Lexa's Bindi Analysis

Neocolonialism is the use of capitalism and imperialism for political control. In this case the hegemonic power between immigrants and white Canadians, and their individual cultures. This relates back to appropriation as the appropriation of other cultures perpetuates neocolonialism. Ignoring this history to support Lexa 's wearing of the Bindi, supports colonialism and the stealing of other cultures.

Lexa 's bindi also have a very specific shape, often thought to be gear like, however upon closer inspection, it is quite clearly a dharmachakra, or the Wheel of Dharm, an important symbol in both Hinduism and Buddhism, two religions that are concentrated in the East. This symbol has significant meaning in both cultures, in Buddhism it

When Clarke joins the Grounders her costume significantly changes from the typical Sky People outfits, hoodies and jeans. Her skin is significantly darker, she is donned in 'tribal ' face paint and her hair is in a mix of braids and dreadlocks. This is clear evidence that the show considered dark skin, tribal face paint, and dreadlocks to be the Grounder 'costume. ' These are the aesthetics and outfits that the show writers want read as 'Grounder. ' There has been a lot of debate on Clarke 's dreadlocks. In the show, she leaves the Sky people and lives in the woods on her own in the end of season two and start of season three. Her hair mats and knots, even dyed red. Overall she looks messy and rough, which reflects her inner turmoil. The problem arises when she joins up with Lexa and the rest of the Grounders, her hair is now in a mix of dreadlocks and braids, cleaner but still messy. Throughout this time Clarke is shown to be genuinely happy, a rarity. Thus, this costuming cannot be anything but a reflection of the Grounder

Dreadlocks and the stigma behind them are an important topic to address. Black people in North America are pressured to straighten their hair, as their natural styles, whether an afro or dreadlocks, are seen as dirty, messy, unkept etc. There have been multiple cases of children being sent home from school because of their hair such as the case of Tiana Parker, a seven year old child. Dreadlocks on afro textured hair is clean and well kept, as the hair is naturally likely to form the dreadlocks shape with just a little bit of help. The stereotype of dreadlocks being dirty, is just that, a stereotype. However, when those without afro textured hair want to attempt a dreadlock look, they must first damage the hair, usually with back combing, or often even glue. This encourages the stereotype of afro textured dreadlocks being dirty and unkept. Furthermore this encourages eurocentric beauty standards, as does skin