If I wore a piece of jewelry that was African, would that violate some sort of cross-cultural taboo? I am as white as snow--would some black people be angry with me for wearing African clothing or jewelry?
2007-01-07 16:05:50 · 20 answers · asked by Bastet's kitten 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Culture is not a right, it's your beliefs, interests, actions...
There is no reason why anyone should be mad or offended, when someone else shares an interest with others cultures and beliefs! The only time where it might be taboo is when you display something that means something else in other cultures! For example, I am Buddhist. To me, the swastika is a Chinese character that means "Lucky"! In many parts of the world, such as here in Canada, the swastika is seen as relating to Nazism (National Socialism)! For this reason, I do not wear the symbol. I personally would not mind people wearing the symbol appropriately, wearing traditional Buddhist monk robes, having statues of Buddha, or practicing meditation. It is not a culture's "right" to keep it to themselves, they should share it freely with others, as well as try out other cultures! If it was not for cultural sharing, where would our music...clothing...beliefs, be today?
Share your culture with others, and open your mind to other cultures!
2007-01-07 16:40:51 · answer #1 · answered by Brandon55 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friend (white) used to wear an African fertility symbol around her neck. It was a gift. Occasionally, she had a few black people challenge her about the necklace. They were somewhat rude and usually asked her if she had any idea what the symbol meant, implying that she probably had no clue. She always answered correctly so they would leave her alone but they would be a little huffy about it. She'd also get hassled by Jamaican men who yelled at her about being white with dreadlocks. It was probably one out of every two thousand black people she walked by who asked her about it. It wasn't much of a problem.
2007-01-07 16:13:52 · answer #2 · answered by Pico 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not African I am American, I have never been to Africa, though my ancestors are from Africa so I guess you have just as much of a right wearing african jewelry as I do wearing a french roll. LOL
2007-01-07 16:51:34 · answer #3 · answered by little lamb 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wearing some kind of traditional clothing might be seen as offensive but I think jewelry is fine.
2007-01-07 16:08:31 · answer #4 · answered by patriciamariegrant 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seens you get carry of a bag with shade on it then you definately might desire to accessorise to circulate with that or the bag will stand out too lots in all probability a purple long ordinary necklace and a few purple bangles i would not say blue because of the fact blue and black are not consistently that good at the same time
2016-10-30 07:44:12 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only the ignorant ones...If you do, and someone does decide to get mad...tell them you'll take it off if they can tell you what country it's from.
...and if the say "Africa" they've forfeit their right to complain ;)
I'm black and I'd be happy to see you wear African jewelry ;)
2007-01-07 16:10:22 · answer #6 · answered by wickedxjade 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
These days people wear jewelry from all cultures.
2007-01-07 16:08:40 · answer #7 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I really don't care what you do. Do you think Africans would be mad at me if I decided to wear their jewelry also?
2007-01-07 16:07:56 · answer #8 · answered by ♥michele♥ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some might. But do we not live in a free country? Dress how you like! I know a guy who wears a kilt once in a while and he has no affiliation with Great Britain whatsoever. I say go for it!
2007-01-07 16:12:57 · answer #9 · answered by afbrat65 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It wouldn't bother me, I like when people of other races dip into the african culture.
2007-01-07 16:08:32 · answer #10 · answered by ßαßε 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋