Patrick Starrr Accused of Cultural Appropriation
When social media star and makeup artist Patrick Starrr decided to pay homage to fashion queen Solange, he probably didn't think that his post - with the caption "Peace. Love. Positivity." - would cause a kerfuffle. If anything, he looks great in his white jumpsuit and...
Peace. Love. Positivity. pic.twitter.com/4nb0d45ZJe
- PATRICKSTARRR (@patrickstarrr) August 7, 2017
...an afro wig. The hair and outfit combination makes sense when you look at Patrick's inspiration, which was Solange on her wedding day:
Lasts night look was inspired by Solange on her wedding day. ?? pic.twitter.com/dIn6acjgNR
- PATRICKSTARRR (@patrickstarrr) August 7, 2017
But responses to these outfit tweets are rather mixed. On the one hand, there are folks who love Patrick's whole look and inspiration:
Is this the Lashauwn beyond creation cos it's GORGEOUS
- skrr (@noelleplay) August 7, 2017
Nailed it!
- L. Sparrow, Ed S (@LSparrow1906) August 7, 2017
You look amazing! And you're giving credit to the inspiration of this look. I don't see anything wrong with this. ????
- ?ElyMarie? (@E_rocKsteady) August 7, 2017
I have no idea why someone would be offended by that. There are much more important issues to put that energy towards. I love the look!
- Angel Harris (@AngelHawkins5) August 7, 2017
It's sad how people feel the need to apologize for EVERYTHING. he clearly stated he's INSPIRED. She's beautiful and so is Patrick!
- tee.dee?? (@Tlmd104) August 8, 2017
But other folks dropped into Patrick's mentions to point out that as a Filipino man, the use of the afro wig could be constituted as a sort of cultural appropriation, even when done in the name of accurate homage:
but you're a Filipino man & she's a black woman. yo dusty ass coulda done just the outfit & not the hair, but I digress.
- babykins (@abelsboo) August 7, 2017
"Celebrate a beautiful hairstyle" that's how the fuck her hair grows out of her scalp.
- SC: Uchesofly (@Ucheism) August 7, 2017
Black women are not a costume. It's good that you are flattered by her but we are not a costume and you could have did it without the Afro.
- jas (@beautifuljas91) August 8, 2017
Patrick eventually posted an apology/explanation for his outfit:
"I want to apologize for offending anyone with my hairstyle last night. I wanted to celebrate a beautiful hairstyle inspired by Solange. I am not in any way claiming to be black. I am Filipino and accepting and I hope we can all celebrate beauty/diversity all together."
(1/2)I want to apologize for offending anyone with my hairstyle last night. I wanted to celebrate a beautiful hairstyle inspired by Solange.
- PATRICKSTARRR (@patrickstarrr) August 7, 2017
(2/2) I am not in any way claiming to be black. I am Filipino and accepting and I hope we can all celebrate beauty/diversity all together??
- PATRICKSTARRR (@patrickstarrr) August 7, 2017
While it's clear that Patrick was only trying to pay a compliment to a favorite artist, it matters to see him engage with these kinds of culturally-specific critiques, rather than dismissing concerns or acting defensive from another perspective.
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