Let the problematic prom shenanigans continue. Last week, Twitter dragged a teen boy for a racist “promposal” that read "If I was black, I’d be picking cotton, but I’m white so I’m picking u 4 prom." This week 18-year-old Keziah Daum is getting called out for wearing a traditional Chinese dress called a qipao to her prom.
A qipao is known as an essential national dress for Chinese women. This historically loose-fitting garb has grown into its tighter, form-fitting modern iteration, becoming a symbol of individuality and expression for Chinese women.
Many were none too pleased with Daum's outfit, with many calling it cultural appropriation.
Others said they didn't mind the dress, but told her to be careful about the way she posed for photos.
Daum defended herself on Twitter, saying she had no intention of disrespecting Chinese culture.
White people wearing traditional Asian attire is sadly nothing new. Daum admitted she bought the dress at a vintage store before her prom, writing, "It’s just a pretty dress I found and it’s a vintage dress from a vintage shop!" When it comes to the appropriation of Asian culture, many Asians are often told cultural "appreciation" and not "appropriation" is at work, but this is usually done by people who know little about the culture of what their wearing, the history, or really care about dismantling colonial enterprises in Asia and Asian stereotypes.
Can prom season be over yet?
