We often hear about the struggles of the Islamic population, the Jewish population, and even the Christian population in their battle to retain their cultural identity. We often hear about these groups' efforts to avoid stereotypes and reinforce their identities.
But, what about Hindus? Are we any less?
Agreed, we may be a minority in today's Western world, but for the few of us that have fought against enslavement by the British, conversion by the Western Christians and Sufi Mystics, we are strong, and we have a voice, too.
The issue is not often addressed, and some Hindus, as great as they may be, choose to take a backseat and not stand up to the abuse and appropriation against their culture. But as a rising young woman, whose religion played a major role in her development, I refuse to sit back and tolerate it.
I refuse to sit back and watch you tattoo Henna onto your arms and legs for "fun" and watch it lose its significance as brides apply it to their hands and feet before their weddings to symbolize the love between them and their spouse. I refuse to sit back and watch bindis be worn to various music festivals, while it is, in fact, a symbol of a Hindu woman's pride and strength. I refuse to sit back and watch you use my culture conveniently, while I fight to preserve its relevance and sacredness.
I find it ironic that people would make fun of a 7/11 worker for wearing his sacred tikka, but proudly fashion "body stickers" aka the aforementioned bindi at the latest EDC. I find it ironic that people would mock Indians for smelling of cardomom and spices, but happily consume various curries and delicacies from their neighborhood Indian kitchen. I find it ironic that you would laugh at me in public for wearing a traditional indian outfit, but have no problem wearing something similar, as long as you name it "Bohemian Chic". I find it ironic that you would dismiss my religion as barbaric and out of date, yet fashion a scarf that says, "Jai Shree Ram" or "OM".
In all of these situations, I would like to know -- where is the line drawn?
Where is the line between cultural appreciations versus cultural appropriation?
Here are some noteworthy examples of cultural appropriation.
1. Bindi
TopShop as their own section called "Temporary Tattoos and Bindis Jewelry". See Christina Augliera model it below!
2. Henna
Kits for body painting are available online! See more here!!
Note: henna is applied to backs as a fashion statement, au contraire to its original significance.
3. Om "Prayer"
You don't even have to understand what OM means, what the significance of yoga is, nothing! But, you can buy the scarf with the symbol carved so beautifully on it from the NYSA YOGA, run by non-Hindus!
It's great, isn't it?!
How would you feel if your identity and everything your existence is based on was stolen from right under you, by people who don't even care about it.
