Justice

What Marc Jacob's Got Wrong in His Response To 'Cultural Appropriation' Critics

September 16th 2016

Marc Jacobs' New York Fashion Week (NYFW) show featuring white models in dreadlocks has received a lot of negative feedback on social media, with some accusing the designer of cultural appropriation. But Jacobs stands by his production and has even offered up some criticism of the very people who called him out.

Jacobs, who had famous models such as Kendall Jenner and Karlie Kloss strut down the runway donning dreadlocks from Etsy, reportedly shot back at his critics in an Instagram comment captured by The Shade Room:

Jacobs seemed to say it's hypocritical of people to point a finger at him for cultural appropriation but let it slide when women of color straighten their hair:

"And all who cry 'cultural appropriation' or whatever nonsense about any race of skin color wearing their hair in a particular style or manner - funny how you don’t criticize women of color for straightening their hair. I respect and am inspired by people and how they look. I don’t see color or race- I see people. I’m sorry to read that so many people are so narrow minded…Love is the answer. Appreciation of all and inspiration from anywhere is a beautiful thing. Think about it."

A lot of commenters were not into this response.

InstagramInstagram - instagram.com

This controversy comes at a time when a slew of famous people, including Kendall Jenner's siblings, have been slammed for cultural appropriation. Many argue that it isn't fair of white individuals to benefit from another culture while not fully understanding or trying to improve any challenges people of said culture face.

Kylie Jenner, for example, has gotten a lot of negative responses to photos of her in cornrows on social media.

"[You] appropriate black features and culture but fail to use [your] position of power to help black Americans by directing attention towards [your] wigs instead of police brutality or racism #whitegirlsdobetter," actress Amandla Stenberg wrote on one of Jenner's Instagram posts last year.

Jenner responded with, "Mad if I do, mad if I don't.... Go hang [with Jaden Smith] or something."

Share your opinion

Were you offended by Jacobs' NYFW show?

Yes 28%No 72%