League executive Gene Washington said durags were associated with crime and gang violence but insisted that the idea was "driven largely by black people, not white people." Safety Merton Hanks said that he wore one because it made his helmet fit better and was therefore akin to safety equipment.

Aug 3, 2023 · In many schools and workplaces, durags are seen as “unprofessional” or “gang-related,” enforcing negative stereotypes. The debate surrounding the durag highlights the need for society to recognize and embrace diverse cultural expressions.

Many African American men use do-rags to maintain the wave patterns in their hair. After brushing, oil sheen or grease is used on the hair, wrapped in a do-rag overnight to keep the wave pattern. Some gang members wear do-rags to represent their gang colors.

Mar 2, 2017 · The durag’s existence as a utilitarian marker of black cool loosely parallels the head wraps worn by women in slaver-era America.

Mar 6, 2023 · While durags have been associated with gang culture, they have also been embraced by the broader Black community as a symbol of cultural identity and pride. Durags have become a way for Black men to express themselves and their personal style, and have been incorporated into streetwear fashion.

As more people embrace the durag’s practical use and stylish appearance, it is slowly becoming more accepted by mainstream society. However, there are still some who view the durag as a symbol of violence or gang affiliation due to its association with rap music and hip hop culture.

Dec 7, 2018 · Officer Womer stated, “There could be gang affiliation on hats and such.” This is against the Hall dress code and would not be allowed if this is what the students were trying to portray by choosing to wear a head cap like a durag at school.

Mar 27, 2025 · It is no secret that the durag, along with bonnets, are considered unprofessional and ghetto, yet at their purest form it’s a way for Black people to protect their hair. Milwaukee filmmaker Justin Goodrum turned his experiences into …

Back then they were simply referred to as headscarves, it was not until the 1940s that the term durag was introduced. As time passed negative stigmas were placed on durags. They were seen as symbols of gang activity or gang culture.

Sep 1, 2023 · Many schools and workplaces have banned the wearing of durags, claiming they are associated with gang culture and thug life. This criminalization of durags highlights the racial biases and socio-cultural implications of blackness.