I recently got the go-ahead from my boss to purchase a couple of
these for some upcoming conferences. If you're not familiar, the outfit consists of a knee length tunic (kameez), loose fitting pants that are long enough to pool at the ankles (salwar), and a scarf (dupatta). They are typically worn with shoes like
thesePros of the salwar kameez
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Interestingly, the shoes don't concern me as much. Like, the clothing feels appropriative when I think about wearing it but not the shoes. Huh.
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And what is the difference between the outfits and the shoes in your mind?
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And if you think wearing a salwar kameez to a conference is going to get you LESS attention, I would argue with that as well. Less sexual attention, yes, due to the modest cut of the clothing. Less attention in general, I hope not; the bright colors are part of the reason I like these garments.
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And, really, a garment doesn't have to be "immodest" to attract sexual attention, particularly when it has an "exotic" appeal.
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I do apologize if I come off that way, but it really isn't my intent. I'm not looking for 50.1%of the population to say, "yeah, go for it!".
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My own strategy, when I have doubts about whether or not something is appropriative, is to not wear it.
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Yes, having read those points after all of the initial discussion, I agree, and am more knowledgeable for it. I guess I assumed (and we all know the saying on that one!) that the garment would only be popular in regions of India, not the entire country, and even if it was, that there would be a general consensus on it kind of like Americans do with jeans (not appropriate for most formal occasions, for example). Not everyone might agree with that statement, but I think it's the general opinion.
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I wore a salwar kameez without knowing what it was called to a punjabi wedding once, and my date had his head wrapped. It was the groom's idea and everyone seemed to get a big kick out of it. However, I also would never go out in public wearing one.
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I would have a lot less trouble with "borrowing" if we were actually aware of and respectful towards the cultures from whom we claim to borrow. I wore a salwar kameez when I was in India because it was respectful of the culture - it caused much less disruption and didn't garner undo attention the way my Western clothes did. You wore traditional clothing to a traditional wedding. I think that is good.
But wearing a salwaw kameez and claiming it is "just fashion" really indicates that white American culture (because I can't speak for what is going on in Europe) still has no intention of doing anything other than coopting the things they "borrow" for own our comfort and ease.
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Why comment back to me at all then? Because I would rather be ignored than belittled.
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