Cornrows and Cultural Appropriation

Social appropriation is sadly not a new pop culture issue.  However, because of famous celebrities such as Fergie, Gwen Stefani, Heidi Klum, Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake, Jared Leto, David Beckman, and, more recently, Lena Dunham, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and Kim Kardashian, the list goes on and on.  This issue of cultural appropriation is popping up in magazines and feeds all over.  The issue of cultural appropriation stems further than a celebrity wearing their hair in braids.  It is important to remember what things mean to the culture and the people in the culture, "...cornrows, it is symbolic of a cultural identity that does not want to be homogenized...".  Cultural issues are becoming normalized in society- mostly seen in college age students.  Most retable seen in party themes, the media has allowed for cultural appropriation to seem insignificant as it has gone un-noticed and unpunished.
"Whether it’s a hairstyle or jazz music, there’s a difference between honoring a culture and stealing from it."  The difference between enjoying something from another culture and using it to make a statement are two very different things.  People everyday are living their lives everyday with what you are "using" to make a statement.  The identity of individual's are being harmed because of negligence and stupidity.  Even 'asking' someone from the culture's if you can use their style is not an acceptance from the entire culture.  However, some may say that bringing about another culture to the mainstream is a way of immersing the culture into America's "melting pot".  This could at first be seen as a positive, however, not in the minds of corrupt businesses as the article states, "it feels an awful lot like slavery to have others profit from your efforts."
It's important to remember there is a difference between stealing and enjoying.  Enjoying and appreciating another culture's music, dance, clothing, food, etc. is acceptable and allows for people to become more cultured.  But it is important to remember there is a line that must not be crossed- the line or cultural enrichment and cultural appropriation.