Cherry Juice
Gwen Stefani Accused Of Appropriating Cultural Style For Wearing Dreadlocks In “Light My Fire” Music Video
Gwen Stefani’s current controversy isn’t the first time she has been accused of cultural appropriation. Despite her long history of appropriating cultural symbols, she has dismissed the allegations whenever someone has leveled them against her.
The former No Doubt member appears in a new music video by Jamaican rapper Sean Paul and singer Shenseea. The footage shows Stefani wearing a Jamaican flag-inspired outfit with dreadlocks.
Several Twitter commenters raised this issue when criticizing her.
“Dear Gwen, You’re far too comfortable with cultural appropriation,” one person commented. “Y’all remember the harajuku girls? The bindi she chose to wear in one of her videos? The bantu knots? The imitation of indigenous culture within a music video, as well as, indecently portraying Latina women?”
Another commenter argued that she was playing cultural dress-up and wanted her to demonstrate a greater sense of authenticity.
Their position is that it is time for Gwen to stop treating people’s heritage like a childish game and to respect it as a legitimate part of who they are. “Alternatively, why don’t you portray your OWN cultural background within your work? I’m sure people would love to see that,” the commenter retorted.
Gwen released her first solo album in 2004. It is entitled “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.” A group of four Harajuku Girls, her dancers at the time, inspired the album’s name. Japanese imagery played a significant role in the development of this project.
Gwen Stefani’s 2004 first solo album, “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.” Image Source: gwenstefani.com/music/
“gWeN STefAnI lOokS sO gOOd beCauSe shE is uNproBleMaTIc”
Okay explain to me why she was walking around with the harajuku girls like accessories in 2006? pic.twitter.com/Zk6EvlmxC9
— Xavier Yarbroux (@hoodopulence) September 26, 2019
Gwen Stefani really can’t take a break from cultural appropriation can she? As a giant No Doubt fan growing up, it sucks to see her not really care at allllll
— Shae 🪩 (@ThatGirlShaeXo) July 7, 2021
How Did Gwen Stefani Become Interested in Japanese Fashion?
When her father worked in Japan, the “Hollaback Girl” singer developed a deep fascination with Japanese culture. The first trip she took to Japan left a lasting impression on her, and she has since decided to bring Japanese culture to the United States.
According to Stefani, cultural appropriation is inappropriate regarding her artistic abilities and fascination with other cultures.
“I get a little defensive when people [call it culture appropriation],” she said to Billboard. “If we didn’t allow each other to share our cultures, what would we be?”
Remarks of Positivity
The song “Light My Fire” is a contemporary reminder of some ideas many people believe Gwen has expressed in the past. Nevertheless, Gwen does not respond to criticism and is aware of her intentions.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Sean Paul and Shenseea indicate that Stefani’s fashion in the video or in general does not bother them.
“I’ve been a fan of Gwen Stefani forever,” Sean Paul said to Rolling Stone.
“I feel honored to be tapped by two legends for this collaboration,” said Shenseea. “The whole process was exciting and collaborative.”
Also, Dancehall artist Bounty Killa expressed his opinions on Instagram about the cultural appropriation allegations against Gwen Stefani.
Image Source: Instagram/@grunggaadzilla
Before her Harajuku days, Stefani wore a bindi, a forehead decoration significant to South Asian women on a cultural and spiritual level. While the California native appears fascinated by many different cultures, not everyone shares her outlook.
Ultimately, Stefani finally addressed a longstanding claim that she had appropriated Japanese style in a 2021 interview with Paper Magazine. Click the link to find out what she said.
Written by Nikiya Biggs
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