Here's the real problem with Kim Kardashian's 'Bo Derek' braids
As if facing backlash for being accused of wearing blackface weren’t enough, Kim Kardashian is playing in the arena of cultural appropriation once again thanks to her latest “Bo Derek“-inspired braided hairstyle.
Over the weekend, the 37-year-old reality star posted a video on social media wearing platinum blond braids accessorized with white beads at the ends. During the short clip, she says, “So guys, I did Bo Derek braids, and I’m really into it.”
Shortly after sharing, social media’s unapproving response to her new look was swift. The Shade Room reposted the clip and individuals commented: “Those are African braids” and “Bo Derek didn’t invent any braids, style are anything that has to do braids. Let’s clear that up.”
A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Jan 28, 2018 at 6:39pm PST
While Bo Derek did wear the same hairstyle in the 1979 film 10, the actress has also been incorrectly glorified for popularizing the braided ‘do. In a 2015 interview with New York, Derek was asked about her thoughts on the look, and her responses were basic: “It’s a hairdo! That’s all it is.” She added, “No, seriously, of all the important racial and cultural issues we have right now, people are going to focus on a hairstyle? No, no. I’ll save my efforts toward important racial and cultural issues.”
Unbeknownst to Kardashian, she is actually rocking Fulani braids, a hairstyle inspired by the Fulani people of East Africa and West Africa and also worn by women of color for centuries. Just like on Instagram, Twitter users were quick to credit the style as Fulani braids and how they are being culturally appropriated.
Kim Kardashian got on Fulani braids and called them “Bo Derek” braids. These why culture appropriation trash. Also, how many times is that family gonna get dragged for them to stop appropriating other people’s culture. This why Beyonce don’t like her stiff lips ass. pic.twitter.com/Nd2NHt7aOB
— Pink India? (@Yoldeeee) January 29, 2018
They are called Fulani braids or some may even say corn rows. You could of called them either one but you called them "Bo derek" giving credit to a white woman for a black style knowing you already catch heat for culture vulturing. #KimKardashian #culturalvul pic.twitter.com/aIF4NzJ9rw
— Roses (@Teenagenature) January 29, 2018
First of all @KimKardashian it’s Fulani braids not Bo Derek. Wayyy before her. Do your research for once before engaging in the culture. But anything for publicity right? Ugh.
— I Am Keisha Monique (@IMKeishaMonique) January 29, 2018
We’re living in a time where @KimKardashian gets micros and calls them Bo Derek braids like girl! This is why y’all are called vultures!!! Give them black women their credit and praise! Not a white woman! pic.twitter.com/GzS774M4K2
— heatherlynn (@milfandcookies1) January 29, 2018
This unfortunately isn’t the first time Kardashian rocked the braided look without giving proper credit. Rewinding back to 2013, she also wore jet-black Fulani braids with clear beads and her Instagram caption shouted out Bo Derek too. There also was the instance when she referred to cornrows as “Boxer Braids,” and it’s safe to say the list goes on. See a pattern here?
When will the Kardashian-Jenner clan learn to give credit where credit is due? A little research can go a long way.
A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Feb 13, 2013 at 2:55pm PST
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
‘Kanye is a very lucky man:’ Kim Kardashian West’s best beauty looks 2017
This NYC bar will kick you out if you speak like a Kardashian
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