Cultural appropriation is the act of one culture "incorporating"
aspects of another culture into its own. This differs from
cultural
exchanges in which American hip-hop and Bollywood-style dancing might incorporate
each other's moves or Korean and Mexican cuisines sharing
ingredients and techniques. In cultural
appropriation, a dominant group assimilates aspects of a foreign culture
without regard to their original use or intent. In other words, parts of one
culture might be absorbed into another in insensitive, even offensive, ways,
often for their perceived cool factor. Thus, we've seen white hipsters
embrace Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos, the popularization of sacred Maori symbols
as tattoos, and the labeling of a clean, Asian-influenced interior design as
Zen-style. Additionally, African-Americans have endured the absorption of their
culture (cornrows, slang, etc.) for consumption in mainstream white culture,
while American Indians are still routinely
exoticized.
Cultural appropriators often claim they are simply showing an appreciation for those cultures—“I’m actually honoring that culture.” But what’s the line between appreciating a
culture and disrespecting it? What obligation, if any, do we have to educate ourselves
first? For example, can we truly understand the traditions of Ojibwa
dreamcatchers when they're worn as
earrings,
or respect Hindu and Buddhist principles when we do
yoga with goats? Is it
possible to appreciate another culture in a more respectful manner? How can that be achieved? For this reflection,
examine the debate over cultural appreciation.
Include at least two of the following in your discussion:
Required:
- MLA Style
- Approximately 300 words
- Works cited
Due: Fri 2,7
