San Francisco State Dreadlocks Drama: SFSU Students Cory Goldstein And Bonita Tindle Video Investigated

Two San Francisco State University students had a fascinating confrontation over dreadlocks, and it was caught on video. A black student, Bonita Tindle confronted Cory Goldstein, a white student, for apparently wearing dreadlocks, which she claims are part of her culture.

san francisco state dreadlocks

A pair of San Francisco State University students had a heated exchange over dreadlocks, and the video of the confrontation has gone viral. On Tuesday, Cory Goldstein, a Caucasian student, who has been sporting dreadlocks since he was 17, got into an argument with Bonita Tindle, a black student, who was upset that he has taken something that is supposedly part of her culture. Goldstein asked:

“You’re saying I can’t have my a hairstyle because of your culture? Why?”

Tindle replied by:

“Because it’s my culture.”

Talking to local media, Goldstein said that he would have a respectful discussion with anyone about his dreadlocks, but has no plans to cut them. He said:

“At the time it just really felt like she was demeaning me and demoralizing me. It’s something I’ve had since I was 17-years-old and something that’s part of who I am. I believe they are powerful and helped amplify myself and helped me connect to this world.”

San Francisco State University is investigating the video and confirmed the student, who took the video, has requested charges be filed against Tindle. While members of the Rastafari movement are known for their locks, dreads originated from Greece, not Africa.

“In Ancient Greece, kouros sculptures from the Archaic period depict men wearing dreadlocks, while Spartan hoplites (generally described as fair-haired) wore formal locks as part of their battle dress. The style was worn by Ancient Christian Ascetics, and the Dervishes of Islam, among others.
Among some Sadhus and Sadhvis, Hindu holy men and women, locks are sacred, considered to be a religious practice, an expression of disregard for profane vanity.
Maasai warriors are famous for their long, thin, red locks. Many people dye their hair red with root extracts or red ochre.”

What are your thoughts on the cultural appropriation debate over dreadlocks?

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2 Comments

  1. Her culture ! Does she really want to play that game? What about blacks that straighten their hair or get blonde weaves? what else is black culture ? kind of sad that this person can only use a hairstyle to sum up her cultures contributions to the world. Keep your nappy hair and give us back everything you stole from white culture.

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