Dear white people with dreadlocks: Some things to consider

By Emanuella Grinberg, CNN

Updated 1816 GMT (0216 HKT) April 1, 2016

After a black San Francisco State University student confronted a white student over his dreadlock hairstyle, calling it cultural appropriation, people are talking about the topic of white people with dreads. Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows, who has admitted his locks are extensions, is one notable example. Here are a few other nonblack celebs who sport the hairstyle.
Photos: White people with dreadlocks
After a black San Francisco State University student confronted a white student over his dreadlock hairstyle, calling it cultural appropriation, people are talking about the topic of white people with dreads. Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows, who has admitted his locks are extensions, is one notable example. Here are a few other nonblack celebs who sport the hairstyle.
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Anne Lamott writes about everything from spirituality to motherhood to her hair in memoirs like "Bird by Bird," "Operating Instructions" and "Grace." <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/me-my-hair-and-i-leaves-black-hair-out-of-the-narrative_us_5615912be4b0cf9984d84d9a" target="_blank">Lamott has said</a> she initially felt "presumptuous to appropriate a black style for my own liberation."
Photos: White people with dreadlocks
Anne Lamott writes about everything from spirituality to motherhood to her hair in memoirs like "Bird by Bird," "Operating Instructions" and "Grace." Lamott has said she initially felt "presumptuous to appropriate a black style for my own liberation."
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Jonathan Davis and other members of his heavy metal band Korn sport dreadlock styles. Davis has been cultivating his dreads for years.
Photos: White people with dreadlocks
Jonathan Davis and other members of his heavy metal band Korn sport dreadlock styles. Davis has been cultivating his dreads for years.
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Singer Ani DiFranco is known for her natural, hippie style. DiFranco wore her hair in dreadlocks for many years but has gone back to a straight hairstyle lately.
Photos: White people with dreadlocks
Singer Ani DiFranco is known for her natural, hippie style. DiFranco wore her hair in dreadlocks for many years but has gone back to a straight hairstyle lately.
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Jason Castro is one of a few former "American Idol" contestants who have worn their hair in dreadlocks.
Photos: White people with dreadlocks
Jason Castro is one of a few former "American Idol" contestants who have worn their hair in dreadlocks.
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Lady Gaga is pictured attending the 2013 Jingle Bell Ball in London wearing a dreadlock style.
Photos: White people with dreadlocks
Lady Gaga is pictured attending the 2013 Jingle Bell Ball in London wearing a dreadlock style.
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"American Idol" contestant Crystal Bowersox wore her hair in dreadlocks while competing in the singing competition's ninth season. She finished in second place.
Photos: White people with dreadlocks
"American Idol" contestant Crystal Bowersox wore her hair in dreadlocks while competing in the singing competition's ninth season. She finished in second place.
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John Travolta wore dreadlocks for his role as Terl in the film "Battlefield Earth." Terl is a member of the Psychlo species of humanoid aliens that takes over Earth.
Photos: White people with dreadlocks
John Travolta wore dreadlocks for his role as Terl in the film "Battlefield Earth." Terl is a member of the Psychlo species of humanoid aliens that takes over Earth.
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Filmmaker Lana Wachowski made the "Matrix" <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/08/entertainment/wachowski-sisters-transgender/index.html">along with her sibling Lilly Wachowski</a>. Pink dreadlocks have become Lana's signature hairstyle.
Photos: White people with dreadlocks
Filmmaker Lana Wachowski made the "Matrix" along with her sibling Lilly Wachowski. Pink dreadlocks have become Lana's signature hairstyle.
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Dreadlocks are part of the costume for Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies.
Photos: White people with dreadlocks
Dreadlocks are part of the costume for Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies.
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Story highlights

  • Two students' confrontation over dreadlocks sparked conversation
  • One SF State student says the other was appropriating black culture with his hair
  • The other student contends that dreadlocks don't belong to just one culture

(CNN)Black hair is a touchy subject tied to beauty, identity and politics. Whether it's Afros and black power or cornrows and hip-hop, hairstyles associated with African-American culture can make a statement before their wearers say a word.

So when whites choose a traditionally black hairstyle such as dreadlocks, it adds another layer of complexity to the issue.
    Take the latest case in point: a viral video showing a black woman calling out a white male student at San Francisco State University for his dreadlocks. The video touched off debate over whether dreadlocks on white people constitute cultural appropriation or appreciation, a fashion faux pas or some combination thereof.