If you have seen or used the hashtag #KimOhNo before and if you love the beauty and meaning of traditional clothes as I do, you would probably feel very relatable with what I am about to share.
First of all, take a look at this picture. What do you think?
If you ask me, I feel very disappointed and offended just by looking at it. Cultural appreciation has always been an important part of my life, especially when it comes to traditional clothes and what they represent. I am very vocal in online conversations about the appropriation in showcasing the traditional clothes of a nation or culture that you don’t identify as.
In the last couple of years, there is a trending issue of various influencers, singers, or actors/actresses who unfortunately crossed the line in their ways of presenting another culture’s traditional outfit such as:
… and the list goes on.
I personally care a lot about cultural representation, especially of my own. Therefore, I follow many ongoing topics online regarding cultural appropriation and often share my thoughts across social media. Doing so gives me the freedom to voice my opinion that being in any particular group or forum can’t offer.
In this case, from the perspective of a native, we appreciate and always welcome everyone to try on our unique traditional clothes, but please wear them with respect. Áo Dài has been a symbol of pureness and beauty of our culture for hundreds of years. Our teachers wear Áo Dài and so do our students. By just a couple of poses, Kacey Musgraves managed to sexualize and degraded one of the most important aspects of our culture.
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