The online reaction to Adele\’s Bantu knots reveal a divide in the African diaspora over cultural appropriation
When Adele posted a photo of herself wearing a Jamaican flag bikini, Bantu knots and Jamaican-themed costume at the Notting Hill carnival last night, the floodgates opened and we were buried in the deluge of criticism and counter-criticism. The English singer-songwriter\’s Instagram post has once again kick-started a recurring conversation around cultural appropriation, Black outrage and who gets to participate in Black culture or not.
While many, mostly Black Americans and British-Jamaicans have expressed their disapproval of what they say is cultural appropriation, others particularly Black British people of African immigrant descent and Africans themselves, consider the sentiment to be an overreaction and Adele\’s costume, completely harmless.
From Africans who don\’t see a reason why Black people are outraged
Poppycock! This humbug totally misses the spirit of Notting Hill Carnival and the tradition of “ dress up” or “ masquerade” Adele was born and raised in Tottenham she gets it more than most. Thank you Adele. Forget the Haters. https://t.co/sabpPPRtID
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) August 31, 2020
The thing is you can tell Adele actually grew up around Black people and is respectful that’s why no one’s too mad. It’s like your white friend you grew up with that you need to pattern once in a blue moon, not the same as Pandora from Hertfordshire gentrifying Notting Hill
— Jason Okundaye (@jasebyjason) August 30, 2020
Conversations on cultural appropriation are necessary. African Americans have been systemically harmed because of who they are. So when they see white people copying it (even when the intention hasn't been revealed yet) they are quick to be outraged and that's okay…
— Freddie? (@Freddieunicorn5) August 31, 2020
Sometimes the Black Americans get outraged over nothing. There’s nothing wrong with Adele wearing a Jamaican-flag bikini top & African Bantu Knots on her head.
— Tunde ➐ (@Tunnykvng) August 31, 2020
Africans love it. Jamaicans love it. So why are the AA pressed?
Who made them the spokespeople for the black culture?
If Jamaicans and others in the UK are saying Adele’s costume isn’t appropriation, but a tribute to Notting Hill Carnival, any conversation about appropriation should end there, no?
— Wolé E (@TheWoleM) August 31, 2020
Source: okayafrica.com
