Prom is the biggest night for many high school students. For four years, teens look forward to the chance to get dolled up and end their “high school experience” with their closest friends.
While prom is exciting for everyone, many girls look forward to picking out a stunning dress, getting their hair and makeup done, and slaying. One Twitter user is going viral for her choice in prom dress–which has some people online pretty angry.
Keziah Daum, an 18-year-old senior from Wood Cross, Utah, told BuzzFeed that she picked out her prom dress from a vintage store in Salt Lake City.
After Keziah shared photos on her Twitter profile, the tweet went viral when some people began calling the high schooler out for “appropriating Chinese culture.”
PROM pic.twitter.com/gsJ0LtsCmP
— Keziah (@daumkeziah) April 22, 2018
Many claimed that she was exploiting a cultural dress for her prom.
This isn’t ok. I wouldn’t wear traditional Korean, Japanese or any other traditional dress and I’m Asian. I wouldn’t wear traditional Irish or Swedish or Greek dress either. There’s a lot of history behind these clothes. Sad.
— Jeannie (@JeannieBeanie99) April 28, 2018
Some people said the photos from Keziah’s prom were also offensive.
Someone explain why they decided to pose like this and the explain why it isn’t racist pic.twitter.com/9xBzQW24rU
— Estevan (@AsstevanLM) April 29, 2018
Mmmk Keziah, it’s not so much the dress I’ve got a problem with – it’s more whatever the hell is going on in this picture… pic.twitter.com/HrXwOc87HL
— inspiréFolie (@InspiredLunacy4) April 30, 2018
Others brought up the fact that when some wear cultural clothing, they are targeted.
just because it’s okay to a few chinese people doesn’t mean it’s okay to all of us? our traditional dress isn’t meant to be a fashion statement or make you appear more “exotic”. there’s a long history behind the dress and white people are not a part of it.
— katana (@bunchukuu) April 28, 2018
my friends in my school were/are still bullied for wearing this beautiful style of dress. but when a white girl does it its “beautiful” and enriching, thats the difference.
— emily? (@emmaleerose_) April 28, 2018
But, many others saw absolutely nothing wrong with her choice of dress.
i dont see anything wrong with this. you look great girl! ❤
— bubs (@avonsharmony) April 29, 2018
Listen please ignore whatever is going on, these photos are fantastic and you rock that dress far better than any Chinese person I’ve ever seen wear this attire of clothing. I hope prom was fun for you and good luck.
— Mario Romero (@mromero102214) April 29, 2018
So pretty! Ignore the haters lol. I must be the only Asian here who’s not offended
— ?? (@imsatan777) April 29, 2018
Girl you better rock this dress. We all humans. No need to be greedy and act like something can only be for ONE person/Group. People need to stop ambushing you. You think it’s a beautiful dress so why can’t people be proud youthink their cultural dress is gorg?
— LaFawnduh (@Little___Renee) April 29, 2018
My wife is Chinese and loves your prom pics and dress.She did NOT find it or your group pose offensive. Keep your chin up, best of luck.
— Dave (@Pres_Medal) May 1, 2018
If I were to show this to my VERY Chinese mother, she’d laugh and think it was cute and she would compliment you on how pretty the dress looks. She definitely wouldn’t be offended. Haters need to get a life. Keep doing you!
— Brian Hin (@BrianHin) May 1, 2018
But, Keziah stood her ground and said she wouldn’t delete her memorable photos because people were offended.
