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became increasingly popular and there are many reasons in various cultures for wearing them. They can be an expression of deep religious or spiritual convictions, a manifestation of ethnic pride. They can make a political statement, or simply be a fashion preference.
Tim, a white dreadlock wearer agrees, "I believe a white person should be allowed to wear dreads for whatever reason they choose, just like any other culture. I wear my dreadlocks for fashion purposes because I like the way they look on a white person. I am completely fed up of being chategorised as an eco activist' or a hippie' and since I grew the dreads I'm constantly being asked for cannabis. I would have thought by now that the stigma of a white person with dreads had worn off. I have come across some black people who dislike my reasons for wearing dreadlocks too, but why is it a black person can relax or bleach their hair if I can't have dreadlocks?"

It is true that a white person adopting the style can offend some black people among the Rasta' community. Henry Gordon a Rastafarian and international student from Jamaica explains why. "Dreads as fashion, I don't fancy that. A man who wears dreads on top and shaves the sides makes a mockery of locks, but every man goes his own way" I carry dreads in direct obedience of what is written, what has been put down in words from God Almighty. It is clearly stated in the Bible that the righteous are not to apply a comb or razor to any part of the body."
Like a black person among the Rasta community, a white person can equally be offended by the style. Scott explains why he thinks white people should not wear dreadlocks. "By a white person wearing them, they are taking on or displaying a symbol that is expressive of racial pride, a stand against oppression or other meaning that does not pertain to, nor belong on a white persons head. I believe that the only white people who should even in the least be permitted to sport locks are white Rastafarians."
Scott believes that a white person wearing dreadlocks is cultural appropriation. This is defined as, the adoption of some specific elements of one culture, by a different cultural group'. It can have negative connotations however as it is applied, when the subject culture is a minority culture or subordinate in social, political, economic or military status to the appropriating culture. Although there is no longer the same black/white division, from one black Rastafarian's point of view, a white person has no right adopting a hairstyle that has so much meaning to their culture. However, dreadlocks are not necessarily unique to black culture or Rastafarians.
Ancient Hindu beliefs for example state, "Dreadlocks signified a single minded pursuit of the spiritual'. They are one of the most ancient hairstyles known to man across many different cultural groups. A white person who wears dreadlocks has just as much right to them as a Rasta Buddhist, with poker straight hair or a Maori warrior from New Zealand. Whatever meaning is attached to them, anyone from any cultural group can wear dreadlocks and be justified for doing so.
My personal reasons for wearing dreadlocks are not spiritual, nor religious or cultural. I am not an environmental activist, a neo hippie nor am I honouring a Celtic and Viking tribal identity. I wear dreadlocks simply because I love them.

Learn more about this author, Emma Dalby.
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