I am a mixed (Asian and white) American woman, and my Igbo boyfriend mentioned today that when he introduces me to his mother, he'd wouldn't mind us wearing matching traditional Igbo attire. While I would love to wear the clothes (I adore the vibrant colors and patterns), I was concerned his mother would be offended and see this as cultural appropriation. He informed me that this is a Western problem and that Nigerians would be happy to see foreigners wearing their clothes and embracing their culture. Is this true?

ChimasGirl:
I am a mixed (Asian and white) American woman, and my Igbo boyfriend mentioned today that when he introduces me to his mother, he'd wouldn't mind us wearing matching traditional Igbo attire. While I would love to wear the clothes (I adore the vibrant colors and patterns), I was concerned his mother would be offended and see this as cultural appropriation. He informed me that this is a Western problem and that Nigerians would be happy to see foreigners wearing their clothes and embracing their culture. Is this true?

I don't think Nigerians generally mind having foreigners dress in their cultural attires so don't worry too much about it. If he is ok with it, then I don't see a problem with it.

Your boyfriend is right.
Curtural appropriation is a western problem. We here in Nigeria we don't mind and we're always glad to see a foreigner embracing our culture.