White People with Dreadlocks

This entry is part 1 of 1 in the series White People Dreads

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White People Dreads

• White People with Dreadlocks

THIS ARTICLE IS A REPRINT OF AN ARTICLE ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NAANI.COM IN 2002. WE’VE DECIDED TO REVIVE THE DEBATE TO SEE HOW MUCH WE AND VISITORS HAVE GROWN…HOPEFULLY.

I remember back in college that every now and then I’d spot a (dread)locked head on campus. The irony was that none of them belonged to my African-American peers. I didn’t know what to think when I saw a White person with dreadlocks. At the time, I didn’t fully understand their historical significance myself so I thought, “Who am I to judge?”

white people with dreadlocks

Obviously these people were brave enough to embrace a traditionally African style that even some Blacks have difficulty accepting, so why hate?

When I started researching (dread)locks and natural hair on the web, most of the sites I stumbled upon catered to a White audience. I thought dreadlocking African hair was a trial but after reviewing some of these sites, it seemed White people take locking to a whole notha level.

I’ve seen sites that not only recommend using vats of beeswax, but also toothpaste, glue…honey???? On top of that, some boast the ability to lock one’s hair in a matter of just a few weeks which anyone with locked hair knows is a joke.

So it got me thinking and I decided to pose a few questions. What do you think of White people with dreadlocks? Is it a lifestyle or hairstyle for them? Are they ever truly dreadlocked?

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67 Responses to “White People with Dreadlocks”

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1. 10
   naanis naturals Says:
   February 27th, 2009 at 10:03 PM

   WHOA Amie! naani has. Please do YOUR research and visit the section on the history of dreadlocks – http://fromgrandmaskitchen.com/Natural-Hair-Beauty/categories/Dreadlocks/History-of-Dreadlocks/. We’re working on a more detailed and updated section for this naani book, but due to the vastness of this site, that update will take time. Just as we at naani do not ASSume the knowledge of our audience, please everyone do your research before you ASSume ours…that’s love.

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2. 11
   Amie Says:
   February 27th, 2009 at 10:04 PM

   Please excuse the bit of frustration in my tone at the closing of my prior letter. The anger was more directed at the vast majority of readers, not to naani itself. I do believe you have done research and I had hoped for different reactions on the poll, especially with the facts out there. Thanks for posting my opinion, and I look forward to seeing what comes up in the future.

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3. 12
   Andy Says:
   February 27th, 2009 at 10:05 PM

   This is a pretty interesting list here. I am white, and I”ve had my locks for almost two years. I can tell you this, my hair is definetly locked, it would be impossible for me to try and comb them out. I used a little bees wax at first but after a couple of weeks I quit using anything.

   I don”t think there should be a race issue here at all. Everyone who lets their hair lock does it for there own reasons, some for tradition, and some for style. For everyone who believes in the Bible, and during those times, Many cultures would have had locked hair. Samson is one example that is mentioned. So to say that any certain group is “stealing” this tradition would be impossible. Who would we be stealing it from?

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