Celebrities have turned the bindi into a fashion statement, but for many South Asian Americans, the bindi means a lot more, reports Styleite.
The bindi is a small dot worn between the eyes on the forehead and is used by some to retain strength and concentration. It is worn by people of many faiths in South Asia and Southeast Asia. In modern times, the bindi has become a decorative item that has become popular outside South Asia among many celebrities.
Some, however, have criticized this as cultural appropriation and have taken to social media with the hashtag #ReclaimThebindi.
#reclaimthebindi campaign makes it clear that the bindi is part of a culture, not a costume: http://t.co/LoJWOnWUCT pic.twitter.com/6AFSozRgn7
— i-D (@i_D) April 18, 2015
#embracedesibeauty #reclaimthebindi lol don't even try 2 say I'm not beautiful I won't believe you pic.twitter.com/FBrYQlwSkA
— brown mommy (@NUVARlNG) April 18, 2015
my culture is not your summer trend and y'all don't even look half as good #reclaimthebindi #embracedesibeauty pic.twitter.com/sjisXuYCvL
— h (@rejectedlrh) April 13, 2015
