African Clothing was a very popular piece of clothing in the late 70′s and pretty much throughout the span of the 80′s. Different Cultures and races wore this piece of clothing. Even the hippies in the United States wore this piece clothing as a symbol of opposition to the then government of the United States.
As far back as the 80′s, African clothing is now being produced in several parts of the world. Countries like China, India, Pakistan, Indonesia have really adopted this as a significant source of revenue for their countries. The above stated countries and more have made it very difficult for African Clothing traders to make a revenue out of their very own cultures here in the United States and in some other countries with a huge black population.
Most Africans (born in Africa) are able to recognize the inferior “African” Clothing produced by these countries. However, there are a few Africans that are not familiar with these inferior clothing. In the same light, a huge number of African-Americans that try to connect to their historical home are deceived everyday by these companies. They produce “African” clothing in their countries and label them “Made in Africa” when they sell them. People that have bought these type of clothing are very often embarrassed when they get to their event. They realize what they thought was authentic is actually inferior and does not connect them to their history/culture.
There are a handful of vendors that sell authentic African Clothing here in the United States. These companies try to improve the Africa-US trade to make trade between the United States and Africa a mutual benefit. The United States has done its part by introducing and adopting AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act). This act was put in place as an incentive for African Countries to open their economies and build free markets. Unfortunately, clothing is a very significant trade to the United States that actually helps less privileged Africans make a living to take care of themselves and their Families. This trade is being relinquished because of the greed of these countries. Africa has always been bullied by other continents from its establishment to these present days. This is not to say that Africa is not to blame for these set backs. Africa has indeed contributed to these setbacks. The Government is supposed to aid local traders and global traders that invest their money into the African economy through grants and loans but because of the high level of corruption in Africa. These grants are being pocketed by the rich and powerful in Africa. Many Representatives, Senators, Governors and many other individuals in the legislative and executive branches have chosen to share their countries earnings amongst themselves. A good way to contribute to the African economy is through small trades like clothing. Buying African made clothing puts money in the hands of the people and not in the hands of the government. This is a more effective way of helping to grow the Africa-US trade. Admirers of African Clothing need to stand up against products made in other countries and marked “Made in Africa”.
These countries that make so called “African” clothing, mass produce them and sell them for peanuts. They make thousands of items a day. This makes it very difficult for skilled traders to compete. It takes skilled traders an average of 1 day to make an outfit. Of course, the difference is very clear. The quality of the inferior African clothing is most often times very poor compared to the authentic clothing made in Africa. The sizing of the Skirt suits, Dashiki’s and the African dresses always seem to be one size fits most when produced by these non-African countries. This is not to say that African clothing is always fitted. This is to say that they try to copy the fitted items but because they are mass produced, they are not able to get each item a fitted look. Africans and some African-Americans that are familiar with African Clothing for the most part can spot inferior items at a first glance.
These non-African countries have their own culture and their traditional clothing. The African government or even Africans as a whole do not make or mass produce their traditional clothing or items and sell them for peanuts. Africans in general would purchase their items from a certified merchant to make sure they are getting an authentic piece. Why is this favor not returned when it comes to African goods. Why are Africans exploited time and time again? African traders would definitely not mind having foreigners patronize them for their art/craft/skill. They would gladly sell items to foreigners at reasonable prices. It is however very insulting to the African people for companies to mass produce something similar to their art and sell them for peanuts. It is definitely a slap in the face to Africans that work hard every day using their skills to try to make a living to support themselves and their families.
Africa as a continent is really struggling, most of its resources have been taken away from it or manipulated. Africa needs a rebirth. If we want Africa to thrive again and would like to see an improvement in the Africa-US trade, If we want Africa to be competitive again in the world market. If we want quality over quantity, If we want to feel closer to Africa, we need to question any item we purchase deemed “African” to make sure it is actually being produced/assembled in Africa.
What is the essence of Authentic African Clothing? Why is Africa struggling? What is going on with the Africa-US trade agreement?
Like this:
Tags: African Attire, African Clothes, African Clothing, African Dress, African print, Dashiki, Head wrap, lapa, wrapper
