Kim Kardashian has once again attracted criticism for her choice in hairstyles. Recently seen wearing platinum white basket braids, the television personality has sparked a negative reaction among her followers.
After posting images of her latest style on social media platforms, instead of praise, Kardashian encountered a significant pushback. Numerous individuals accused her of cultural appropriation, citing that basket braids are traditionally worn by Black women.
Kardashian is no stranger to accusations of cultural appropriation. She has previously been criticized for sporting cornrows and Fulani braids. Despite previous controversies, Kardashian has not publicly addressed the criticism nor issued an apology regarding her hairstyle choices.
Critics contend that Kardashian’s adoption of hairstyles linked to Black culture is not only disrespectful but also diminishes the historical and cultural contributions of Black women to the realms of fashion and beauty. They suggest that mere acknowledgment of the origins of these styles by Kardashian is insufficient; she should actively promote and support Black women with her influential platform.
On the other hand, some defenders of Kardashian believe she is merely exploring different ways to express her personal style through her hair, arguing that the backlash is an overreaction. Nonetheless, opponents maintain that there is a clear distinction between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation, stressing that Kardashian’s hairstyle decisions contribute to the ongoing marginalization of Black women.
Whether Kardashian will respond to this latest round of criticism remains uncertain. The ongoing debate highlights the broader issues of representation and acknowledgment in the fashion and beauty industries.
