To wear dreadlocks or not?

Ann Ruthenburg Fashion Diary
Hello there folks, how are you all this week.
The other week, I was shocked when I tuned into “E” TV – the RED Carpet. And was I not shocked when I saw all this chatter about something one of the Fashion Police commentators said about the dreadlocks worn by a certain artists to the Oscars. The story got so big, I got lost in the issue. I am not sure what the verdict was eventually; but the issue went from hair not matching the dress, to hair smelling of something, to racial threats. Sho!

Anyway for those who are confused, here is the story . . . Co-host Giuliana Rancic joked about Zendaya’s hair during the show, joking that the former Disney star probably smelled like “patchouli oil” or “weed.” The joke prompted swift backlash, with Zendaya saying it was “disrespectful.”

Now People reports  that the clip was just part of Giuliana’s full comments – and that Giuliana feels like the edited version made her look worse.

In the full footage, according to People, Giuliana starts her comments by saying Zendaya’s hairstyle looked “really heavy – it overwhelms her, and it’s just too boho.” She makes a peace sign, then continues: “Zendaya is more high-fashion. The hair to me on her is making her a little more boho.” She then makes the jokes about patchouli oil and marijuana, which made the final broadcast.

Okay so those who say well? Yes well, this is not a new subject really. I remember a party I went to a few years ago, where the dress was smart or black tie. Then here come a guy dressed beautifully but instead of the expected hair cut; he had dreadlocks. They were neat and tied back.

But they way the other guests talked about it – I gathered this was not considered acceptable etiquette in some circles. Of cause things have changed especially in Africa, where this hairstyle originated. People are more accepting of the hairstyle. So what is it then about dreadlocks?

And are they the same as “locks”? And what is the issue really?

I questioned a few dreadlocked guys I met on the street during the week; just to find out what the perceived issue was. I must say that at first I kept my thoughts to myself, but when the one guy started telling me that he hasn’t washed his hair for months and uses dagga to rub in his scalp – I sort of understood where some people got their scepticism. Now I wondered if I commented on the ‘dagga growing in the hair thing” whether I would be called a racists (considering I am the same race of the dreadlocked guy kikiki).

But not to be seen to be taking the side of what our President commonly calls “our detractors” (No pun intended), I met another dreadlocked guy who I have seen around several times – I understand he is an Accountant/ Auditor (qualified) kikiki! He is always smartly dressed and carries himself with authority and respect. He made me consider finding a dreadlock wig to try out (hey wena, give me a break I am going through a hair crisis). Lol!

I also visited a hairdresser friend, who only does locks, to try and find out what the difference is. I am not sure he understood my question lol. But I think the gist of the matter according to this hairdresser was; dreadlocks are the religious side of locks . . . kikiki!It sounds ridiculous I know.

But seriously, locks are now a common, fashionable hairstyle, worn by both men and women. They are much thinner and are washed and oiled and twisted often. Unlike the actual dreadlocks which are steeped in the Rastafarian religion and looked after differently.

So what is the conclusion them? Well I think Art is what you make it. You and I and look at the same canvas and see two totally different pictures. In the same way, there are some that will see a dreadlocked person and claim there is no way that person can wear a smart outfit, it does not work. But then again, someone else can look at the dreadlocks and think it is great. Then again it all depends also on the race of the person commenting also doesn’t it? And whether it was done in public or in private?

So what are my thoughts on dreadlocks? I don’t know yet! I mean am I supposed to have thoughts on it? Is there a problem?

No one has ever written to me asking about it – so I have never had the need to write about it or even research further. But after this fiasco in America; I might just amuse myself and you the readers, by finding out – what is the history and the thinking behind dreadlocks.

In fact maybe there are some genuine card holder Rastafarian brothers out there who can help me out kikiki.

Well that’s it from me. See you all again next week. God bless!

◆ Anastasia can be messaged on 0772 933 845.