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Should white people have dreadlocks?
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The focus of the dreadlocks debate should be on inequality

The larger issue at hand is eliminating the negative connotations dreadlocks have with marijuana and the judgement of uncommon hairstyles in the workplace.
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The Argument

Instead of debating who should have permission to wear dreadlocks, everyone should concentrate on erasing the negative associations they have to stoner culture and being seen as unprofessional or dirty. Dreads may have been popular with African-Americans in the U.S., but since they have multiple origins one culture cannot claim ownership.[1] Many hairstyles from minority cultures are often viewed as unprofessional or messy. In more conservative professions, uncommon hairstyles are frequently banned from the dress code. Everyone should focus on allowing all hairstyles to be accepted in every environment, as well as not judging someone's professionalism based on their style.

Counter arguments

Dreadlocks are an important part of the fight for equality because of their importance in many minority cultures. In the United States, dreads are popular with African-Americans but have a stereotype of being messy and unprofessional. This causes accusations of discrimination in the workplace since many companies don't allow their employees to have that hairstyle, claiming because it does not match their overall image. When people forbid others to wear parts of their culture, they are being prejudicial.

Proponents

Premises

[P1] People should strive to eliminate the negative connotations dreadlocks have to stoner culture. [P2] One culture cannot claim ownership of dreadlocks. [P3] Therefore, it shouldn't matter who wears dreadlocks.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P2] Dreadlocks are associated with African and Rastafarian cultures.

References

  1. https://loccessories.com/wearing-white-dreadlocks-not-cultural-appropriation-upset-instead/
This page was last edited on Friday, 30 Oct 2020 at 14:47 UTC