Cultural appropriation can be defined as:
"the adoption of some specific elements of one culture by a different cultural group. It describes acculturation or assimilation, but can imply a negative view towards acculturation from a minority culture by a dominant culture. It can include the introduction of forms of dress or personal adornment, music and art,religion, language, or social behavior. These elements, once removed from their indigenous cultural contexts, can take on meanings that are significantly divergent from, or less nuanced than, those they originally held."--Wikipedia
I strongly believe that the segregation of cultures isn't beneficial when it comes to the journey towards equality, but at the same time we must learn to respect other cultures and their heritage and we should not carelessly adopt these cultures especially if you are in a position of social privilege.
1. Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation
Most appropriationists would use the excuse: "I'm just appreciating their culture." What they don't realise is the fact that there is a difference between appreciation and appropriation.
To me, the appreciation of a culture is your willingness to immerse yourself into that specific culture, whether it be Japanese pop culture or Greek history. The appreciation of a culture would usually refer to things like research, study and experience. For example, one can appreciate Japanese culture by studying Japanese, learning how to make sushi or watching anime.
Cultural appropriation happens when you take appreciation to a whole new level. Basically you adopt the culture into your own culture without maintaining any respect, thus perverting it.
For example:
This is appreciation.
This is, well.....
2. The integration and modernisation of cultural aesthetics
It is part of my tribe's tradition for women to pierce and elongate their ears as a sign of beauty. Though it is no longer necessary, it still remains a big part of my culture.
Nowadays, there is a trend going around in which people would 'stretch their ears.'
Many of my cousins and friends have begun to adopt this kind of style. I know that it probably doesn't originate from my own culture, but you can't help but point out a few similarities. Unlike my argument about appreciation, this usually done without realising the origins of these aesthetic styles.
However, I do get annoyed looking at pictures like this:
But then again, who am I to judge? I guess it's important to understand that some people choose to do things with their face and hair which, to them, has a great meaning and significance.
We usually see this problem unfold time and time again with the whole 'white dreads' issue. Dreadlocks are a symbol of black pride during a time when being black was looked down upon. A lot of people get very offended when seeing a white person in dreads.....and they have every right to be angry!
But as I have said, I think its important to understand that sometimes people have reasons for styling the way they look. Of course I can't speak for the black community but i can speak for the tribal Asian community, the integration and modernisation of aesthetic appearances is something that we probably have to live with. We can get angry and annoyed, but we'll have to learn to accept it.
But things like blackface are still downright offensive, extremely racist and it is NEVER ok.
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| I'm talking to you Colton Haynes. |
3. There is no such thing as 'reverse appropriation'
Most people would complain, saying: "But many people are appropriating white culture!"
And my response to them is usually:
'White culture' as some of you might call it, has been forced into the cultures of people of colour during colonial times. During these times, our aesthetic appearances and traditional fashion were considered to be 'exotic' and even 'savage.'
This so called 'white culture' (western culture) has now been integrated into the world as a dominant universal culture in which everyone has to follow. I personally don't have a problem with that. I don't mind wearing business suits, tuxedos and so on. I don't mind things like dying natural Asian hair or black girls straightening their hair, which is actually a result of this cultural domination (because being 'white', or close to white, is the standard of beauty).
My real issue is with the way people of a more dominant culture treat minor cultures. Things like reprimanding a black girl for having her hair grow out naturally into afros or dreads, or having a native american man remove some of his traditional tattoos, or apprehending a muslim woman for wearing a headscarf.
That is just ridiculous! I can live with the fact that people of a dominant race are appropriating my culture, but i draw the line the moment you think parts of my culture are 'inappropriate.' Of course I'm not asking to conduct offerings (big part of my culture btw) in public or whatever but at least let me wear certain ornaments or accessories. Or at least let some people grow their hair out naturally! These things are all part of a person's identity!
In conclusion, I think that it is important that we respect the cultures of other people. We CAN appreciate them but remember not to go too overboard. Do understand that the only people who can make fun of a certain culture are the people who belong to that culture, and even that has its own limits.
Here is part 2.
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