Social media, memes, Danielle Bregoli, and the Double Standards of Cultural Appropriation

Unless you have been intentionally avoiding the internet, social media, or any news outlets, you have probably heard of Danielle Bregoli, also known as the girl that said, "cash me ousside howbow dah.," on the Dr. Phil Show. Her appearance, was not a good one, but the following memes, song remixes, and dance challenges, led Bregoli to become an internet sensation. Although all of these things died off soon after, Bregoli held on to her stardom. She gained a principle role in Kodak Black's music video, and comedic roles in videos with popular YouTube stars. All which have led her to land advertising deals and many other offers. Her Instagram following is in the millions, depicting how great of an audience she has reached.

Take in mind that Bregoli is only 13 years old, and in a sense is praised for what she does. On the Dr. Phil show, we were subjected to the crimes she openly discussed that she did. She admitted to stealing cars; most recently got involved into an altercation with a woman on a plane, and got into a fight outside of a bar. Why is it that this behavior is encouraged an applauded when someone that is white is doing it?

The problem with this meme and her popularity is that it began through cultural appropriation. This meme appropriates black language, culture, and creativity. By saying, “cash me ousside, howbow dah,” Bregoli has come into fame through the culturally appropriated use of ebonics, which is defined as “African American vernacular English.” 

Bregoli is praised for the use of this language as a white woman, whereas African Americans who use ebonics are discriminated against and seen in a negative and racist light.They are depicted as “ghetto” or “ratchet.” Bregoli more than likely does not have any knowledge of the history of ebonics nor the black culture yet, her social media persona relies on using this culture as a funny trend to gain fame and fortune.

This is not a unique situation as celebrities constantly appropriate cultures through their styles, roles, etc. We have seen white designers refer to the traditionally black hairstyle, Bantu knots, as mini buns.

Gloria Anzaldua mentions the idea of la facultad, which is the capacity to see in surface phenomena the meaning of deeper realities, to see the deep structure below the surface.The appropriation of cultures may feel as it does no harm, however, cultural appropriation is not the same as cultural exchange or culture appreciation. People who have la facultad understand that culture appropriation trivializes violent historical oppression. Similarly it makes things considered"cool" for white people, but "too ethnic" or in this case "ghetto" for people of color.