Was called in to headteachers office.. was asked to take them out. As it was against dress code. Her mother complained and in the end she didn’t have to take them out. That was in 2010 in the UK.

[@shermede1986]

The La Beauty shop part was funny, the lady in red. speaking pure Patwa. Irina a question for you, How well do you understand Patwa, can you speak it now living 7 years in Jamaica?

[@prezzydentdubal2420]

For real tho i would love to see a video of her just speaking patwah.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

I understand Jamaican Creole, but I can't speak it well, unfortunately! And my accent sucks! 😂

[@leosatchell9478]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE You will learn Patwah little by little if you continue to immerse yourself in the Culture your children will adopt faster and learn to speak it patwah the longer they live in Jamaica. One Love!

[@keshastewart8408]

This is Jamaica. We have never had those problems at least for over 50years. It's some people here that have that problem with their hair

[@mikaylaelectra5890]

Thank you so much for this and your videos! When I came to Jamaica to stay at your place a few weeks ago, I was afraid of the type of discrimination I get in the USA for my dreadlocks. Instead, I found that Jamaicans liked and respected my locks even though I am white. It was wonderful to be welcomed and accepted on the streets of Jamaica and I am more proud of my natural hair and take better care of it since visiting Jamaica! I have had dreadlocks twice in my life because it is the natural thing my hair will do. It is sad that some people in USA think there is something wrong with it. It is a natural beauty.

[@kdwilli7453]

'In the United States the culture is different' ... Amen! And thank goodness JA is what it is!!❤️💛💚

[@syd7801]

Great video. Caribbean culture is different. One love.

[@ashantijordane1862]

As a Jamaican the problem about hair is in schools. Boys hair should not pass two inches in most schools, and girls can not wear braided hair extensions. Their is also an issue at times with Afro ( letting the hair out) where students with long hair can’t wear it because it is too ‘distracting’ to others. In fact I once got hit because of my hair style saying it wasn’t well kept ( I had my hair plaited big because it is long, thick and hard to manage)

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

I think it's the issue with dress codes in schools in general. I was not allowed to have my hair out in Soviet schools either - always had to keep it in 1 or 2 plaits or in a bun. And boys were not allowed to have any other hair style, but a certain type of short hair. Shaved/Bold or too long hair for boys was unacceptable in the USSR and the same is for Ukraine now 🤔

[@madeinjamaica7025]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE yes we arent allowed to dye, braid or let out our hair in schools because of dress codes. My sister wore ends(mini extensions) and they were okay because they looked like her real hair twisted. As long as it's not pass a certain length and not coloured, it's fine and once you get older, you can wear it whenever however

[@ashantijordane1862]

@@madeinjamaica7025 sadly my school does not allow even the natural looking extensions that are short and if a girl has long hair she is likely to be accused of wearing weave. It is as if they believe black people cant have long hair.And to make matters worse they even trim boys hair without permission for being 2 inches and that is even when combed.

[@eafspecial7383]

👋🏽 Hello Irina, I'm 52 years of age and when I was growing up in Jamaica as a child until forever as I can remember, I've used to seeing my mother, my grandmother, my great grandmother and other fellow Jamaican females has been naturally platting there own hair without any additional pieces of hair's and just there own natural hair, that's has been the norm for decades now, of course there are different ways / styles of doing it, and different names of calling it, it depends whether its a Plat or a corn row style, which now a days some people do add on an extension and called it weaving, so however and whichever ways one does it, it's perfectly fine and it doesn't matter what race, culture or gender that you are. It's all good and it maintain your hair in a more manageable and easy way to deal with your personal hair. Again this has always been part of Jamaican culture for a very very long time, you know whats so beautiful to see all the younge school girls with their hair freshly platted by their mom everyday, it always looks neat and tidy, that it becomes a part of their daily uniform. Thank you Irina for sharing, lots of love from Toronto Canada 🍁💌

[@Loading....99.99]

Forget about the Braids.. at time stamp 0:43 your black and blond hair as-is is LOVELY !

[@JanRay2020]

Irena. I love, love ur videos They are a breath of fresh air. I love your authtencity, originality, creativity, love for nature, naturalness, love for Jamaica and not to mention your educational, informative and entertaining videos. I have some catching up to do as I have been very busy lately and do not have the time to watch like in time pass. However, I will make the effort to watch your videos and catch-up, as I always learn some interesting facts. Blessings. Keep up the good work.

[@jenntopp1]

All I know is when I go on vacation to a hot country it's braids for me for many reasons. For white tourists I just think it's a novelty while they're on the island.

[@yolandibrown6358]

I completely understand the sentiments of cultural appropriation in the US beacuse of the rascism that is prominent there. It is a way for Americans of African descent to protect their culture and to fight back against discrimination. But they should also be cognizant of the fact that this is not an issue in other places. Why should 1 race of people own an hair style? We should be able to wear any hair style because we have should have freedom of expression. More so, and people might be triggered by this - but Black and mixed Americans also wear eurocentric inspired hair styles and it is not seen as cultural appropriation by white people but rather acceptable nor do blacks see themselves as appropriating eurocentric hairstyles. Its very complex if you ask me

[@trevorsteer7331]

Well said and so true

[@trevorsteer7331]

Just finished watching, and as always, LOVE IT. I love how you explain why in the USA it comes across as inappropriate versus in the Caribbean. Great Job as usual

[@jamaica1551]

Nothing is wrong with it..wear them! They look very good on you

[@bribri6300]

Stop lying, her hair looks like fowl batty, picky picky. It's okay to leave things that don't belong to your culture alone.

[@jamaica1551]

@@bribri6300 we copy them too..yall wear blonde color hair and straight hair

[@bribri6300]

@@jamaica1551 No we don't, black people can have naturally blonde hair, and straight hair as well without European ancestry. Let's say we did copy them then, it's still isn't cultural. It's not fair for her to be wearing braids while us black people are discriminated against for wearing them, even in our own countries.

[@katmossa3503]

Even the queen of England can wear braids😂😂😂

[@trevorsteer7331]

:LOL...I thought that was hilarious also

[@truvico]

Unlike the USA we don't have systematic racism to deal with. It is sad what's happening there even today in 2021. But like you said, Irina, whites are the majority there, they get to make the rules... And we know most of them are oppressive. Culturally, we're not caught up in minor issues here in Ja. We concern ourselves with the issue of crime, carelessness of healthcare, gas and food prices. Wi hav bigga fish fi fry.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

It's sad, but it's true indeed.

[@madeinjamaica7025]

Dat mi seh too

[@ricodane7567]

Great video and content of showing off our beautiful island of JamRock!

[@anthonysimpson4084]

I love this week’s video,great job again irina can’t wait to see what’s coming next week

[@patriciabarnes7034]

As far as I'm concerned, women can do their hair exactly how they like. Your hair, your choice, and that's regardless of your race. Personally, I find it totally hypocritical for women of colour to heap criticism on other woman for brading their hair, when women of colour wear straight wigs and weaves. Live and let live...

[@gloriarobinson1869]

Amen to that sentiment Patricia. It's like they forget the mole in their eyes, and is straining themselves to take it from the eyes of others.

[@trevorsteer7331]

Patricia, so true. Thanks for pointing out that hypocrisy in some people

[@patriciabarnes7034]

@@gloriarobinson1869 Exactly...Its a case of, "If you live in a darn glasshouse, you shouldn't throw stones!." Period. Anyone who feels offended by a white person wearing braids, then they need to stop buying false straight hair. It works both ways.

[@patriciabarnes7034]

@@trevorsteer7331 You are welcome. It's the truth, and the truth only hurt guilty ones.

[@MsAnon4223]

Adopting hairstyles(out of necessity) to assimilate into the dominant culture isn't the same as the dominant culture taking hairstyles from a minority culture so they can wear it like a "cool costume" or "trendy look". Acting as if those things are equal is completely dismissing the very real issues talked about in the video.

[@SammyJ96]

I truly LIKE you though,Irie. I like how open , and down to earth you are. Well,that's one of the reasons the locals like you,and you like them. Big up yuh self,yuh look good in a yuh braids . I want to get mine done,but it's expensive here so when mi reach a yard.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Thank you so much for all the support and sharing the views! It's so much appreciated! 🤗 💚

[@SammyJ96]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE much love .

[@joeymcfloey2467]

You look fabulous in braids Irie.

[@katmossa3503]

Im black American and I don’t care if white wear braids. Also leave Adele alone

[@SammyJ96]

You know Irie,I'm glad your skin is as thick as an crocodile's. The nerves of some people. You should block them.

[@SammyJ96]

Irie,at least for you it's cultural appreciation. However, interviewing the average Jamaican on cultural appropriation,is so insightful. As YOU saw for yourself, most of them have never heard of " cultural appropriation ". Jamaicans for the most part are very accepting. Aside from your little colorism here and there. The level of prejudice you see here in America we don't have that in Jamaica. " Everything Irie," was a popular catch phrase in Jamaica, based on how laid-back and accepting we are. So I'm not surprised about the responses you got.

[@claudinesmartjones9542]

Hi Irena, nowadays it is accepted but when I was growing up you couldn't have 'professional ' jobs with braids or natural hairstyles. I know a young lady who's about 40 years old she mentioned once that when she was in high school students were not allowed to wear their hair in more than 3 plaits, therefore if your hair is not long enough, you can't be enrolled there. A lot of black children could never dream of going to that corporate area school. Good discussion though. Keep it up.

[@sharieprendy4181]

That's "maybe" because of colonialism and the lay over effects of that era. Remember we could not talk patois on the radio either persons were most accepted if he/she spoke with a strong Queens English accent on radio. We have come a far way in accepting our culture..

[@kereene9146]

💯 💯 💯 I would also like to add that as Jamaicans we want to share our culture with you no matter the gender or race. In the US as Jamaican I have observed that it becomes an issue when homage isn’t paid to where the style originates from as in African braids instead of Bo Derek braids 🤦🏾‍♀️ Also it is not widely accepted in the US until a Caucasian person makes it popular and profits from it ...then it becomes the normal. For me I like to where my hair natural...and it’s very curly. When I first did it someone in a hire position than me told me it was appropriate and looked too big and fluffy, so I straightened it. Fast forward approx 10 yrs now it’s acceptable and I can wear my hair natural. Overall it can be very exhausting being black in the US ...I miss home where I could just be me.

[@mysticdre321]

We Jamaican hold firm to this value: Out of Many, One. Remember the VW commercial? People in the states were losing their minds. We didn't care. Why? Because it was damn funny

[@madeinjamaica7025]

The what commercial? I don't know what you're referring to

[@theothershoerupnow4283]

What's the old saying: imitation is the highest form of flattery? Irina my hair is like yours! It used to lay flat but in the past few years when it grows out it kind of wild. LOL!

[@elefantenreise]

They descriminate against dreadlocks in jamaica heavily im 10 minutes into the video but i hope still u gonna mention it. My personal opinion as a white person is that out of solidarity with black people whose hair has been CRIMINALIZED and used to suppress them I choose not to put my hair in black hairstyles for fashion and looks just because I feel like I can...I see that as a my basis of anti-racism and allyship towards black people..bless up eveyone

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

The video is about braids, but one of the ladies in the video mentions about prejudice against dreadlocks that used to be present in Jamaica because of overall prejudice against Rastafari, but this is not the case anymore. For example, children have dreadlocks at schools, corporate dress code allows dreadlocks (e.g. my bank manager has locks, an officer at immigration office has locks, one of our doctors has locks). Yes, some people with dreadlocks cannot get a job in Jamaica, but it's not because of their hairstyle, but because of other reasons. I will cover this in a separate video to show evidence why there used to be so much prejudice against dreadlocks in many countries and why it is changing now. Thank you!

[@Lifestylewithjada]

This video is about braids not dreadlocks,Braids and dreadlocks is 2 different things and no I've never seen people really discriminate against dreadlocks since its a part of our culture but as for the dreadlocks yea sometimes they discriminate people with dreadlocks when its dirty and shii in the past but it's not an issue anymore..

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

​@@behindthebars5396 The same case cannot be made with the N-word, because the N-word was invented by white people and was used in the past to deliberately insult black people. Are you saying that braids were invented by white people and were used to deliberately insult black people? Actually, if white people start using the N-word it would be a case of cultural appropriation of a word that had already been culturally appropriated.

[@imsk6729]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE I am Rastafari dawta....locs is my faith...they are covered out of doors at all times... my kingman....locs covered at all times out of doors... it is largely NON Rastafari ppl... (in uk..usa too) that brought about a begrudgingly acceptance of locs in the workplace..mostly due to human rights / religion / discrimination cases of success.....the discrimination of Rastafari remains.....

[@imsk6729]

@@Lifestylewithjada what a vile and ignorant comment...

[@MunchieAGoogleUser]

Another great video. I love the fact that you got the opinions of the people.

[@josee150565]

Really love your videos. Since i have a wife and daughter in Kingston it's all so nice and recognizable. Me Dutch and currently working in Anguilla. Love to come there soon though

[@josee150565]

She just got her hair braided today lol

[@Paladin1980]

I am a Jamaican living in the North East United States and people here are getting ridiculous with their politics. Please wear your braids whenever and wherever you want.

[@laya6774]

Almost 500 likes and no dislike... I've never seen a youtube video without a dislike lol. Once again Irina video well put together.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Thank you so much for the support :))) Actually, I'm surprised myself! Usually I get 4 dislikes as soon as I post a video. :))) I thought this video would get lots of dislikes since it's a controversial topic, so.. let's wait and see.

[@tanshievlogs]

U talk too quick oo

[@Beatriz-lg5ko]

Omg YAS thank you for this video I always wondered if Jamaicans felt insulted by this topic I actually wanna visit next year and I always wanted to braid my hair, but I want it braided by a local and not here in Europe

[@weintro]

I'm a typical dark skinned Jamaican male living in Los Angeles for over 25 years, and I have personally experienced prejudice, colorism and xenophobia from most African Americans here on a ongoing basis!

[@Jamaicandiaspora]

Do one on why dreadlocks is discriminated in Jamaica especially in corporate. Some Jamaican schools won't allow them.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Actually, all Jamaican schools allow dreadlocks. Of course there is dress code, but it doesn't discriminate against natural hair. There were a few stories in the media, for example, there was one claiming that a girl was not allowed at school because of her dreadlocks, but it was lies. In reality it was an issue with girl's hygiene (she didn't wash her hair) and parents were told that if she doesn't keep hair clean, she wouldn't be allowed at school. Those parents decided to turn it into a "dreadlocks not allowed at school" drama, which was ridiculous, since plenty of children at that school had dreadlocks and nobody had problems with that. I tried to find at least one story with evidence that "dreadlocks are banned at schools" in Jamaica, and it always turned out to be a hoax, which pops up under the influence of American problems. Unfortunately, people read the headlines and never read the follow up story, nor they check the details, so some might get a wrong impression. The truth is, however, there used to be prejudice against dreadlocks in Jamaica until about 1990s, but it's not the case anymore. One of the ladies in the video mentions that. However, I will be talking about dreadlocks on a separate occasion.

[@LivingOnPurpose1]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE You are the bomb 💣 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾‼️ Very good doing the ground work on that controversial thing. Yeah I wasn't buying that story when I seen it awhile back. Too many folks believe everything and anything the media tells them. Smh 😒🤦🏾‍♂️

[@trevorsteer7331]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE Looking forward to your VLOG on this topic. I made a comment about that earlier. I remember when Dreadlocks was frowned upon, but now see that it is not (I mean, people in my Church where I grew up, even wear that hairstyle now). But I am curious how TRUE Rastafarians feels about it be a "style" versus a "part of life", as it is for them.

[@roseleeclarke1948]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE NO! The Rastafarians are still discriminated against, the last time Buju Banton did a video and it went viral Jamaicans were commenting all over social media that Rastas don't brush them teeth. I grew up in the early 2000's and Jamaicans would mock Rastafarians and call them dutty dreads.

[@Lifestylewithjada]

Its not discrimated in jamaica bcz its a part of our culture but it was duscrimated in the past bcz some people dont wash their dreads often and it stinks💀💀But not again..Dreads is allowed in schools and everywhere.

[@hutchinsonjohnson2909]

Irie Jamaica is one off free is county's in the world trus me I live I am the US now

[@myserenity1130]

I totally agree!! I’m in US also..moving to Jamaica in December 2021...Blacks are leaving the US at record rates but the media is not talking about it... some are moving to African or Caribbean

[@SammyJ96]

It would be interesting to see you interview "Miss Kitty" on this issue. I know she would have plenty to say.

[@alhenry9105]

I continued to be very impressed with your videos and the detailed work you put into them all.

[@tommoyatucker3518]

im jamaican and we don't really care what race wear braid as long as they feel good and enjoy our culture and stay in jamaica

[@jimbond7992]

If someone is offended because of your hairstyle clothing the way you look it's their problem and they need to grow up

[@SamsFoodChronicles]

You look beautiful with your braids Irena! ❤️💯

[@teo.g.psychedelic]

I've had an emotional breakdown during the bank scenes, just comparing them to the usual Sberbank experience 😆

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Only Russian speakers would understand your comment 😂, but yes, I was amazed when I saw that in Jamaica. (Note for English speakers: Sberbank is a bank in Russia that also has branches in Ukraine and other former USSR countries)

[@airjam123]

Jamaican love people embrace the culture, black, white, everyone. God made us all. When your hair is braided it’s much neater, less fly away hair. Plus you’re Jamaican now. Great topic, it’s for other countries to know Jamaican opinion.

[@myserenity1130]

20:00 Please notice this is a bank and people are waiting hours for basic services while the employees are being used for entertainment while customers wait for many hours. Look at the people waiting...please do a video about bank service. I love you hair..awesome video Irina!!!

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Actually, the waiting lines in banks is indeed another story, I'll cover it in a separate video!

[@AcheliusDecimus]

When I was around 18-26 I worked in a corporate office, and my hair was braided. I would train other staff, do presentations, meet ambassadors from Australia and other countries. No one had a problem. The USA is divided by politics, and people take political views as culture and personal views.

[@antoinettegordon5349]

You never disappoint with your videos thanks for sharing nuff love 😘😘

[@mistypeppercorn914]

I got a slap for wearing a bandana once." It's for cancer people only and I shouldn't be wearing it if I wasn't sick". I only got it to keep the sun off my head. Kept wearing though. There not the boss of me 😁.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Where did that happen?

[@mistypeppercorn914]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE oh here in Ireland last year. That kind of knit picking doesn't bother me. Love the videos by the way 😉.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

@@mistypeppercorn914 wow, crazy assumptions about bandanas... Back in 1990s I think bandanas were viewed like a style for bikers 🤷‍♀️.. you know, harley + rock music + tattoo + bandana.