Sometimes you see stories, and you’re just like…are we still doing this? Did these writers not already know this was touchy territory? Are they looking for click bait?
ANYWHO, Twitter exploded yet again yesterday when Alev Aktar, a writer from the New York Post, claimed Sasha Obama’s braided State Dinner hairstyle was inspired by UFC Fighters.
Aktar writes, “The first daughter joins a raft of high-profile beauties sporting a version of the now-ubiquitous boxer braids. Fueled by celebrities and the popularity of UFC fighters, the center-parted reverse French-braid style has surged back into fashion. The woven look, dating back to ancient Africa, has been worn by celebs including the Kardashian clan.” Hmmm, interesting. A UK publication purported the same nonsense a few weeks ago and received the customary backlash.
Black Twitter didn’t hold back on Aktar either. Below, some of their commentary:
The resounding sentiment: braided hairstyles are not trendy or new. They are part of black culture. And Sasha Obama was definitely not inspired by UFC fighters or any Kardashian. She’s been wearing them since she was a kid (as have many black girls).
What do you think of the hubbub and the article?
Read it in full here.