Fitness YouTuber ‘Sarah’s Day’ Issues Lengthy Apology After Cultural Appropriation Backlash

sarah's day

Health and fitness YouTuber Sarah’s Day has apologised after being accused of cultural appropriation for her recent activewear range with White Fox Boutique.

Sarah, 27, is set to launch her third activewear collaboration with White Fox Boutique in June, but has faced backlash from fans who have accused her of cultural appropriation in her promotional photos.

“With a new activewear campaign centred around confidence, strength, embracing and loving our bodies, I’m absolutely heartbroken some people and communities are feeling the exact opposite right now. I am so sorry and I want to make it right,” she began her lengthy apology on Instagram.

“In no way am I trying to make ‘excuses’ or justify my actions, I’m responding and providing answers to the questions I’ve been asked as to why we chose the double braids hairstyle for the campaign.”

The photos in question saw Sarah wearing long, fluro “boxer braids,” not dissimilar to the braids the Kardashian/Jenners have been called out for in the past.

Back in 2016, Kim Kardashian was called a trend setter for apparently making the hairstyle, which actually dates back to ancient Africa, popular. These “boxer braids” also known as cornrows have never gone “out of style” and have always been prevalent among people of colour. However, the problem is that they’re only now being seen as “cool” and “trendy” now that white, conventionally attractive women are wearing them, which is problematic to say the least.

As a white woman, I’m not going to pretend I can speak from personal experience when it comes to cultural appropriation. But it’s important to recognise that we don’t get to choose what somebody else is or isn’t offended by, especially when it comes to topics that are sensitive for cultures that aren’t our own. You may think hair is just hair, but when people of colour have been ridiculed for these hairstyles for centuries, it’s understandable to see why it could be offensive to see them suddenly become “cool” and “trendy” now that popular white women are wearing them. What may just be braids to you could hold more significance to somebody else.

Following the backlash, Sarah issued a lengthy apology, clarifying that she never meant to offend anyone and is now pulling the campaign as a result. Thankfully, it seems like Sarah was genuinely unaware of how this could be considered cultural appropriation, and appears both apologetic and willing to educate herself on the issue.

“I’m sorry if I offended anyone. That was never my intention. I want EVERYONE to feel empowered, valued and confident. Please know that I love you all and I’m doing my best at being respectful of everyone’s opinion.”

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