Do-Rags Are Not Gang Signs!
Most white people don’t know what a do-rag is or what it’s for, although the clue is in the name.
Do. Rag. Do in this case means “hairdo.” Does it make sense now? (It’s also spelled durag).
A do-rag is something you wear to protect your “do.” That is to say, Black people (of all genders) wear a do-rag to help keep their hair in the style they may have spent quite a bit of time and money on protecting.
You might wear one the night after a salon…or as one young biracial man did, the following day.
Or you might wear one under your helmet when riding a motor cycle because even a motor cycle helmet won’t completely keep your hair from getting windblown. I’ve seen Black equestrians wear them under their helmets too. Probably also helps avoid “helmet hair.”
Do-Rags and Gangs
So, why did do-rags get associated with gangs? Do-rags have been banned during NFL games (even though that’s a dang good reason to wear one) since 2001. Bandanas are also banned.
Because they might be in gang colors.
Because a pro football player who’s being paid how many millions a year is going to be in a gang.
The NBA did it too.
