- Question
Is wearing a bindi cultural appropriation?
Bindis are a popular accessory worn by South Asian women, but they are being increasingly worn by Western women as a fashion accessory. There is increasing debate about whether this use is cultural appropriation or cultural appreciation.
Anyone can wear a bindi
This position holds that anyone can wear a bindi. It argues that, although the bindi originated as a religious symbol in South Asia, it has evolved into a widely worn fashion accessory — even within the cultures it comes from — so wearing it elsewhere is not appropriation.
Bindis should only be worn by people of Southeast Asian origin
This position holds that bindis should only be worn by people of South Asian origin. It argues that the bindi carries special cultural and spiritual significance, and that it should not be worn as a fashion accessory by those who do not understand or share that meaning.