What is Cultural Appropriation?
Cultural appropriation is the act of adopting or using elements of a culture that is not your own. It is often done by people who may not fully understand the cultural significance of the items they are using, or who prioritize their own enjoyment of the culture over the impact on members of that culture.
This can manifest in many ways, from wearing traditional clothing as a costume to using religious symbols in commercial products. Examples of cultural appropriation are often found in the fashion industry, where non-Western cultures are frequently used for “exotic” or “trendy” designs without proper credit or compensation given to the original culture.
Why is Cultural Appropriation Harmful?
Cultural appropriation can be harmful because it often reinforces harmful stereotypes or erases the cultural history and meaning behind items or practices. It can also perpetuate power imbalances between dominant and marginalized cultures.
For example, dreadlocks have a long history in many African cultures, symbolizing spiritual significance and resistance to colonial oppression. However, when non-Black people wear them without understanding this context, it can perpetuate stereotypes that Black people are “cool” or “exotic,” while ignoring the struggles that Black people have faced in relation to their hair.
Furthermore, cultural appropriation can lead to economic exploitation, where people profit off of cultural items or practices without giving proper credit or compensation to the culture they are taking from.
Examples of Cultural Appropriation
One recent example of cultural appropriation is the use of Native American headdresses as festival fashion items. These headdresses are significant items with spiritual meaning in many Native American cultures, and they are often earned through specific rituals or ceremonies. When they are worn as a casual fashion item, they are stripped of their cultural significance and can perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Indigenous people.
Another example is when non-Arab people wear traditional Arabic clothing, such as thobes or hijabs, without understanding or respecting their cultural significance. This can be especially harmful in a political climate where many Muslim people are facing discrimination and harassment.
What Can We Do to Avoid Cultural Appropriation?
To avoid cultural appropriation, it is important to be mindful of the cultural history and meaning behind items or practices that you may be interested in adopting. It is also important to listen to members of that culture and to give credit or compensation where it is due.
If you are interested in using elements of another culture, take the time to research and educate yourself on the significance of those items. Additionally, support businesses and artisans from those cultures rather than purchasing mass-produced imitations.
Finally, be open to feedback and criticism from members of the culture you are learning from, and be willing to adjust your behavior if it is found to be appropriative.
Conclusion
Cultural appropriation can be harmful and reinforces harmful stereotypes or perpetuates historical power imbalances. By taking the time to understand the cultural history and meaning behind items or practices, and by supporting businesses and artisans from those cultures, we can work together to promote respect and awareness of diverse cultural backgrounds.
