The Controversy Behind Hoop Earrings

Exactly a year ago, on March 4th, 2017, three Latino students of Pitzer College were fed up with the cultural appropriation of white people and decided to paint “White Girls, take off your hoops” on the free speech wall. Several students took responsibility for this action, and among them was Alegria Martinez, who was a campus resident advisor and an active "Latinx Student Union" member. These Latino students sent out an email thread claiming responsibility for the paintings. The email contained their grievances over how white women are appropriating the culture of people of color. Martinez indicated in the email how the hoop culture was founded on oppression and poverty; she also stated how hoop earrings and other accessories, such as gold plate necklaces, were considered ghetto. The email showed how aggrieved the students were due to the exploitation of cultural symbols by white people. This painting caused some serious backlash from people both in and outside of the campus. Several threats and violent messages were directed at the Latino students due to this. Melvin L. Oliver, who was the college president, criticized the threats and violence directed at these students in an open letter and asked that it be stopped.

Exploring the Ancient Origins and Broad Appeal of Gold Hoop Earrings

The cultural encyclopedia of the body showed Ashurnasirpal II, King of Assyria (now Iraq), as the first identifiable person to wear hoop earrings (884-859 B.C.). The encyclopedia shows the king wearing the hoop earrings in his palace. This shows that the hoop earring is part of Greek and Roman culture. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and other civilizations cherished gold hoop earrings for both their beauty and their symbolic meanings. These earrings have traversed centuries, evolving from simple silver and gold designs to intricate 14K and 18K gold pieces adorned with various stones. Understanding their rich history highlights their broad appeal across different cultures and eras. Pirates, sailors, and seamen also wore gold hoop earrings for different reasons. The pirates wore hoop earrings because they believed they had superstitious powers to heal them and protect them from drowning. The seamen wore hoop earrings as a sign of their sailing expeditions. The hoop earrings were part of the culture of seamen, pirates, and sailors.

The Hoop Earring Culture of Women of Color

In the 1980s and early 1990s, a Latino lifestyle popularly referred to as 'Chola' was born, and the hoop culture was greatly associated with this lifestyle. The Chola culture had the Latina women drawing their eyebrows thin, painting their lips dark, teasing their hair, and adorning themselves with nameplate necklaces, hoop earrings, and baggy shirts. This lifestyle was an indication of the gang violence and poverty faced by the Latin women. This was their way of looking tough as well as wearing what they could afford. An assistant professor in the Department of Chicana/o studies at UC Davis, Lorena Marques, explained that once a young Latin girl is born, she receives her first pair of small hoop earrings. The culture of hoop earrings is still used as a sign of cultural resistance, although it is now a fashion statement as well. The same way the hoop earrings are significant to the Latin community is the same way it is important to the black community. The black women wore hoop earrings as a sign of poverty and struggle as they dressed in what they could afford. The hoop earrings usually go for less than 3 dollars at most beauty stores and shops. This is why, back in 2016, Urban Outfitters had a major backlash when they inflated the price of bamboo hoop earrings in their stores to $16. Most people of color saw this as cultural appropriation, and the company suffered from this.

The Significance of Hoop Earrings in Modern Culture and Style

In modern times, hoop earrings have become a significant fashion statement, particularly in communities of color, where they symbolize strength and identity. The choice of material—whether silver, 14K gold, or embellished with diamonds—adds to their expressive power. However, as these styles are adopted more widely, it's essential to approach them with sensitivity to their cultural significance.

Navigating Controversy: Cultural Respect in Jewelry Choices

The conversation about hoop earrings is often interwoven with issues of cultural appropriation. It’s crucial to acknowledge their historical and cultural significance when choosing to wear them. Our collection respects this heritage, offering designs that range from medium-sized hoops perfect for daily wear to luxurious, diamond-accented pieces for special occasions. By promoting informed choices and respect for cultural histories, wearers can appreciate the full value of their jewelry, enhancing personal style while honoring the traditions that accompany it.

Conclusion

While hoop earrings hold substantial cultural significance for people of color, their historical usage extends back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans. This rich heritage illustrates that hoop earrings have been a cherished adornment across various cultures throughout history. As we continue to appreciate these timeless pieces, it's exciting to see them being embraced and adapted by an even wider array of cultures today. The addition of modern elements such as rose gold and diamond embellishments has expanded the appeal of hoop earrings, making them a versatile accessory for women worldwide. Whether opting for medium-sized hoops for daily wear or more lavish diamond-studded designs for special occasions, hoop earrings for women remain a symbol of both personal style and deep-rooted cultural identity. This ongoing evolution ensures that hoop earrings will continue to be a staple in jewelry collections, adding a touch of elegance and historical significance to contemporary fashion.