Black Twitter gives Kim Kardashian a lesson on cultural appropriation for the millionth time

No matter how many times she gets called out, Kim Kardashian just can't stop appropriating Black culture.

It seems no matter how many times she gets called out, Kim Kardashian just can't stop appropriating Black culture...

Gerren Keith Gaynor
Jan 29, 2018
Kim Kardashian theGrio.com
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/One Voice: Somos Live!/Getty Images and Snapchat)

No matter how many times she gets called out, Kim Kardashian just can’t stop appropriating Black culture.

The reality star is back in the hot seat after taking to Snapchat to show off what she called her “Bo Derek Braids.” Kardashian appeared to be giving a nod to the braiding style worn by actress Bo Derek in the 1979 film, 10.

—Kim Kardashian doesn’t realize she’s the butt of an old racial joke—

Black Twitter, ever keen to call out cultural appropriators, was quick to chime in and inform Kardashian that Derek, who is white, was not the originator of the braids.

The proper term for the hairstyle is actually called Fulani braids, which comes from the people of Fula in West Africa.

Schooled on social media

Though it appears Kardashian is clueless about the origins of cornrow braids, outraged Twitter users had no problem giving her a crash course.

“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,” wrote one user.

—K. Michelle says ‘Kim K’ song is about a culture that neglects Black women—

Another Twitter user wrote, “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.”

A history of appropriating Black women

Kim Kardashian is no stranger to accusations of cultural appropriation. Her very ascent in Hollywood, many argue, is centered around her physical attributes, which are derived from Black women.

Criticisms of appropriation only intensified as she and her sisters’ fame grew. The appropriation of Black culture continued on as the Kardashian clan began rocking braids and other fashion styles popularized and originated by women of color.

Singer K. Michelle even made a song about it. The R&B star’s song “Kim K” serves as a criticism on the culture that values the Kardashians but won’t value the Black culture that’s inspired their looks.

—Kim Kardashian hires lawyer to help incarcerated Black women—

“The statement behind the song is black women are rarely given credit for our cultural trends and flyness,” the singer said.

“For ages Black women have been taught by society that our image isn’t good enough for mainstream or that we need to make changes. I believed them and made those SOME of those changes, only 2 regret it,” she added.

“The older I got I started to see that women of other ethnicities were being accepted for and African American women were told no 2 big asses, cornrolls, long pointy finger nails(which was taking place before we were born-its tribal) and other cultural aesthetics.”

See more reactions to Kim K’s braid faux pas below.

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