The latest TikTok trend, the “mob wife aesthetic,” known for its lavish fashion and bold style, is facing criticism from Italian women who claim it amounts to cultural appropriation.

The trend emerged as a departure from the “clean girl aesthetic,” attributed to the 25th anniversary of The Sopranos. However, Italian TikTok users argue that the trend commodifies the lives of real or fictional mob wives and insist that “our culture is not a costume.”

Italian women on TikTok accuse non-Italian, particularly white women, of appropriating Italian culture and the mob lifestyle for personal gain without truly understanding its significance.

Insights from Within the Culture

TikTok user Anonymously Ally (@anonymousally198) reveals the harsh realities of mob wives’ lives in a video, emphasizing that the aesthetic is more than just a fashion statement. Ang Ela (@longislandlibra) criticizes those adopting the trend without a fundamental understanding of Italian culture.

Criticism from Women of Color

While Italian women express their discontent, Black, Latina, and other Women of Color (WOC) creators on TikTok join the conversation, highlighting a perceived double standard. Some note that white women have historically ignored Black cultural appropriation until it directly affected them.

Alleged Hypocrisy

TikTok user Zoe (@zoemontgo) points out what she sees as hypocrisy, noting that certain groups quickly denounce the mob wife aesthetic as cultural appropriation but dismiss concerns raised by Black women regarding other cultural trends.

Cross-Cultural Trends

Blanca Perdomo (@blanca_perdomo), a Latina creator, emphasizes the irony in Italian women’s accusations, citing trends like the clean girl and spa water aesthetics borrowing from Latinx culture without similar objections.

Fusion of Styles

In another TikTok, user @standingwithpalestine suggests that much of the mob wife aesthetic is a fusion of Black and Hispanic styles, casting doubt on Italian women’s claims of cultural appropriation.

Ongoing Debate and Call for Solidarity

As debates over whether the mob wife aesthetic constitutes cultural appropriation continue, there are calls for consistency in addressing cultural appropriation across all communities. This situation prompts reflection on the need for solidarity among women of all races when faced with similar complaints.

Conclusion

The TikTok debate over the “mob wife aesthetic” showcases differing perspectives on cultural appropriation. Italian women criticize it, emphasizing their culture is not a costume, while women of color point out perceived double standards. This controversy emphasizes the need for understanding and solidarity in addressing cultural concerns across diverse communities.

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