At present, bandanas are more like a fashion piece or statement. And I am pretty sure some of you have even let your dog wear around its neck. Well, they look cute, I can’t blame that!
However, many people are oblivion to the fact this square cloth piece holds multiple significances. For instance, a red bandana is connected to the Bloods gang, an LA-based African-American street gang.
Quite surprising, isn’t it? It is just the tip of the iceberg, as there are variants of bandana colors affiliated with one thing or the other.
While some bandana colors are safe to wear, some need due consideration before wearing them. If you love bandanas but aren’t aware of their history and culture, this post will be of great help.
This article will reveal different shades of bandanas and their affiliations. Let’s take a look into it without further ado!
Bandana Colors To Avoid: Think Before You Wear!
A Bandana is a printed square cloth piece known for its versatility. You can use it as a fashion piece, face mask, headband, etc.
Here is a fun fact: The word bandana is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘badhnati,’ meaning to tie or bind. Additionally, do you know that this cloth piece originated in India?
Bandanas have come a long way in history and affiliations. Before, it was more about identity, symbol, or representation.
But now it’s not as relevant as before. Most of the bandana colors are safe to wear and roam around.
However, it would be better to avoid wearing solid colors, including blue, red, or green, if you’re in a rougher area or neighborhood. Additionally, avoid wearing bandanas with patterns affiliated with gangs.
Here are three bandana colors to avoid if you’re in a rough neighborhood
1. Blue Bandana
Blue bandana is affiliated with the crips gangs in Los Angeles. It’s a popular color among gangs; hence be wary when you plan to wear it outside.
Hip-hop star Snoop Dogg was a member of this gang, and the recently concluded NFL Super Bowl Halftime show attests to it
2. Red Bandana
The red bandana is worn by Bloods gang members, which has a long-standing rivalry with the crips gang. I suggest you be wary of the locations while wearing these bandanas.
3. Green Bandana
A green bandana is affiliated to BAC (Bay Area Crips) and is mainly worn on the left pocket. If you’re from the Bay area, be careful of this color.
These are three bandana colors that you should be careful of if you plan to wear them outside. Although it may not be impactful as before, being educated about it will be helpful in the long run.
What Color Bandana Is Safe To Wear?
Today, most bandana colors are safe to wear. Colored bandanas were mainly associated with gangs or organizations.
But as time evolved, celebrities started to wear them and became more like a fashion pieces. However, as mentioned earlier, opt for prints or patterns that are not affiliated with gangs.
| Bandana Color | What It Stands For | Safe To Wear Or Not |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bandana | It’s a neutral color and doesn’t have any affiliations with gangs. | Safe |
| Grey Bandana | It was affiliated with Asian gangs. | Safe |
| White Bandana | It stands for unity and peace. | Safe |
| Brown Bandana | It was linked to the La Gran mafia | Safe |
| Pink Bandana | It’s mainly worn to raise awareness against breast cancer | Safe |
Now here are a few pointers that you need to pay heed to. A solid black bandana isn’t affiliated with any organization or gang and stands for neutrality.
However, some black bandanas have prints or patterns affiliated with gangs. Therefore, be careful wearing a patterned black bandana if you’re in a rough or dangerous neighborhood.
Likewise, the bandana colors listed in the table, excluding white and pink bandana colors, have an association with gangs. They are safe to wear, but you must be wary of the location or area.
Most of the gangs don’t function or are partially functioning. And it would be better to be aware of it before you wear them.
Safe Ways To Don a Bandana
You can wear bandanas on your head if you’re in a safe neighborhood. Before, it was associated with gangs; however, times have changed.
I’d advise you not to wear solid color bandanas like green, red or blue if you’re in a rough neighborhood. Some gangs are still functioning and would be dangerous if you wear a rival bandana color unintentionally.
At present, there are no strict rules as to wearing bandanas. You can use it as a face mask or tie around your neck as a fashion statement.
If you’re wearing it as a face mask, refrain from wearing patterned bandanas associated with gangs to be on the safe side. Before, people would put it behind their back pocket as a code for their sexual preference.
However, it doesn’t have much relevance as the world has become more liberal and accepting.
Is Wearing Bandanas Cultural Appropriation?
Wearing bandanas is not a cultural appropriation. This clothing accessory has an array of connections to different cultures and ethnicities. A bandana is mainly worn as a head scarf by women regardless of the culture.
In the case of durag, which is also worn to protect hair, it is associated to African -American. It’s a part of their identity which has profound cultural significance.
When it comes to durag, there are conflicting opinions about whether it’s okay for a non-black person to wear this accessory.
While some say, it’s fine to wear it unless you are not mocking or stereotyping it. However, a section of people says it’s cultural appropriation.
Recap
Concluding the article, you are safe to wear any bandana colors. Before, it was associated with gangs, but now most have stopped functioning.
However, green, blue, and red bandanas should be avoided in rough neighborhoods or areas. I’d suggest you wear bandanas based on the location or opt for a neutral bandana color like black, grey, etc.
References
Photo by hamood alrashdi on Unsplash