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Are Balaclavas Cultural Appropriation?

Want to buy or wear a balaclava this winter but not sure of the cultural implications of doing so? Is wearing a balaclava considered a form of cultural appropriation or not?

Well, here is your guide to this delicate topic:

Are Balaclavas a Form of Appropriation?

Wearing a balaclava isn’t a form of appropriation as it is a head covering that is meant to keep you warm during the winter months – however there is a bigger conversation surrounding the privilege of wearing such coverings in public spaces.

Can Anyone Wear a Balaclava?

There are no restrictions to wearing a balaclava. This item of clothing originated in Eastern Europe and can be considered a core part of the clothing culture there.

Group of men wearing balaclavas

Nevertheless, Balaclavas don’t have cultural symbology. They are simply associated with such countries due to the extreme cold experienced during the winter months.

Due to this anyone, from any country, race, or ethnicity can wear a balaclava without issue.

If this is the case, then why have there recently been so many conversations about culture?

It is a complicated answer…

The Balaclava vs. Other Head Coverings

The Balaclava has recently become internet famous and is now the must-have accessory for the winter months.

The balaclava is all over social media, TikTok, in particular. You have young people modeling Balaclavas, showing others how to knit one themselves, and how to create an outfit around it.

In essence, the balaclava has become widely accepted now.

This rise in popularity has caused many people of the Muslim faith to muse about how unfair it is that balaclavas as seen as acceptable. This is despite the fact that many women who wear hijabs and other head coverings continue to face discrimination and even harassment.

In fact, in certain countries and cities, hijabs are banned in public. However, there aren’t any such restrictions about wearing a balaclava outdoors.

The reason that the balaclava has drawn ire is that the balaclava has European roots while the Islamic faith is associated with the Middle East and African countries.

The fact that the balaclava is accepted, and that the hijab is not, is a clear sign of racial favoritism. Due to this, many people are outraged that Caucasian individuals can wear a balaclava in public without any backlash while they can’t do the same while wearing a balaclava.

The Privilege of Wearing a Balaclava

There is also the fact that it is a privilege to wear a balaclava without facing any issues in public. After all, the balaclava is a head covering that covers most of your head and sometimes even part of your face.

This is sort of like a hoodie does. The problem that in many countries, brown or black men wearing hoodies is a sign that they are dangerous, in a gang, or likely to hurt someone else. These myths have been perpetuated despite the lack of evidence.

There have been instances of black and brown men being shot by the police and even members of their community simply because they have been wearing a hoodie.

However, when someone who is Caucasian wears a balaclava, they are not faced with the same kind of suspicion.

This is another reason that balaclavas have been coming under fire. It is not that there is anything wrong with this item of clothing. Instead, it has more to do with the fact that it is an accessory of privilege. It is only people who look a certain way that can wear the balaclava without issue.

Should You Wear a Balaclava?

Of course, what you are probably interested in is whether or not it is alright for you to wear a balaclava in public.

Green balaclava mask

Yes, it is as it has no real cultural ties to a particular nation or belief system. That being said, it is important to be aware of the privilege that you have to wear a balaclava.

It is also a good idea to be aware of your own attitudes towards people wearing hijabs and other cultural head coverings. If you see them being discriminated against or harassed either in public or online, it is best to stand up for them.

After all, they don’t enjoy the same privilege as you to wear whatever they want in public.

The other thing you may want to do is to wear the balaclava as it was intended – as a way to stay warm in the winter months. Do this as opposed to wearing it as a fashion accessory.

Is Wearing a Balaclava Cultural Appropriation?

No, wearing a balaclava isn’t a form of cultural appropriation and is largely seen as a type of clothing that protects you from the cold weather – however, wearing a balaclava when hijabs and hoodies for people of color is a contentious topic does create a system of privilege.

What is the Average Age Difference of Couples? Everything to Know

If you’re wondering what the average age difference of couples is, it is hard to say as specific countries give you different results. In America, there is normally a gap of around 3 years maximum. This guide not only takes a look at these statistics, but some additional information that you may like, such as does age affect a relationship, and the pros and cons of dating someone who is older.

What Is the Average Age Difference of Couples?

As mentioned, the answer depends on the specific country that you are looking at. In the United States, the average age gap for heterosexual couples is around 2.3 years of age.

In western countries in general, studies have shown that 8% of heterosexual couples have an age gap of 10 years or more, while 25% of homosexual couples and 15% of lesbian couples have age gaps of 10 years or more. Data from the United States also shows that in 85.1% of heterosexual relationships, it is the male who is older.

Culture comes into play when discussing age differences, especially when taking a look at developing countries. Chinese culture has superstitions about age difference – they say that it is bad luck to date someone who is 3-6 years younger or older than you are.

Why Are Age Gaps Frowned Upon in The West?

This is a more complex question that I wanted to look at. The truth is that most people do not care, unless the age gap is considerable, like by 10 years or more. They would also only care if it’s the woman that is the older one in the relationship. They care more about the woman being older because of societal norms.

Difference of Couples

It is almost always the man that is older in the west, so a woman taking this role can be strange. Plus, they would view these women as cougars as the only way they only would have been able to get the younger man is by sexualizing themselves. The west also frowns upon relationships where the man is decades older, as they think the man lured and trapped their female partner in.

What Is Considered a Big Age Gap?

In general, age gaps of around 10 years or more are considered big. This is a whole decade apart which means that there are a lot of differences in values, maturity and outlook. Plus, people will easily be able to tell that you are older if you are 10 years apart – you would have many differences.

Is A 20 Year Age Gap Acceptable?

Considering what that was mentioned about dating someone who is 10 years older, dating someone who is 20 years older is definitely not a good idea. You would be too incompatible. Of course, all this is pretty general. It all depends case by case. You may have found the love of your life who is 20 years older and that is fine.

Can An Older Woman Have a Successful Relationship with A Younger Man?

Apart from a few questionable people raising their eyebrows, there is nothing wrong with a younger man dating an older woman. It would not be a problem if you are younger than your partner. In general, these types of relationships can be successful as the woman will be more mature yet comforting which would make her wiser and able to handle situations better.

What Do You Do If You’re Insecure About Age in A Relationship?

If there is an age gap between you and your partner and you are embarrassed about it, this is completely normal. You will find the below points useful. It runs through some information to look out for. For starters, you’re probably projecting your feelings onto other people.

The truth is that no one really cares about what others think and are doing, so if you’re worrying that everyone is judging you, it’s just you projecting what you actually feel inside. Most of the time, people only judge if you are dating someone who is noticeably much older.

Plus, even if people are judging, it should not matter to you as you are with the love of your life. Age mostly has nothing to do with how successful your relationship would be so you should not pay them any mind.

wedding-couple-getting-married-in-central-park

Society has vastly changed too. So many things that used to be taboo or considered wrong are now a part of culture. Many people get married later in life now, so there are quite big age gaps between them and their younger partners. You don’t have to feel alone.

Of course, you can speak to a professional for help. They would guide you through how irrational your thoughts have been. You can go to therapy with your partner if you want to work this out.

How Do You Know If Your Partner Is the Right One?

As we have discussed, age doesn’t really matter in a relationship, unless your partner is older. However, there are a number of other factors that do affect it. Let’s talk about them.

Views and Values

Although you may think that the relationship that you and your partner share is good, it may not work out well in the end if you don’t share the same views and values. You will begin to fight, and you would especially get into a lot of disagreements if you ever have a child.

Family

Family is not a dealbreaker when it comes to a relationship, but it is definitely something that you should consider. You should keep in mind what your partner’s family is like, and more importantly, whether they are the type of people that you want in your life. They may have a criminal history or may just not be a good person.

Schedule

Of course, schedule is another factor to consider. There is no way the two of you would be able to have a healthy relationship if your schedules don’t let you spend much time together. You would gradually get less attention and feel unimportant. This would get bad once you have a child, as you would feel like your partner is not there in your lives.

Communication

In line with the above point, you should consider how the communication is like between you. You want to be in a relationship with someone that understands you clearly and vice versa. You should also be able to be fully comfortable around them to tell them whatever you are feeling.

Otherwise, they may end up pursuing their goals and dreams and not help you with yours as there was no communication about this front.

Love & Intimacy

If you feel like the intimacy has died in your relationship, then it might be time to end things. You need passion for true love, which you might find from somebody else.

How Do You Know You Are Ready to Get Married?

If you’re in a serious relationship and are wondering whether you should pop the question, this section will help. It runs through all the points to consider that will tell you whether it’s the right time to get married.

Let’s get to it.

bride-getting-married

You Are Financially Stable Enough

There is no way you should get married if you are not financially stable. You will be starting a life with another person, so you need to make enough money to live comfortably. Not only do you need a good income, but you need to make sure that you have job stability as well.

You Are Mature Enough

You also need to make sure that you are mature enough to spend your life with someone else. Also remember what a big commitment getting married is and ask yourself whether this is something that you’re ready for – you may still be immature and flake when you get with responsibilities.

You Have Found the Right One

If you are dating someone you think is the love of your life, then marrying them would not be a bad idea. You could pop the question and stay engaged for a couple of years so that you can lock things down.

You are Ready for It

If the above checks out, it might be a good time to get married if this is also something that you have been thinking about for a while. It would also be a good idea in case your partner has been talking about tying the knot to friends and family.

What Are the Benefits of Dating Someone Older?

I touched on a couple of benefits when dating someone who is older. Let’s get started.

Emotionally Mature Partner

One of the biggest pros of dating someone who is older is the fact that you would be dating a more mature person. So, you won’t have to worry about any petty arguments arising. As they are more mature, the relationship would be more interesting as they would guide you through certain situations.

You Don’t Have to Worry About Finances

As you are dating someone who is older than you, they are probably more financially stable. You won’t have to worry about being strapped for cash, as they most likely are doing quite well for themselves.

There is A Good Understanding

I personally am a big fan of dating someone older as these individuals tend to be wiser and smarter. So, they will also be more understanding and caring.

There is More Romantic

Lastly, older individuals tend to be more romantic. They have to compete with people your age, and they also have to worry about this if they are much older. So, they end up spoiling you and being very romantic.

What Are the Disadvantages of Dating Someone Older?

Just like there are advantages to this, there are also disadvantages that we have to talk about.

Let’s get to it.

They Can be Controlling

A common issue that many users face when dating older, especially if your partner is much older is that they are more controlling of you. Like I mentioned earlier, they have to compete with people your age so they probably are jealous and watching your every move. This can get toxic quickly so you should definitely keep this in mind.

There is Less Exciting

If you are dating someone who is especially older than you, then they may not share the same interests and values as you. It can be hard to start a family because of this.

As they do not share the same values, starting conversations with them, especially when the two of you are getting to know each other can be an issue. You might find that things are not that exciting either.

No Future

This point is not applicable unless you are dating someone who is very much older. I’m talking about potentially having no family with them. They may be too old to have children, so you would never be able to have kids.

You should also consider that they may not want to marry you as they see no point in this because of their age.

What is the Average Marriage Rate?

In case you want to take things further and tie the knot with your partner, I thought about wrapping this article up by touching on the average marriage rate. The answer is that it drastically differs depending on where you live. But in the United States, it was around 5.1 percent per 1000 in 2020.

Final Thoughts

In my ultimate guide, the average age for couples is 2.3 years. I also ran through some additional information that you may like, what factors affect a relationship (since age does not necessarily matter). Some of these factors include views and values, intimacy, and how busy your partner is.

In case you wish to date someone, who is older, this guide has got you covered. We have run through all the pros and cons of going this route.

Hopefully you found all the points discussed useful.

Are Headbands Cultural Appropriation?

Think headbands are cute but want to be sure that you are making an ethical decision before buying one? In particular, you may be wondering if headbands fall under the umbrella of cultural appropriation.

Here is everything that you need to know about contentious styles so that you can avoid any style issues in the future:

Is Wearing Headbands Considered Cultural Appropriation?

This does all depend on the hairband – most hairbands are culturally neutral and so, can be worn by anyone – however, turban headbands, wraps, and scarf headbands are typically associated with certain cultures and may be considered to be problematic by some.

What Type of Headbands May Be Fall Under Cultural Appropriation?

These days, there are more headband styles ever before. However, what you may think is a cute new style may actually have been around for quite some time.

Girl Wearing Red Headband

The only reason that you may not have seen it before is because it has only been recently introduced into mainstream fashion.

As there are more and more headband styles being released every day, it can be tricky to know precisely which ones fall under the category of cultural appropriation. That being said, there are a couple of styles that you should be aware of.

This includes headwraps, turban headbands, and scarf headbands.

Why Can the Headwrap Be Considered Cultural Appropriation?

This is a very wide headband – one that can cover most of your head and hair. The style comes from the sub Sahara region of African and so has deep cultural ties there.

There is also a more troubling history of headwraps in the US. Enslaved people often wore them to keep the hair out of their face while working in the fields or houses. Due to this, it is seen as quite insensitive for someone who isn’t of African descent to wear such wraps.

Now, it can be rather difficult to know when a headband falls under the category of headwrap. Some headbands are simply quite wide and these aren’t considered cultural appropriation.

However, if the headband covers most of the head and can be knotted at either the top of the head or behind the head.

You should also watch out for ones in very bright colors as these are quite traditional in Africa. Also steer clear of anything that may fall under the category of ‘tribal’ print.

Why Can Scarf Headbands Be a Form of Cultural Appropriation?

Once again, not all scarf headbands may be seen as cultural appropriation. Thin ones, those that mimic vintage driving scarfs, or those that resemble bandanas are all safe for you to wear.

Thicker ones that look like scarves that look like the ones that people in Arab countries and Africa wear, however, will be considered cultural appropriation.

This is because these headbands are considered to be integral elements of these cultures. They may be worn to important or celebratory events.

You should also be careful of scarf headbands that are similar to headscarves worn by people who follow the Muslim, Jewish, and Orthodox Christian faiths.

As these are more religious symbols rather than cultural ones, you may imagine that you can’t be accused of cultural appropriation.

You should bear in mind that these symbols should be respected, though. Not only are they elements of people’s faith, but in many cases are guardians of women’s modesty.

There is also the fact that many women have been bullied for wearing such head coverings and have been bullied for their faith as well.

Therefore, to wear such a thing as an accessory isn’t taking into account that many people have to fight for their right to don their scarf.

Are Turban Headbands Cultural Appropriation?

Then there are turban headbands. If this type of headband is thin and made of a material like velvet, then it should be fine for you to wear.

Headband shop

However, if the width of it is quite thick, it is made of cotton or similar material, and is of vibrant colors, then it may be considered cultural appropriation.

You should also keep in mind to never wear the headband low, over your forehead. This is how people in different African countries wear their turban.

Being Wary of Boho Headbands

You should always watch out for headbands that are referred to as boho. These may be made out of real or fake leather, contain feathers, stones, and other embellishment.

Although boho may seem like a fashion or lifestyle term, this industry borrows heavily from other cultures – Native American, South Asian, African, etc. without any respect for where the styles were taken from.

In a similar manner you should also stay away from any headbands that may have cultural or tribal prints on them.

How Do You Know If Your Headband is Culturally Appropriating?

If you live with in a diverse population, then take note of the various headbands that people from all over the world wear. If you notice that a certain demographic wears a particular style, it is better to skip it.

Of course, you can also reach out to people who are a part of these cultural groups and get their opinion on it. This will give you a clearer idea of whether or not it is a good idea for you to wear it, particularly out in public.

You should also do some research into the various headbands that you would like to buy and wear. Understanding where they came from can give you insight into whether or not they are suitable options for you.

Never blindly follow a style simply because you see it online everywhere or because it is in high end fashion magazines. Both magazines and fashion houses have been engaging in cultural appropriation for a long time so they are not the best sources.

Can Headbands Be a Form of Cultural Appropriation?

You are safe with most fashion headbands but there are certain styles like headwrap hairbands, turban hairbands, and scarf headbands that may be considered cultural appropriation if you choose the wrong design – you should also think twice about boho headbands.

Is Henna Cultural Appropriation?

From Instagram to fashion magazines, it seems like henna is everywhere these days and you may want to dip your toe into the trend. Since henna is associated with specific cultures, though, would it be considered a form of cultural appropriation if you did?

Here is what you need to know about how henna fits into various cultures and whether using it is a form of cultural appropriation:

Is Henna Considered Cultural Appropriation?

Using henna on your body or getting a henna ‘tattoo’ isn’t a form of cultural appropriation as it is seen more as a process of adornment – however, you do need to be careful of the kind of designs or patterns that you get using henna.

Why is Using Henna Not Considered Cultural Appropriation?

Yes, henna is primarily used by Indian, Pakistani, African and Egyptian cultures. However, it was first used as a cooling agent.

When henna is applied to the body, it causes the skin to cool and to provide temporary relief. Due to this, people in hot climates and desert areas used to liberally apply it to the palms of their hands and soles of their feet.

Henna Tattoo on the body

This has been going on for over 5000 years!

People noticed that when henna was applied to the body and then left for some time before being washed off, it created a stain. It was then used for decorative purposes.

Eventually, henna – also known as mehendi – was incorporated into important celebrations such as engagements and weddings.

As a result, most people see henna, itself, as a dye. As the dye is not linked to any one culture or religion, using henna on your body is not considered a form of cultural appropriation.

When is Using Henna Considered a Form of Cultural Appropriation?

Well, this has to do with the patterns themselves.

As mentioned, one of the most important times for the application of henna is before a woman gets married. This is a rather common tradition in both India and Pakistan.

The application of mehendi is quite meaningful here. The patterns have cultural significance. It is also customary to hide the future groom’s name among the design.

The groom then must find his name on his bride’s hands once they are married. Sometimes this is done in public, after the main ceremony while in other instances it is done in private to establish intimacy between the married couple.

It is also believed that the deeper the color of the mehendi once the paste is washed away, the deeper your husband’s love for you. And, a long lasting design is meant to depict a long lasting marriage.

If you happen to get such a pattern or take patterns that are typically associated with South Asian, African, or Middle Eastern countries, then this would be considered cultural appropriation.

Keep in mind that although you may think that these patterns are pretty, they don’t have quite the same meaning or power to you. Therefore, to use them in such a manner can seem like you are trivializing what the henna patterns mean to other people.

Is It Always Cultural Appropriation to Wear These Patterns?

This depends on the circumstances. Now, with mehendi parties, it isn’t always just the bride that gets these patterns.

The other women present at the party may also have designs drawn on them. If you are attending one of these parties and are having the patterns drawn on you, then it isn’t considered cultural appropriation.

This is because you have been given consent to have such patterns drawn on you from people who are a part of that culture.

If a friend belonging to an Indian, Pakistani, African, or Middle Eastern culture wants to draw designs for you or simply practice on you, then this isn’t considered cultural appropriation either.

What Henna Designs are Appropriate?

As mentioned, henna itself isn’t considered culturally significant. Due to this, you can use henna to draw a wide variety of temporary tattoos or images on your body.

This can include names, symbols, etc. For instance, stars, hearts, flowers, are just a few examples of what is appropriate to get inked on your body.

You can even get repeating patterns on your body. Just make sure that these aren’t linked to a particular culture or custom to avoid offending anybody.

Understanding the Difference Between Appreciation and Appropriation

Henna is a beautiful way to decorate your body and as it is becoming more and more mainstream, it can be difficult to stay away from using it to draw patterns.

After all, if you appreciate the symbolism behind henna designs, isn’t it appreciation rather than appropriation?

Henna Tattoo on Hand

If you make the effort to do your research and learn about henna designs and what they mean to certain cultures, then this can be considered appreciation of a culture.

At the same time, you do need to be aware of your own position. The reason that there is a fine line between appreciation and appropriation is because of who is doing the appreciating.

If you belong to a social or ethnic group that has historically played a role in either dehumanizing or minimalizing other people’s roles in society, then it can be considered appropriation.

This is true even if you have the right intentions behind adopting certain aspects of the culture. Keep in mind, even if you haven’t been directly responsible for marginalizing a group, it doesn’t mean that you can adopt certain aspects of your culture.

This is because of how it can make people who are a part of that marginalized culture feel. If those individuals have been actively bullied in the past for wearing mehendi and then see you now adopting these designs, it is only natural for them to feel resentful.

How to Use Henna Appropriately?

You may want to start off by doing some research into traditional henna or mehendi designs. This will give you an idea of which designs or patterns to steer clear of.

Educating yourself on these designs may provide you with greater insight into their meaning as well and help you to understand why certain patterns may not be appropriate for people outside of a certain culture.

If possible, speak to someone who is a part of Indian, Pakistani, African, or Middle Eastern culture to get their take on their chosen design. Just keep in mind that not everyone will have the same reaction when it comes to cultural appropriation.

And, if you have been given the green light regarding a certain pattern, make sure to respect it. Don’t just see it as an accessory but as an important link to someone’s culture.

You should also be careful of how you post things on social media. Avoid adding any captions or hashtags that may allude to the fact that you are using the henna in any cultural capacity as this can upset a lot of people.

As long as you make an effort to steer clear of designs that may be associated with a certain culture, you should be able to use henna without any issue at all.

Is Henna a Form of Cultural Appropriation?

Henna, by itself, is a type of dye and due to this, the use of henna isn’t associated with a particular culture – using henna isn’t cultural appropriation but you should be aware of the patterns or designs that you use as these can be offensive to certain individuals.

Sites Like PvPRO

With PvPRO down, you may be looking for the next platform to satisfy your CGSO needs. While there are many sites out there, not all can provide you with what you need for a heart racing match.

To make sure that you have the best gaming experience possible, here are the sites that you should be checking out:

CSGO.net

There are a lot of options available to you with CSGO, making it one of the top alternatives to PvPRO. One of the main perks is the large audience on the site – there are over 5 million users on the site which means that you will always be able to find someone online.

This is good news since there are tons of operations and battles to tackle. Simply log in through your steam account and you will be able to see just what is going on. If you are looking for cases, to trade, or upgrades, then this is the right site for you. It has everything that you need, and more.

FACEIT

This is arguably one of the more popular platforms around. With 15 million other competitors, you can guarantee that this is the place to be. This is especially since with 128 tick servers, you get location optimization to ensure that you get proper access no matter where you are.

Homepage for faceit

And, if you are tired of all the cheaters, then FACEIT has just the solution for you. Not only is the site anti-cheat protected, but they actively ban any players who are found taking shortcuts. This means that you only get to play with and battle against the best of the best.

This is also a site that rewards you the more that you play. As you get better, you can climb the ranks and keep track of your skill progression as you do.

ESEA

If you take CSGO seriously, then ESEA is the site for you. Not only has this site been up for more than a decade, but it has a structure that is modelled after the top sports clubs in the world. This means that you get the true professional treatment as a player.

Of course, it isn’t all business with ESEA. No, this is a great way to meet people from all around the world and to make new friends. What’s even better is that there are cash prizes to be won. Boasting 128 tick servers around the globe, you can guarantee the lowest ping possible.

This is another site that works hard to prevent cheating. They keep track of reports and actively ban any members who are found cheating.

Leetway

This is another one of the top match making platforms for CSGO around! You can choose to play ranked ladder matches or pick up games at any time at all. Thanks to the match management system, you will have no problem finding people for these matches and getting started at any point. Even if you are just a spectator, Leetway guarantees an amazing experience.

Homepage for Leetway

As there are many registered users, creating a pickup game or a serious match shouldn’t be any trouble at all for you. The site also is very concerned about cheating and takes all reports seriously. They are involved in actively banning any members caught cheating.

ChallengerMode

There is just so much to do on ChallengerMode. Not only is it one of the premier sites for CSGO, but it is a great place for gamers in general. To start off with, you can play matchmaking games to claim your tier on ChallengerMode and keep on moving on up among your competitors.

You also have the option of joining tournaments. As these tournaments are constantly being updated, you will constantly have something to do. There are also plenty of additional features associated with ChallengerMode.

Once of this is the marketplace listing for lessons. If you want to improve your performance and really become a contender, then there are top gamers who are willing to teach you.

There you have it – a list of the top contenders for PvPRO. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a more casual gaming experience or one that takes it to the next level. You are sure to find a site on this list that meets your needs perfectly.

Are Grills Cultural Appropriation?

Want to get grills for your teeth but don’t want to be accused of cultural appropriation? Well, this is the article to help you out.

Here is an in-depth look at the origins of grills and whether or not they are considered a form of cultural appropriation:

Are Grills A Form of Cultural Appropriation?

No, grills are not a form of cultural appropriation and technically, can be worn by anyone – gold grills have risen and fallen in a variety of countries and cultures around the world – as a result, this aesthetic doesn’t necessarily belong to one group of people.

Did Grills Originate in Ancient Egypt?

Archaeologists initially believed that grills were first worn by Ancient Egyptians. This is because they found teeth on a gold chain in tombs in Egypt.

However, it was later determined that teeth were placed on chains when Egyptians lost them. This was so that the teeth could be placed in the tombs so that people were able to take their teeth into the afterlife with them.

Man with gold teeth grill

In reality, it was the Etruscans – who lived in what it is now known as Tuscany, Italy – who first began wearing gold in their teeth.

It is believed that it was women who wrapped their gold in teeth. In some cases, the two front teeth were completely removed and then replaced with gold replicas.

This was done to show affluence within society. It was the women’s way of saying that they were rich enough to have soft foods prepared for them to keep in line with their fashion desires.

At some point, however, this look began to become less popular until it disappeared completely.

Why are Grills Not Considered a Form of Cultural Appropriation?

Well, as you have just read, grills didn’t come from an Egyptian culture but rather an Etruscan or early European one.

To add to this, the phenomenon of having gold teeth isn’t restricted to just one country or culture. This is something that has been happening around the world. It has simply been taking place at different times and with varying levels of popularity.

For instance, in the Philippines, ancient Filipino mythology states that Melu, creator of the world had solid gold teeth. In an effort to mimic Melu, followers began to decorate their gold with teeth. This was done as early as 1300 AD.

These were typically found in individuals of higher social and economic classes. Therefore, this was a seen of power, wealth, and status particularly among chieftans.

In many South American countries, you will still find older citizens with gold in their teeth. This came from the Mayan practice where royal families decorated or replaced their teeth with pale jade.

This was a symbol of a promise from the royal family to care for and nurture their people and their lands.

Today, however, people in South American countries wear gold teeth as a sign of success. It is to let others know that they have enough money and resources to wear something quite so ornamental.

The Widespread Use of Gold Teeth

Grills are the evolved form of the original gold teeth. Another reason why anyone can technically wear gold grills is that they have originated in Jamaica, Vietnam, and a host of other places.

Now, in some instances, gold teeth had nothing to do with showing off how well-off you were. Instead, it was about creating teeth that would last.

Gold is one of the hardiest substances around, but is rather easily accessible too. What’s more, it is shiny and pleasing to the eye.

So, when people lost a tooth or had to remove one due to decay, a gold tooth was the most obvious replacement. This is because this was an investment that could potentially last a lifetime!

This practice took place in countries like Jamaica and Vietnam. With migration, though, these individuals with gold teeth moved to America.

Here, it caught on like wildfire for its fashion potential. When rappers and Hip Hop artists began wearing them, it became a cultural phenomenon.

Can Anyone Wear Grills?

Yes, technically anyone can wear grills. And, if you take a look around in society, practically everyone does, regardless of race and ethnicity.

Teeth - Grill Bling

As with the times of old, the people who wear grills or gold teeth tend to be higher up in the socioeconomic ladder as well as celebrities.

Now, this has to do with the fact that well designed grills can be quite pricey and can only be afforded by people who are well off. Furthermore, grills aren’t really allowed in most workplaces so you do have to have a job in a creative industry to wear one.

You are unlikely to face backlash regardless of your cultural or ethnic roots for wearing grills. That being said, you should be aware that it was the rap and hip hop industry that pushed grills to fame.

As such, they are largely associated with the African American community. So, although you can wear grills without an issue, you should be mindful of appropriating any other aspects of African American culture include using AAVE and how you style your hair.

As long as you are wearing grills as a personal fashion statement, then there is no issue here.

Are Grills Considered Cultural Appropriation?

No, grills are not considered cultural appropriation as they have origins in Etruscan culture – furthermore, almost every culture at some point or another has utilized gold teeth making it difficult to dedicate its use to just one country, culture, or ethnicity.

What is the Average Age to Get Married? A Detailed Guide

If you’re wondering what the average age is to get married, the answer is that it depends on where you live. Most couples get married when they’re older in developed countries, while the opposite is true in developing nations.

This article takes a look at this in-depth, and even discusses some statistics as well as how marriage has changed over time.

What is the Average Age to Get Married?

As mentioned, the answer depends on the specific country you live in. When it comes to the United States, couples usually get married at around 27 to 29 years of age. These statistics are not a surprise as most Americans finish college and start their careers in their early 20s, so they are comfortably able to settle down by the time that they are 30.

You usually find couples getting married when they are “older” in developed countries, while you see the opposite in developing nations. For instance, in Mozambique, Nepal, India and Colombia, men marry at around 23, 24, 26 and 26.5 years of age, with women marrying at around 19, 20, 21 and 23 respectively.

couple-getting-married

In European nations like Estonia, Slovenia and Italy, you will find men and women getting married at 33, 34, 32 and 36, 35 and 35.5 years of age respectively. There is a younger average age in developing countries as the main goal for men and women there is to tie the knot and have offspring, which is the case in more regressive cultures.

Has Marriage Changed Over Time?

Yes, marriage has changed over time. The age to get married has gradually increased. In the 1930s it was around 24 for men and 21 for women, but in 1990 it became around 26 for men and 24 for women, and in 2020 it was 31 for men and 28 for women.

This probably has to do with how technologically advanced the world has become, and how drastically society has changed – people have realized that getting married and having children is not everything in life anymore.

Also, people realize that they should be financially stable before they tie the knot. So, a lot of the time, they wait until they can afford to support a family.

What is the Average Age Difference of Couples?

I thought about answering this question too. The average age difference of couples in the United States is around 3 years. Of course, the answer differs depending on where you live. In some countries like China, the average age difference is around 6 years – they believe that any older is bad luck.

Am I Too Old to Get Married?

I touched on the average age to get married above. In case you are wondering whether you are too old to get married, the answer is no.

Wondering whether you are too old is an unfair societal standard, especially for women – you don’t have to be ashamed that you are starting a family at a later age.

If you still think that you are too old, remember that many people get married twice or even thrice these days. They do not do this when they are young.

Am I Too Young to Get Married?

Although you do not have to worry about being too old to get married, you should worry about being too young. You should only get married if you are of the legal age. If you are below it, there is no way you should think about tying the knot.

In my opinion, you are too young if you are below the age of 25. You won’t be financially stable enough to support a family at this age. Plus, you may not be mature enough to make such a lifelong commitment. However, if you are above the legal age and are dead set on getting married, caring about whether you are too young doesn’t matter. It is your life after all.

couple-at-wedding-getting-married

How Do You Know You’re Ready for Marriage?

With the above in mind, I decided to discuss some points that will help you decide whether you’re ready for marriage.

Let’s get to it.

1.      You are Grown

Even if you have found the love of your life, it may not be a good idea to get married if you are not mature enough to settle down. If you are dead set on marrying your partner but are afraid that you’re not mature enough, then you can propose to them and be engaged for a couple of years until you are ready to tie the knot.

2.      Financially Ready

Not only do you have to be mature enough to get married but you also need to be financially ready. You would be starting a life together which requires money and job stability. If you speak to your partner, they will understand putting things on hold until you are financially ready to pop the question.

3.      Start A Future

If you have been seeing someone for a while and are ready to start your future, this is a good case to get married. This is true if you are certain they are the love of your life.

4.      Been Together for a While

Of course, you know you are ready for marriage if you and your partner have been seeing each other for a while. She probably wants to settle down and has been waiting for you to pop the question.

If you speak to her close friends and family, you might realize this. They may tell you that she’s been waiting.

5.      Share the Same Values

She would especially be a good partner to start a future if the two of you share the same values and trust each other. You would also know that the two of you would be perfect together if you can have healthy disagreements.

6.      You’re Not Being Pushed

Even if the above points check out, you are definitely not ready to tie the knot if you are being pushed into it. At the end of the day, getting married is something that you need to be ready for and want.

7.      You’re Committed

If you are sure that you are the type of person to stick around and not walk away, you may consider starting a family. It can get very serious at times, so you need to be sure that you won’t flake out.

How Do You Know If Your Partner is Ready to Get Married?

It’s pretty easy to tell if your partner is ready to get married. if the two of you have been together for a while, they most likely have brought it up during conversations.

In case they have not directly brought it up, they might have been hinting at starting a future together during conversations.

If you want some help, you can ask friends and family about anything that your partner may have said. They may divulge that your partner has been wanting to tie the knot for a while.

Of course, you will know they are ready if you have been seeing each other for a while and you are completely a part of each other’s families – you are invited to everything that they do.

You would also know that they are ready if you are always a part of their decision-making process.

How Many Marriages End Up in Divorce?

Once again, the answer depends on the specific country that you are looking at. But in general, the divorce rate has gone up and down throughout the years. The fact that it has gone up is not hard to imagine if you take a look at society.

Most people used to be religious but this is not the case anymore. So, they do not care about divorce being against their religion, like in Catholicism. Also, divorced people were shunned, which is not the case as society has progressed.

The divorce rate in the 1950s was 2.5 percent per 1,000, 3.5 percent per 1000 in 1970, and around 5 percent by 1980. However, it dropped to 4 percent per 1,000 in 2000 and moved to 2.7 percent in 2019.

With this in mind, you can say that there is a divorce every 42 seconds.

getting-married

When Should You Get Married?

In my opinion, you should get married when you are financially stable enough. I touched on all the points to consider to know whether you are ready, but there is no point in getting married just to divorce because you did not have the cash to support your family.

You would likely only be financially stable enough in your mid to late 20s, or even early 30s. So, I think that this is the ideal time to tie the knot.

How Do You Know if You’re Compatible with Your Partner?

Although you and your spouse may have been together for a while, the two of you may not be that compatible. If so, starting a life together would not be a good idea.

This section runs through all the points that will help you decide whether your partner is in fact the right one for you.

Let’s get to it.

1.      No Heated Disagreements

It’s perfectly natural for couples to argue. However, you need to consider how often you and your partner disagree on things. If it is quite often then there definitely is something to mend in your relationship. If your arguments get heated, this is a major red flag to consider.

As mentioned earlier, marriages are major commitments. Being stuck in such a big one with someone who you regularly have heated arguments with is definitely not what you want.

You should also keep in mind who is constantly causing the disagreements. If you pay attention, you might realize that it’s always your significant other that’s causing the fights.

2.      Different Life Views

If you don’t share the same life views and values, you probably are not that suited for each other. This can cause many problems in your relationship, and you especially won’t be able to see eye to eye when it comes to raising a child.

3.      No Trust

There is no way that your partner and you are compatible if there is no trust. This would result in a toxic marriage that is full of jealousy.

There may be a lot of manipulation that takes place if there is in fact no trust. You will find them accusing you of cheating and doing other things that you did not do.

4.      Abusive Relationship

Although you may think that your partner is the one you want to spend your future with, things may not end well if the two of you are abusive towards each other. This does not have to be physically abusive, as even emotionally and mentally abusive counts.

You need to stay away from anyone who is manipulative as you can end up being gaslit and feeling bad about things that were not your fault.

5.      There is No Shared Commitment

At the end of the day, you probably should not tie the knot with someone who only cares about themselves and not how they affect you. This can mean a lot of things, but they basically may want to pursue their dreams and not help you pursue yours.

Final Thoughts

As you saw from all of the points that were discussed, the average age to get married is in your late twenties. But you don’t have to let statistics rule your life. You can get married at any age that you want – all that matters is that you are spending your future with the love of your life.

This guide not only took a look at your question in-depth, but a bunch of additional information too, like whether it would be a good time to get married, and how to know if you’re ready to tie the knot.

Hopefully you found all of the points discussed useful.

Are Ponchos Cultural Appropriation?

Want to buy or wear a poncho but not sure if it is considered cultural appropriation? This post does a deep dive into the significance of ponchos.

Here is your answer to whether or not ponchos are a form of cultural appropriation:

Is It Cultural Appropriation to Wear a Poncho?

Although ponchos may not be cultural appropriation, they are still an emblematic part of South American, particularly Mexican culture – they also hold deep cultural and historical meaning to native peoples of those lands and it can be considered for non-native people to wear ponchos.

The Cultural Significance of Ponchos

It is only natural to wonder why wearing a poncho may be considered culturally insensitive. After all, isn’t this an item of clothing? What significance could it possibly have?

Well, as it turns out, ponchos have a lot more cultural significance than people realize.

Male tourist in poncho sitting

For one thing, ponchos have been around for a lot longer than many people believe. In reality, ponchos have been found in pre-Incan sites and are considered around 2500 years old!

What’s more, they have considerable significance as well. The patterns on the ponchos can have various meanings – the diamond shaped design was meant to indicate important people or leaders in the community.

In fact, ponchos were considered so important that they were actually buried with individuals. The fact that family members wanted their loved ones to have ponchos in their afterlife means a great deal.

It is due to this significance that you are better off not wearing ponchos. After all, you will simply be wearing it as a fashion statement while to the people of South America, it is far more meaningful.

Why Can Ponchos Be Problematic?

There is also the fact that ponchos can be especially problematic right now.

The people of South America, particularly Mexicans, have often had an uneasy life in the US. Many faces discrimination, harassment, and live under the constant fear of being targeted by the police, even if they are legal citizens.

For instance, in Arizona, the police were allowed to stop people solely based on their physical appearance to demand immigration papers. This law was used to excessively use individuals from South American countries.

To add to this, when Donald Trump was president, he created a law to segregate children from their families at the border. There was also an increase in raids and deportations associated with South American individuals.

In general, though, there has been a lot of mocking things said and done regarding South Americans, with a special focus on Mexicans.

Their manner of speaking and cultural emblems like the sombrero and ponchos have been worn as costumes, often in a derogatory manner.

Due to these instances, most people from South American countries will not take kindly to people wearing ponchos as a fashion statement.

In many cases, it can be a cruel reminder of the double standards faced by Hispanic individuals.

Is It Ever OK to Wear a Poncho?

What about if you have a lot of respect for South American and Mexican culture? What if you mean no disrespect when you wear a poncho? Is it then OK for you to wear this garment?

The issue is that the painful history between the US, the US government, and the people of South America still runs deep. Therefore, borrowing from these cultures when so much of them are still mocked isn’t a good idea.

To add to this, you should consider where you are getting your poncho from. It is likely that you are buying it from a store found in the mall or even a high-end brand.

Well, these stores and brands may have ripped this design idea from South American cultures, but they have given nothing back. This is a blatant case of cultural appropriation. And, if you buy a poncho from such places, then you become a part of the problem.

How to Be Culturally Sensitive About Ponchos?

It is difficult to know if it is possible to be culturally sensitive about ponchos.

If you would like to wear one, though, it is a good idea to consider the people and the environment around you. It is best to wait until you are in a South American country and even then, discuss the matter with the people in that community.

Girl in Poncho Alone in Field

The other thing to do is to stop buying ponchos from major brands or stores. Instead, look for local designers and crafters that use a handloom to create these designs.

For one thing, you can guarantee that your money is going to the right place and to the people who deserve it. In some instances, it could even mean improving certain communities by helping them to preserve their traditional methods.

It is also a good idea to do some research on ponchos. Speak to the designers about the history, material, patterns, etc. It is only by really understand the backstory of a poncho that you will be able to show due respect when wearing it.

In general, you may also want to consider how you can help individuals in your community and throughout the country by raising awareness to their plight. You should also vote in a manner that will improve the lives of the people around you.

Are Ponchos Considered Cultural Appropriation?

Wearing a poncho may not be textbook cultural appropriation but it still considered bad form – ponchos have a great historical and cultural significance and it can be hurtful to wear them without understanding this – the injustices of South Americans at the hands of the US also makes this problematic.

Are Mandalas Cultural Appropriation?

Interested in purchasing, displaying, or using a mandala but not sure if it is a form of cultural appropriation? If so, this is the article for you. Discover the significance of the mandala and whether or not it is a form of cultural appropriation:

Is Displaying or Using Mandalas Cultural Appropriation?

This all depends on how the mandalas are being used – if you are using or displaying mandalas as a form of meditation, to improve focus, and to bring balance into your life, then it is not cultural appropriation – however, if the mandalas are being used for decoration, then it is disrespectful.

What is the Purpose of a Mandala?

A lot of people are confused about what mandala actually is. So much so that few individuals understand the purpose of a Mandala.

So, what is a mandala and how is it meant to be used?

beautiful mandala design concept

The mandala is a symbolic diagram. It is meant to be a representation of the universe, a sacred space that functions as the receptacle for Gods as well as universal forces. Each person is meant to mentally enter the mandala and to work towards moving towards the center. In doing so, you experience disintegration and reintegration.

Mandalas are a part of Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, and Japanese cultures. There are two types of mandalas, each representing a certain aspect of the universe.

The garbha-dhatu is where the movement of the individual is from the one to the many. With the vajra-dhatu, the movement is from the many into the one.

In essence, the mandala is a spiritual and mental element of Buddhism. It is an object that is meant to help you focus, find your spiritual center, and to move to a higher plane of spirituality and existence.

The Origin of Your Mandala and How It Ties into Cultural Appropriation

Now, before going into whether or not different forms of mandala utilization is cultural appropriation or not, you must first consider whether your mandala is authentic.

If you have gotten your mandala anywhere outside of Asia, there is a good chance that the mandala doesn’t have the right pattern. In fact, it is largely a commercial or manufactured product. In that sense, it isn’t really a mandala.

Although Buddhism and mandalas have spread outside of Asia, these philosophies have often been twisted by the Western world. Most people in Western countries use it as an identity rather than to practice principles to move to a higher spiritual plane.

Not to mention, Buddhist elements such as the mandala have become heavily commercialized and manufactured in these countries. This is done with the little thought to the meaning or the origination of such symbols.

Therefore, using or keeping a ‘fake’ mandala certainly is a form of cultural appropriation as it shows a lack of the respect for the concept of the mandala.

Is a Mandala Tapestry Cultural Appropriation?

This depends on why you have the tapestry in your home and how you are using it. For instance, if you sit in front of the tapestry each day, clear your mind, and use the tapestry to find your spiritual center, this isn’t a form of cultural appropriation.

This is because you are using the tapestry as it was originally intended – to focus your mind and to improve yourself.

However, if you are keeping the tapestry as a piece of décor or to add an ethnic or boho vibe to your home, then this is a form of cultural appropriation. This is true regardless of whether or not the mandala is authentic.

Keep in mind, mandalas have real significance to people. By treating simply as a decoration, you are disrespecting the value that these individuals have placed on the mandala.

Are Mandala Tattoos a Form of Cultural Appropriation?

The one thing that you absolutely shouldn’t do is to get mandala tattoos. There are a few different reasons for this.

For one thing, you are treating the mandala as a decorative image and, as mentioned, you really shouldn’t do this. Despite the design looking pretty, a mandala is a spiritual image and isn’t meant to be used in any other fashion.

Beautiful mandala rock

Therefore, when you get a mandala tattoo, you are completely disregarding the meaning and importance behind this design.

Furthermore, the mandala tattoo designs that you find aren’t actually mandala designs at all. Instead, they are geometric patterns that have a passing resemblance to the mandala.

This shows a lack of care to the authentic designs and what they mean – you are simply looking for something that will look good as a tattoo.

Finally, there is an increasing number of mandala tattoos these days. This proves that it is a passing fad for tattoos. In this instance, the mandala is turned into a trend and something gimmicky.

As a result, it is completely disrespectful to those who view the mandala as a sacred thing.

How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation with Mandalas?

First and foremost, do your research on mandalas. Discover what they are, what they mean, and how they are meant to be used.

This will guarantee that you are showing the mandala the due respect.

You should also be careful about where you get the mandala from. Avoid buying it from department stores or Western stores or brands.

Instead, look for mandalas originating from India, China, or Japan. These will be accurate and have greater meaning for you.

Are Mandalas Considered Cultural Appropriation?

If you purchase the proper mandala and use it to help improve your concentration and to move to a higher plane of thought and spirituality, then it isn’t a form of cultural appropriation – however, if it is used as decorative, a trend, or a gimmick then it is appropriation.

Sites Like Mobile.de

Want to find a place like Mobile.de to buy and sell your car? Well, then you are in the right place. There are lot of great platforms for you to check out.

Here is a detailed list for you to choose from!

Automarkt.de

This is a vehicle marketplace that is equally advantageous to both buyers and sellers. If you are a seller, then you can figure out how much your car is worth based on the current market price. Best of all, you can do this for absolutely free! Even advertising your vehicle is completely free.

If you want to buy a car, you can narrow the results down by choosing the type of vehicle, model, year, etc. At the same time, you can also find the perfect car for you by even looking up the price, date of registration, and more. Want to limit how far you need to travel to pick up your car? Not a problem. Simply choose your radius and you can find the vehicles closest to you.

AutoUncle

This is another site that makes it easy to buy the car of your dreams. Not sure of what brand you want to invest in? Then go ahead and check out the type of car that you wish to buy. In fact, you can narrow down your search by fuel type, transmission, and horsepower. It is really easy to find the car that meets all of your requirements.

Homepage for mobile.de

If you have a price range that you are searching in, then you can look for cars based on this. Of course, you can’t always be sure that you are getting a fair price. Well, AutoUncle comes to the rescue again. They let you know if each car is fairly priced or not so that you can be certain of your investment.

Markt.de

One of the main perks of using Markt.de is that there is just so much of choice here. This is a rather popular online marketplace which means that there are thousands of cars to choose from. Everything from popular models to rarer ones and new cars to old cars, you can find on this site.

The search features are pretty impressive and you should have a list of the best fit cars for you with just a click of a button. One of the search functions that Markt.de does especially well is helping you to find a eco friendly car. From emission class to fine dust sticker, you can figure out just how good any of the cars listed is for the environment.

flowCar

Want to make selling or buying a car online as easy as possible? Then flowCar is the site to head to. If you wish to sell your car, then send an instant request that can be approved in real time. After your car has been inspected and provided with a fair evaluation, you can get your cash then and there!

Homepage for flowcar

It is just as straightforward to buy a car from flowCar. You get to choose a car that has been carefully evaluated. Once you have decided which one is the right for you, choose a rental price that works for you. As long as your subscription has been approved, you can drive away with your new car then and there!

wirkaufendeinauto.de

With this website, selling your car is a fuss-free process. You can handle the assessment of your car online and can receive your valuation online too. The selling price is valid for 7 days and then there is an immediate transfer of sale if you choose. With marketing for 48 hours to 60,000 dealers, you know that there is a higher chance of your car being sold. What’s more, the de-registration process can take place online as well.

There are lots of advantages to buying your car online from this site too. One of the main perks is that you have access to many car brands, thus providing you with a greater level of choice. You can also do a detailed and advanced search so that you don’t have to scroll through hundreds of cars. Instead, the one with your desired features will pop right up.

There you have it – the top online vehicle marketplaces to choose from. With these sites you will be spoilt for choice and have no trouble finding the top make and model for you.