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Written By
Edited By
Mugdha Kapoor
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DNA webdesk
American reality TV star, fashion influencer and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian found herself at the receiving end of Indian social media ire after she shared photos of herself sporting fancy earrings with the sacred 'Om' carved on them.
On Sunday, Kim shared a series of photos on her Instagram and Twitter flaunting her well-toned body in a body-hugging shimmery red gown teamed up with a full-sleeve floral blazer. Long false nails with artwork on it, hair styled in unique pleats and on-point makeup with red eye shadow to complement the overall look, rounded off Kim's look for the photoshoot. She accessorised with oversized hoop earrings with 'Om' carved on them.
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) May 23, 2021
As soon as the photos hit the internet, Kim found herself in the middle of a controversy and netizens calling her out for 'cultural appropriation'.
Not only did netizens call Kim out, but also demanded an apology and removal of the pictures from social media.
Take a look at the tweets here:
STOP CULTURAL APPROPRIATION OF INDIAN CULTURE!!! WHAT'S UP WITH THOSE EARINGS GIRLLLL???
— Niyati Sharma (@NiyatiS33957421) May 23, 2021
Is now a good time to mention that the Om is a sacred symbol to Hindus and not just an accessory?
— Ria Sen (@sen_ria) May 23, 2021
MY RELIGION IS NOT YOUR AESTHETIC WTF
— A (@repsfoIkIore) May 23, 2021
Leave our culture and religion alone.
— om (@swiftsza13) May 23, 2021
She really out here appropriating culture and religion like it's a hobby. do some basic research the Om symbol is scared and it's not anaesthetic.
— lue (@folkwhore13) May 23, 2021
Meanwhile, Hindu statesman and President of Universal Society of Hinduism Rajan Zed, in a statement said that hugely venerated 'Om' was the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism was used to introduce and conclude religious work; and was not meant to be used as a fashion statement or become a tool for sexy fashion. Inappropriate usage of sacred Hindu icons or deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees.
Zed also emphasized that celebrities should not be in the business of religious appropriation, sacrilege, and ridiculing entire communities. It was deeply trivializing of immensely revered “Om” to be displayed in such a manner.
Stating that the pictures were 'objectionable', Zen urged Kim Kardashian to immediately remove the three pictures from her Twitter account.