The Internet Is Mad at Zac Efron and His Dreadlocks

Zac Efron has dreadlocks, describing the new look in an Instagram post as "Just for fun." However, the dreads have prompted criticism online, with accusations of cultural appropriation from various quarters on social media. Just for fun 🤘 A post shared by Zac Efron (@zacefron) on Jul 5, 2018 at 10:24am PDT Instagram user @carchimonique commented, "Cultural appropriation is taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture. Cultural appreciation is when elements of a culture are used while honoring the source they came from." She continued, "Me 'complaining' about black culture being rejected by white culture is not solved by white people appropriating black culture and then calling it acceptance. The solution is respect," adding later her view that a white man wearing dreadlocks might accept "black culture," but that doesn't mean he respects it. Elsewhere, @lindseyglitters commented, "There are legit laws that keep black folks with dreads for getting work and you over here talkin bout some 'Just for fun." Others hit the Baywatch star with comments telling him to check his privilege, and questions like, "You really thought this ok? You really thought this was going to be cool?" Others elsewhere on social media jumped to Efron's defense: So Zac Efron has dreadlocks & people start the cultural appropriation hoohaa. Dudes, people are supposed to have freedom in having whatever hairstyles they want. Whatever happens to cultural diversity?? — Food Lover (@QueenOfCraps) July 8, 2018 To all those people getting all upset about @ZacEfron wearing #dreadlocks may need learn the history dreads before getting upset. — Joanne Torku (@theoutsider1986) July 8, 2018 It's not yet clear whether Efron's new look is for an upcoming movie role. The actor's next film, Harmony Korine's The Beach Bum, which is about a rebellious stoner, is currently in post-production. Efron stars alongside Matthew McConaughey, Snoop Dogg, and Jonah Hill, with a release expected before the end of the year. What do you make of Efron's dreads? Let us know in the comments. Next, a Thanos-inspired subreddit is planning the biggest ban in Reddit history. via Highsnobiety