I think that the majority of folks who call themselves bellydancers in the US are non-Arabic/Middle eastern/etc. Not all of them are white, but I have not yet met anyone in the community who is not from America.
I don't know that it's specifically a problem (nor do I know if anyone is calling it out as a problem). It's clearly a case of cultural appropriation, but whether that appropriation is bad or good depends on the individual and/or the BD community they're involved in. A lot of women in BD find it a very empowering practice. It allows them to express themselves creatively and to learn about a culture many are not familiar with. It also allows them to educate, if they know themselves, that bellydancing is not just about giving men something to oggle, but a vital and important part of many cultures in a particular region. Many women also love it because BD doesn't value ultra-skinny women over non-ultra-skinny women. Women with curves and real bodies are more desirable because of the way BD works.
It's been interesting to see more women involved in our particular community taking up BD. The fandom mindset is, I suppose, somewhat similar. I think it may also be due to the overlap with Ren Faire folks. And it never surprises me to see only white women doing a bellydance routine.
no subject
I don't know that it's specifically a problem (nor do I know if anyone is calling it out as a problem). It's clearly a case of cultural appropriation, but whether that appropriation is bad or good depends on the individual and/or the BD community they're involved in. A lot of women in BD find it a very empowering practice. It allows them to express themselves creatively and to learn about a culture many are not familiar with. It also allows them to educate, if they know themselves, that bellydancing is not just about giving men something to oggle, but a vital and important part of many cultures in a particular region. Many women also love it because BD doesn't value ultra-skinny women over non-ultra-skinny women. Women with curves and real bodies are more desirable because of the way BD works.
It's been interesting to see more women involved in our particular community taking up BD. The fandom mindset is, I suppose, somewhat similar. I think it may also be due to the overlap with Ren Faire folks. And it never surprises me to see only white women doing a bellydance routine.