Understanding Cultural Appropriation: What It Is and Why It’s Harmful
Cultural appropriation is a term that has gained significant attention in recent times. This phenomenon arises when people from a dominant culture adopt particular aspects of a marginalized culture without sufficient understanding or respect for the cultural context. In such instances, the dominant culture generally exploits, misrepresents, or manipulates marginalized cultures, leading to harm to the original cultures and marginalized communities. This article offers insights into what cultural appropriation entails, why it is harmful and what can be done to mitigate it.
Defining Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation is the practice of adopting particular elements of a culture by another culture. The adopted aspects include but are not limited to clothing, food, music, visual arts, spiritual practices, and language. The practice is usually harmful when it occurs between a culture that has been historically oppressed and a dominant culture. The dominant culture adopts the aspects without acknowledging the context and significance of the original culture, reducing them to objects of exoticism.
Why is Cultural Appropriation Harmful?
Cultural appropriation is harmful because it strips the original culture of its unique identity and reduces it to mere fashion statements or trends. Most of the time, the original culture is economically exploited while the dominant culture profits from the adopted aspects. For instance, a non-Native person wearing a headdress is often seen as fashionable, whereas in Native American cultures, the headdress is a symbol of honor and sacredness. This lack of understanding and respect can cause damage to the original culture and infringe on their traditions and beliefs.
Another area of harm is the misrepresentation of marginalized cultures by the dominant culture. This misrepresentation reinforces negative stereotypes, reduces the significance of the original culture, and promotes misinformation. The portrayal of some Native Americans in Western movies as savages or the haphazard mix-and-match of various African tribal attributes as a form of costume are examples of this. It perpetuates a lack of understanding or appreciation for the culture being appropriated and alienates the community that holds the cultural traditions.
What Can Be Done to Mitigate Cultural Appropriation?
One approach to reducing cultural appropriation is to educate people about the appropriate context and significance of the adopted culture. Providing opportunities for people to learn more about different cultures can help foster an understanding of the cultural significance. Moreover, encouraging cultural exchange programs, events and art exhibitions can bring cultures together and promote understanding and respect for each other’s heritage.
Another step to mitigate cultural appropriation is for people to research and understand the context of the cultural elements they wish to adopt. For example, understanding the significance of the headdress before wearing it or seeking permission from the original culture before adopting spiritual practices or art can help reduce the potential harm of appropriation. This also means putting the power back to those cultures whose heritage is being represented, rather than continuing to exploit them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cultural appropriation is a complex and harmful practice that perpetuates a system of oppression, disrespect, and exploitation of marginalized cultures. Cultural appreciation should be encouraged, but it should not cross a line that infringes on the traditions and significance of the original cultures. It is essential to acknowledge the potential harm of appropriation and take steps to mitigate it. By learning about different cultures, respecting their significance, and acknowledging their voice on what is appropriate, we can build a world of cultural exchange, appreciation, and respect.
