BINATIKOS ng ilang netizens ang komedyana at Binibining Pilipinas 2022 candidate na si Herlene Nicole “Hipon” Budol dahil sa kanyang Afro hairstyle na isang halimbawa umano ng cultural appropriation.
Ang cultural appropriation ay ang paggamit o paghiram ng mga bagay o elemento mula sa isang kultura nang walang pahintulot ng mga taong kabilang sa kultura na iyon.
Ayon sa mga kritiko, ang Afro ay simbolo ng kultura ng African-American community kaya hindi lahat ay pwede itong gamitin.
Mas lalo pang nainis ang mga ito sa caption ni Hipon na, “I love my Fro’ – it’s not just a hairstyle; it’s a statement.”
Sagot ng mga kritiko:
“It’s not just a hairstyle; it’s a statement.’ Yeah, if you’re black or a native-born with natural afros, which apparently either of that isn’t the case.”
“Clearly, an unqualified contestant. Obviously, she does not understand why she joined the pageant. She’s only in it for fame and to prove herself. This is just selfish and insensitive.”
“It’s the equivalent of wearing black face or calling someone the N word. This is totally inappropriate.”
“An Afro is not a fashion statement. This is straight up cultural appropriation. This isn’t yours, so don’t wear it for publicity. As a beauty queen you should know better!!”
“Mali ito beh. Pls delete.”
Marami naman ang ipinagtanggol si Hipon sa kanyang fashion statement.
“Aboriginal Filipinos or Aetas have afro hair. Let me say that again, FILIPINO. Daming hanash!”
“Daming epal. Eh andaming Blasians/Aetas na nagpapa-straight ng hair dyan for photo shoot or for every day living. Dapat pala ma-offend din mga naturally born with straight hair ng cultural appropriation. What’s the point?”
“People calling her out on cultural appropriation are IDIOTS!”
“Simpleng bagay ginagawan ng issue ng mga ito.”
“Mga inggitera lahat na lang wlang mgawa? Ano masama sa pagsuot ng wig?”
