Threads and Tales by Sofia: Boho Sleaze Trending as Native Mexican Americans Getting Deported

By Sofia Lamdichi | September 22, 2025

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Everything about fashion is political. The political climate in the United States should make people wonder why such trends are being celebrated as the makers of a certain style/trend are being oppressed, detained, and criminalized for simply existing. The cultural appropriation of Native Mexican American culture is seen in the pieces that are trending from companies such as Isabel Marant, Zara, and Anthropologie, just to name a few. 

Instead of using their influence and resources to stand up for those subjected to inhumane and discriminatory tactics enforced by our nation’s government, many people with power choose to spend their money, time, and energy on purchasing and appropriating the very styles that mark others as targets. These fashion choices become symbols of privilege, highlighting the disparity between those who can wear them with impunity and those for whom such styles invite scrutiny, suspicion, or even violence. The cycle of appropriation perpetuates stereotypes and reinforces the marginalization of the communities whose culture is being exploited.

This hypocrisy is further exemplified by the fact that individuals who perpetuate or benefit from oppressive systems often have children or relatives who freely and proudly wear the same cultural clothing trends their country despises on marginalized bodies. Social media platforms are filled with influencers and celebrities, many from privileged backgrounds, who appropriate these styles without facing the negative consequences endured by those who originate them. The celebration of these trends among the privileged not only erases the struggles of marginalized communities but also normalizes the exploitation of their heritage for profit and aesthetic value.

Witnessing these dual realities in this country is a painful reminder that, rather than progressing toward equity and justice, society continues to perpetuate cycles of exclusion and regression. The gap between those who are celebrated for embracing cultural trends and those who are punished for their authenticity highlights the urgent need for critical reflection and meaningful change within both the fashion industry and society as a whole. 

Only by actively challenging appropriation, supporting marginalized communities, and demanding accountability from brands and those with platforms can real progress be made. It is time to move beyond awareness and toward concrete action that advocates for respect, equity, and justice. It can start with educating yourself about the cultures of not only those around you, but around the world. With the speed and accessibility social media has, it no longer requires a plane to know how those who are different from you dress.