Few things are more fascinating as cultural appropriation than watching people defend a person who has openly mocked black women, used racial slurs and threatened abuse.
In other words, everyone’s favorite problematic makeup child, Jeffree Star, is back in the news for posting a picture of himself in blonde and green-tipped cornrows on Twitter.
MONEY HONEY ???? pic.twitter.com/IvFWlxI7ye— Jeffree Star (@JeffreeStar) September 28, 2018
Many immediately and exhaustedly called out the beauty blogger for cultural appropriation, saying that he was using black culture for profit.
One user responded by saying, “Using others cultures (in this case a hairstyle) as a makeup look and image that will be used to promote his brand and make sales is cultural appropriation if I have ever seen it. It would be different if it was for appreciation and raising a voice to a community who gets looked down on and called unprofessional/dirty for having natural hair, wearing dreads, and wearing braids.”
Using others cultures (in this case a hair style) as a makeup look and image that will be used to promote his brand and make sales is cultural appropriation if i have ever seen it. It would be different if it was for appreciation and raising a voice to a community 1/2— Emma (@FluffyEmmaPie) September 28, 2018
Others failed to see any possible offense, with another user replying that, “I’m black and they’re cute on anybody. Like if white people don’t get mad about us having straight here [writer’s note: she likely meant hair, but she’s clearly lost in many ways] then why we mad about braids?”
Bro I’m black and they’re cute on anybody like if white people dont get mad about us having straight here then why we mad about braids ????— wyatt richardson (@bxtchtwxtter) September 28, 2018
While Star did not issue a direct statement, he did reply to one black user who said she found no issues with his actions.
Girl it’s not cultural appropriation. I’m black and I don’t have an issue with it and neither does anyone in my family or my friends. All I see are white people having an issue with it. It’s HAIR. There are people dying in other countries and you’re mad about HAIR? #cantrelate— Asante Burk (@asantebaemua) September 28, 2018
“Hahaha preach,” Star replied. “Young kids trying to be mad at something always.”
This isn’t the first time Star has come under fire. According to Teen Vogue, the makeup enthusiast said he wanted to throw battery acid on a black woman in hopes of lightening her skin to match the color of her foundation. Star was also allegedly exposed by his former hairstylist for casually using "n****r," Girlfriend reported.
Per usual, do better.
Now, check these out:
Black Twitter Comes For Kim Kardashian’s Neck After She Defends Racist Beauty Blogger