Why Cultural Appropriation is Harmful and Insensitive
Cultural appropriation is a term used to describe the act of taking aspects of another culture without permission or recognition, often resulting in the commodification of that culture. It can be seen in various forms such as fashion, art, music, or even language. While some may argue that cultural appropriation is a form of homage or appreciation, it is important to understand why it is harmful and insensitive to those whose cultures are being appropriated.
What is Cultural Appropriation?
Cultural Appropriation occurs when a dominant culture adopts certain elements from a minority culture without proper recognition, credit, or respect for the history and significance of those elements. It often results in the reinforcement of stereotypes and can perpetuate the marginalization and oppression of marginalized communities.
Why is Cultural Appropriation Harmful?
At its core, cultural appropriation is rooted in exploitation and power imbalances. The dominant group has historically oppressed and marginalized the minority group and has nearly always benefited from this exploitation. When the dominant group appropriates elements of the minority group’s culture, they are perpetuating this exploitation, taking things out of context, and simplifying them. Doing this envelops a false narrative that the dominant group is somehow qualified to represent and own that culture.
Cultural appropriation can obscure, disregard or even erase the contributions of people from those cultures. Those marginalized communities may have been bullied, punished, forced to hide their culture, and even violently assaulted for worshiping their own religion or wearing traditional clothing. Members of a minority group have the right to celebrate and practice their culture without fear of exploitation and discrimination by the majority culture.
Examples of Cultural Appropriation
One example of cultural appropriation is the use of Native American headdresses for costumes, fashion or photoshoots. Native Americans have used headdresses for spiritual and ceremonial purposes; it is a privilege that must be earned within their culture. When outsiders wear headdresses as accessories, they are disregarding the significance of the headdress and appropriating a sacred object. In contrast, many first nation artists across Canada are now branding products that depict their art, like Haida Raven silk scarves or mukluks hand-sewn by Ojibway artisans, and give back to their communities. That way, western culture does not dictate or profit from a highly significant practice of their culture but instead empowers members of their communities to profit from the practice or to keep it within the community.
Another example is the use of traditional African tribal prints in fashion without proper recognition of their significance or origin. While designers may appropriate these patterns to create “trendy” designs, they often fail to support the African artisans who create the prints, resulting in a loss of income opportunities and recognition for their work.
The Importance of Cultural Appreciation
It is important to note that cultural appreciation, unlike cultural appropriation, is a respectful and meaningful way to learn about and honour other cultures. Cultural appreciation involves seeking permission, engaging with members of the culture from which you wish to learn, and acknowledging the cultural significance of the elements you are incorporating. Appreciation values the past narratives, ceremonies, and practices that come from that culture and goes the extra mile not to commercialize or over-generalize the culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cultural appropriation is harmful and insensitive because it devalues and exploits the cultural practices of marginalized communities. It is essential to acknowledge and learn about other cultures, but it must be done in a respectful and appreciative manner. By doing so, we can bridge the divide between different cultures, foster mutual respect, and promote diversity and inclusivity in our communities.
