Why I Stopped Wearing Bandanas

June 01, 2020 — Jt Spratley

First published on February 18, 2019

From the 42 second mark of my single "Unique":

"Hey cuz, you a blood?"
"Nah."
"Oh, aight."
*Walks Away*

That short conversation during a high school lunch break led to me trashing my bandanas the minute I got home from high school.

Before that day, I'd worn bandanas for a short while as a sweatband, similar to Juelz Santana from the Diplomats (Dip Set). On that day I wore a black bandana to school, and had it on my wrist because we couldn't wear headgear indoors. A chill guy walked up to me to initiate that conversation before walking away. After being asked about such affiliation, I wanted that to be the last time I'd deal with that misrepresentation.

I had to find other ways to be unique. I had a short time of supporting Veteran-owned businesses. Now, I stick to apparel from Black-owned businesses.

Years later, I wonder if there's some deemed more respectful way to discard gang-related apparel. There are respectful ways to discard a worn American flag, though some may wonder why they should care.

Tags: personal, music-production

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