The Dashiki Is For Us All
The common dashiki has its roots in Africa. It is a loose pull-over tunic shirt known for bright colors, and has embroidery (or embroidery printed) on the front.
The dashiki is now worn the world over, popular in Europe, Asia and Latin America, but only in the United States is the common dashiki more than a shirt.
Even today, a review for a forthcoming movie comes in my mailbox.
The confrontational protagonist wears a dashiki. He could just as well have worn a suit for his job, and probably should have.
Unless the man whom the actor is portraying actually wore one, it is an unfortunate choice.
What about the men of higher purpose who, by choice, wear the dashiki? Hasn’t Nelson Mandela, President Obama and Ghandi at some time been noted for wearing one?
On the positive end of the spectrum, Warren Ohio is holding a festival to celebrate Black History Month.
“Preferred dress is African attire with those attending asked to wear African dress, dashiki or head dress to show pride.”
There is nothing wrong with pride and self acceptance. It is all good. I am working towards the day when one can just wear a dashiki.
Wear it because you want to, wear it because it is comfortable, wear it because its fresh from the laundry.
Wear it without making a statement. Unless that statement is that you like wearing a dashiki.
