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. 22
   tshepo Says:
   February 27th, 2009 at 10:11 PM

   I would like to once again revv my thoughts and those of the other masses out there.The real issue about dreadlocks and ‘white’ peoplesporting them, is really no big deal.Like i said before i have respect for them because they have crossed barriers in order to adopt a more natural look. The problem with ‘black’ people is that they have been hurt so much that they now feel like, ‘well now they are getting the little of what we had of our culture.’ I say to all that lets just try to love one another and rather joke about how beautiful your natty dreads are, rather than bring the race and colour issue into all this. I deliberately put the words black and white inside apostrophes because to me i don’t see any coloured person when i’m talking or associating with people.

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2. 23
   The Beat*Nik Gangstas Says:
   February 27th, 2009 at 10:12 PM

   I would like to address your comments on caucasians with nappy hair. There are people with dreadlocks of all colors. There are also good and bad people of every color. Increasingly in this day and age you will find those kids we like to refer to as ‘dreadier than now.’ But you can not deny that you’ll find africans with the same ridiculous MTV beliefs about their dreadlocks being cool or trendy. Another idea overlooked is that there is no mandated personality for dreadlocks.

   Personally I have beliefs on what having locks is all about, but those are my personal beliefs and they are what is right for me. I’m definitely not rastafarian, but I do feel that dreadlocks have to do with living your life the way you choose to and having no fear of what others will think or say about it. I’ve already gotten the impression from your manner of journalism that you look down upon us blue eyed devils. Judging that a particular lifestyle decision should be permitted only for a particular race. It’s that sort of close-mindedness that continues to fuel the fires of racism. In closing I would like to leave you with a quote from the late great Peter Tosh, ‘no mind your complexion, there is no rejection, your an african.

   P.S. The road through life is hard, and you will struggle too, but while your laughing at me someone else is judging you.

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3. 24
   naani's naturals Says:
   February 27th, 2009 at 10:13 PM

   naani does not believe that white people are blue eyed devils. I have NO idea where you get this impression and if you wanna share it with me, I’d love to hear it. What I do find particularily interesting is that you’d call yourself one. Other than that, I feel ya!

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