Cultural Appropriation
From celebrities like Madonna, Kim Kardashian West, and Katy Perry, you would see these celebrities dress up in cultural outfits that would look like the latest fashion. Celebrities and even a variety of people are guilty of this. This is called cultural appropriation.
1. Cultural Appropriation Template
2. Definition of Cultural Appropriation
3. Ethics of Cultural Appropriation
4. Responding to Cultural Appropriation
5. Understanding Cultural Appropriation Halloween
6. Blurred Lines of Cultural Appropriation
7. Short Guide to Cultural Appropriation
8. Cultural Appropriation and Destination Brands
9. Cultural Appropriation in Classical Music
10. Debating Cultural Appropriation
11. Cultural Appropriation and Arts
12. Cultural Appropriation Policy
What Is Cultural Appropriation?
Cultural appropriation is the act of exploiting someone else’s culture, race, ethnicity, belief, traditions, and adopting it to make fun or to disrespect, to discriminate, to take it out of context, and exploit it. Cultural appropriation happens when a different group of people simply take something and present it as their own.
How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation
There are a lot of ways to appreciate culture without having to make it like it is your own. Respecting one’s culture and tradition can and is possible. In order to get a good idea on how to avoid cultural appropriation, here are some simple rules or guidelines to follow.
Step 1: Stop Stereotyping All Cultures as One and the Same
The best thing a person can do is to stop stereotyping that all cultures are one and the same. Not only is this considered an insult to different ethnic groups, it is also considered a form of discrimination against people with different beliefs and traditions. No two ethnic groups are the same, regardless of a few similarities in their traditions.
Step 2: Get To Know the History and Origin of the Tradition
Another thing you can do to avoid discriminating against anyone for their culture and tradition is to get to know the history and the origin. There is always a story for every tradition, language, fashion, costume, symbols, and getting to know them is one of the keys to appreciating them over appropriating them.
Step 3: Understand the Context behind the Culture
Before making any statement or taking something with no idea of what you are taking, understand the context behind the culture you are presented with. Take the time to educate yourself all about the community, the ethnic groups, the dances, the traditions, and everything in between.
Step 4: Educating Yourself and Others
The last thing you can do is to educate yourself and others about the beauty of understanding the different cultures of different ethnic groups. Educating yourself and others can come in different ways. Learning the traditions, respecting their beliefs, and of course accepting that everyone is different.
FAQs
What is the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation?
The difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation is that in cultural appreciation you show your full respect for an ethnic groups’ traditions, culture, religion, language, dance steps and music. You do not simply take in their culture without understanding the meaning behind it. In cultural appropriation however, you exploit the an ethnic groups’ traditions, religion, language, music, fashion, etc. and make it something entirely your own.
What are examples of cultural appropriation?
There are a lot of cultural appropriations in today’s society. From celebrities, to tourists, The most common cultural appropriation found in society is indigenous people’s fashions used by celebrities. A lot of people use the term “black fishing” as a way to explain that the culture, the looks, and the fashion stolen by celebrities have an origin like any other culture. Another example is the costumes, the paintings, and mascots used in sports.
How can you educate yourself against cultural appropriation?
Respect and learning about cultures is one of the ways you can show your appreciation for everyone’s differences and traditions. Support indigenous people when they sell their products, ask about their stories and learn from it.
To color your skin a different one to present something you are not can be considered cultural appropriation. To change the shape of your eyes to present yourself as Asian for the aesthetic is cultural appropriation. Understanding the differences can be helpful and educational. When someone refuses to accept or appreciate a culture or tradition, they have resulted in cultural appropriation. Which may also lead to cancellation of someone else’s culture or cancel culture in the long run. To avoid this, people, especially those who are culturally blind or prefer to oppress others have to be educated with what is good and what is not.
Share :
