Dreadlocks process started, is it normal to feel tension at the roots?

No. You were supposed to leave a bit of room at the top, but in a month or so it will grow out and loosen up. I don't have a solution for when you're waiting, but you shouldn't toss them around until they're loose. It's hard on the follicle making part of your scalp.

Are you black? If not I thought that was cultural appropriation and we weren’t allowed to do that. Personally I think it’s all cool

I wish you well on your dreadlock journey. I had dreadlocks for 10 years in my 20's. I miss them they were really cool.

Are you twisting them yourself or having someone twist them for you?

How many times do you retwist your roots or palm roll your locks?