Who Can Wear One Nation

WHAT IS CULTURAL APPROPRIATION?

Cultural appropriation is the use of elements (artifacts, clothing, customs, style, slang, etc.) from another culture without appropriate acknowledgement, reference, or permission. Fashion is an element of “cultural identity.” Designers often use inspiration from different cultures to express themselves. However, one must adequately differentiate inspiration from appropriation because cultural appropriation may become offensive or lead to undesired commodification (Pozzo, 2020).

WHY IS CULTURAL APPROPRIATION AN ISSUE?

The main issue is using elements from another culture without appropriate acknowledgement or learning about what these elements stand for. Malik (2017) states that cultural appropriation is connected with proprietary and identity issues. Hence, rules and etiquette need to be established to determine how a particular cultural form may be used and by whom because the cultural heritage that gives native people their identity has been used in an unwanted manner, stripping away its honoured meaning (Greaves, 1994).

Frank Holdbrook
Frank Holdbrook, The Idea behind One Nation Apparel
Models in our Black & White tracksuit

CAN I WEAR ONE NATION APPAREL?

One Nation Apparel is an Afrocentric clothing brand in Newfoundland, Canada. Our products are infused with African wax prints (Ankara prints), which have their roots in Indonesia, and Kenta and Adinkra cloth/prints from Ghana.

As the name suggests, One Nation Apparel stands for togetherness, inclusion, unity, uniqueness, and inspiration. People do not have to share the African heritage or culture to wear One Nation Apparel. However, we encourage everyone to understand the culture and history.

One Nation Apparel is about inspiring and empowering people to be unique. Hence, we design our products for people who want to stand out. We want to make our products accessible to everyone who believes in our vision and mission, and we hope that wearing One Nation Apparel makes you and the people around you feel unique and inspired. Wearing One Nation Apparel is not cultural appropriation. The company is built on togetherness, respect, and love. Therefore, we encourage everyone to educate, learn, respect, cherish, empower, and inspire others.

AM I A CULTURAL APPROPRIATOR IF I WEAR ONE NATION APPAREL?

One Nation Apparel aims to showcase African prints, culture, artists, artwork, and history to the diaspora.

Wearing any of our unique products does not make you a cultural appropriator.

We always encourage everyone to gather an understanding of the culture and history. If you are interested and willing to educate yourself and inspire people the One Nation way, we will provide you with the tools and information. Call us at (709) 763-8949.

Do not feel intimidated to ask questions. One Nation Apparel believes that a healthy conversation goes a long way.

A Model in our Black Tracksuit
Our Black & White Hoodies

HOW DO I APPROACH SOMEONE WHO BELIEVES I AM AN APPROPRIATOR FOR WEARING ONE NATION APPAREL?

The beginning of every impactful and educative conversation is patience and understanding. Would you mind asking the person to explain why they feel you are an appropriator and pay close attention to their explanation?

Furthermore, tell them about One Nation Apparel, and encourage them to visit our page to know more about the brand and what we stand for. Also, give them our number (709) 763-8949 and encourage them to call us.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions. Thank you!

REFERENCES

Appiah, K. A. (2018). The lies that bind: Rethinking identity. Profile Books.

Boateng, B. (2014). Adinkra and Kente Cloth in History, Law, and Life.

Greaves, T. (1994). Intellectual Property Rights for Indigenous Peoples: A Sourcebook. Society
for Applied Anthropology, PO Box 24083, Oklahoma City, OK 73124.

Malik, K. (2017). Kenan Malik on Cultural Appropriation. Art Review.

Pozzo, B. (2020). Fashion between inspiration and appropriation. Laws, 9(1), 5.

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