Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should white people have dreadlocks?
Position1 of 3›

Yes, white people should be able to have dreadlocks

This position holds that white people should be free to wear dreadlocks. It argues that people should be able to express themselves as they wish, that cultures are meant to be shared, and that dreadlocks in fact originated independently across numerous cultures, not one alone.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. White people should be able to have dreads because cultures should be shared
    The values and material works that come from a specific culture should be accessible to everyone. Material culture—such as artwork, clothing, and even dreadlocks—does not belong only to the originating culture. Culture belongs to any human who acknowledges and appreciates the meaning attached to a cultural symbol.
  2. Dreadlocks originated in numerous cultures
    Since dreadlocks come from multiple cultures, one group of people cannot claim ownership.
  3. White people should be able to have dreadlocks for spiritual reasons
    Dreadlocks have many ties to spirituality. A variety of cultures have religious practices surrounding hair, such as Amish people and Hasidic Jewish people. Dreadlocks are just another manifestation of altering one's hair for religious purposes. Anyone who holds those spiritual beliefs surrounding dreadlocks ought to be able to wear them.