I understand that, but the people who were mad about those things were the fringe, most people didn't give a shit.

From what I remember, dreadlocks are a Caribbean thing, but the African-American population had adopted them.

There's a case to be made, based on what you're saying, that there's no issue because the African-American population weren't being oppressive.

However, Identity Politics is the most boring game in town. To judge who is culturally appropriating and who isn't is to assume a persons entire history based on the colour of their skin, which is, you know..