A reader asks whether the hairstyle she wants to wear would be cultural appropriation. Emma has some advice.
Author Archives: Emma Dabiri
Emma Dabiri is an Irish-Nigerian academic, writer, and broadcaster. She is the author of the book _Don't Touch My Hair_ (London: Allen Lane, 2019).
Posted inApr 25th, 2018, Opinion
Emma: On What It Means to Be “Attracted to Black Girls”
A reader says he “melts” at the sight of “a pretty black girl on the street or in the office” and asks, “What should I do?”
Posted inMar 21st, 2018, Opinion
Emma: On Speaking in an Irish Accent, and How to Respond to Trolls
Advice columnist Emma Dabiri responds to one immigrant reader who asks if it would be weird if they started using Dublin slang, and another wondering about the best way to show solidarity online.
Posted inJan 31st, 2018, Opinion
Emma: On the Politics of Black Hair
When women of African descent refuse to wear their hair natural, is it self-hate or just fashion? a reader asks. Emma has answers.
Posted inJan 10th, 2018, Opinion
Emma: On the Complex Response to “Where Are You From?”
“This insistence that you must be from elsewhere is deeply disorientating, and can leave you feeling extremely lost and anchorless – at least that’s how I felt,” writes Emma Dabiri, in response to a reader.
Posted inDec 20th, 2017, Opinion
Emma: On Turning Dubliners into Pan-Africanists
A reader says she thinks that young people of African descent in Ireland should know more about their shared Pan-African heritage. What’s the path to that? she asks. Emma has advice.
Posted inNov 22nd, 2017, Opinion
Emma: On Making a Home in Dublin versus London
“My partner is a Muslim woman of colour from the UK, and I’m keen to move back to Dublin … but I’m worried I’d be bringing her to a city which is much whiter than London, and might well be more racist or Islamophobic,” a reader worries. Emma has advice.
Posted inNov 8th, 2017, Opinion
Emma: On Teaching Kids in Dublin with All Kinds of Identities
A reader asks for advice on how to teach a diverse class of students to help them feel proud of their heritage. Columnist Emma Dabiri offers some ideas.
Posted inOct 25th, 2017, Opinion
Emma: On Whether Irish Black People Are Woke, and on Changing “Foreign” Names
Emma Dabiri responds to readers’ questions about navigating race and identity in Ireland.
Posted inOct 11th, 2017, Opinion
Emma: Let’s Talk About Race and Identity in Ireland
It’s time to reflect on the state of race relations in Ireland and to think meaningfully about issues both of difference and belonging. Send me your questions, writes Emma Dabiri.