Larsa Pippen Defends Wearing Box Braids After Cultural Appropriation Claims: ‘I’m Not White’

Reality TV star Larsa Pippen has been defending herself on social media after being accused of cultural appropriation for wearing box braids. The controversy began when Pippen was spotted wearing the hairstyle during a trip to the Bahamas, which was featured in the fifth season of her reality show, The Real Housewives of Miami.

During the season’s reunion episode, host Andy Cohen asked Pippen about the backlash she had received for wearing the braids. A fan had written in to ask whether she thought it was culturally appropriate, and predicted that she would receive a lot of criticism for the choice.

In response, Pippen defended her decision, saying, “I’m not white. I’m Middle Eastern, so I’m not sure if that’s the same thing. But I definitely respect all cultures.”

However, her comments did not sit well with many viewers, who argued that cultural appropriation is not limited to white people. They pointed out that the history of box braids and other similar hairstyles is deeply rooted in Black culture, and that wearing them without understanding or acknowledging that history is disrespectful.

Pippen has since taken to social media to further explain her position, saying that she was not trying to be disrespectful and that she loves and appreciates all cultures. She also shared photos of herself wearing other hairstyles, including a short blonde bob and long straight hair, to demonstrate that she enjoys experimenting with different looks.

The controversy over Pippen’s box braids is just the latest example of the ongoing debate around cultural appropriation in fashion and beauty. Many argue that people from dominant cultures should not adopt elements of marginalized cultures without proper understanding and respect, while others maintain that cultural exchange is an important part of creativity and innovation.

Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that cultural appropriation is a complex and sensitive topic that requires thoughtful consideration and dialogue. As more and more people from diverse backgrounds enter the fashion and beauty industries, it is important that we continue to have these conversations in order to foster greater understanding and respect for all cultures.