Everybody should know that there is a difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation but yet again, Twitter is divided about the “henna lip stain” hack that turned up on TikTok a few days ago. Not surprised? We didn’t think so.
According to India.com, a woman named Briana Christianson is the brains behind the “henna lip stain”. In a video uploaded on TikTok, the woman can be seen applying mehndi on her lips with a brush. She allows it to dry for an hour and then peels the henna off to reveal an orange henna stain on her lips.
The controversy
Some netizens were concerned for Christianson and stated that store-bought henna is not 100 percent organic and contains chemicals. Yet others warned that if done wrong, her lips could turn an extremely dark colour and eventually come off in patches.
However, many Indians felt offended because traditionally, henna is used on the hands, feet, and hair and especially during traditional desi weddings.
“Btw there’s difference between Cultural appreciation and appropriation. We wear Henna/Mehndi on our Hand and leg on different occasions with Artistic design. If others wear it properly it’s totally fine. But Henna is DEFINITELY not for using on lips . Atleast wear it properly, (sic)” said a Twitter user named WeekendForWafa.
“Literally what’s wrong with white people?” stated RubiesJendeuk on Twitter in a succinct statement.
Some Twitter users went as far as to state that the West attempted to colonise Yoga and Christianson’s stunt was an attempt to colonise henna and its use.
Check out the video here.
Adele and Bantu Knots
In similar news, Adele had received major backlash after she posted a picture of herself wearing bikini and Bantu knots to celebrate Notting Hill Carnival. The musician was seen wearing a Jamaican flag bikini top, feathers adorning her shoulders, gold chains around her neck and wrists, and with her hair curled into tight knots.
Bantu knots are a traditional African hairstyle that has been around for over a century. Despite its relevance to the African people, this style has often been deemed unprofessional when worn by black people but celebrated when white or fair-skinned people co-opt it. Adele’s attire led to many people calling out the singer on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram.
