Cultural Appropriation – Maybe

On Twitter a few weeks back I posted a tweet about cultural appropriation. The photo that accompanied my post shows Kendall Jenner handing a Pepsi to a police officer. Accusations of trivializing the Black Lives Matter movement quickly followed. Why? There’s nothing new under the sun. Everything comes from somewhere. This is the photo in question

Kendal Jenner Pepsi commercial and Leshia Evans at Baton Rouge demonstration

Are they similar? They certainly are. Now here’s a picture from the 1960s It’s a protester confronting police. Look familiar?

1960s Flower Child confronting soldiers at a demonstration

What annoyed me was an accusation of insensitivity to the plight of minorities. All I said was people see what they want to see. Is it possible that this person misinterpreted what I meant? Maybe.

What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Cultural appropriation is the use or adoption of some elements of the culture of one ethnic group by members of another. This happens without proper permission or consideration. The ethnic appropriation also known as cultural misappropriation is typically considered a harmful practice and a racist ideology that violates the intellectual property rights of the ethnic group suffering misappropriation. As a multidimensional aspect, the cultural appropriation may base itself on the improper use of other cultures:
• Fashion
• Traditions
• Language
• Cultural songs
• Symbols

Cultural Affectations There are many justifications why one group should not appropriate the ethnic affectation of another. Thus, we cannot exhaust everything here! However, below is a discussion of some of these reasons.

To begin with, critics of this practice firmly believe that ethnic appropriation is very different from assimilation, acculturation, or cultural exchange in the sense that it adopts these cultural elements in an unfair and colonial manner. This means that the copying of cultural elements of a minority ethnic group and used by the members of a dominant culture outside their original cultural context.

Distortion of the original meaning –

In most cases, ethnic appropriation leads to loss or distortion of the original sense of the cultural elements. Additionally, the ethnic elements having deep meaning in the original culture could find itself reduced to “exotic” fashion by the ethnic group representing the dominant culture. This is viewed by the members of the originating culture as disrespectful and to some extent as a form of desecration.

Leads to alienation – There are also critics who argue that “fetishizing” or ethnic appropriation leads to isolation of the ethnic group whose members suffer misappropriation. This removes their political, social and intellectual control over cultural production.

The Legality Of Ethnic Appropriation

Sometimes it’s illegal. To give a real-life case scenario, Aboriginal artists in Australia have an “authenticity brand” to protect consumers from buying artworks that hinge upon on false Aboriginal significance. This movement gained momentum back in 1999 following the conviction of John O’Loughlin, who was found guilty of selling artworks painted by non-indigenous artists but described as having an Aboriginal origin. This case clearly shows why one ethnic group may not appropriate ethnic affectations of another from a legal perspective.

Final Thoughts

To a large degree, it is somewhat true that ethnic borrowing or appropriation is inevitable. This could result in positive outcomes like free expression and ethnic diversity when appropriated responsibly. However, misinterpretation may lead to outright theft of ethnic artifacts and exotic stereotyping of cultural elements of the original ethnic group. Instead, real cultural appropriation should emphasize a benign appreciation and borrowing, which is a positive thing done out of admiration of the original ethnic group being imitated — with no intent of causing harm or prejudice against the concerned ethnic group.

Can minorities appropriate white culture? Maybe si, maybe no. Read this: http://everydayfeminism.com/2016/02/poc-cant-appropriate-white-culture/

5 Reasons Why People of Color Cannot Appropriate White Culture in the US

There’s been a lot of back and forth lately in discussions of appropriation that question the incorporation of “White culture” into people of color’s day to day lives.

When White folks claim that people of color are appropriating their culture, there is a misunderstanding of what is actually meant by appropriation. Saying, “Hey! It’s appropriation when Asians speak English!” or “If we can’t wear dreads, then black folks can’t straighten their hair” is an inaccurate oversimplification of cultural appropriation.

Not only does this question re-center a conversation about the appropriation of marginalized communities’ cultures around the feelings and needs of White people, but cultural appropriation cannot be simplified to just the act of experiencing another culture – whether that’s traveling, eating food, or appreciating art.

When thinking about cultural appropriation, one of the first things that came to mind for me were how things from my culture that appeared bizarre and weird when I was growing up people now see as being viewed as “trendy.”

Like how the herbal soups my mom made for when I was sick was seen as strange-smelling with weird little orange things, but now goji berries are a hot superfood.

But, cultural appropriation is more complicated than people starting to incorporate my culture into their day-to-day lives.

We need to think about how power and privilege work in discussions of cultural appropriation.

Appropriation is ultimately about power. Cultural appropriation refers to a particular power dynamic where members of a dominant culture take elements from a culture of people that they continue to systematically oppress.

A group whose culture is minimized, disenfranchised and marginalized by a culture having the power to demean and disadvantage other cultures.

So, this is not a conversation about when people of color appropriate from other communities of color — that’s a different discussion altogether. Yes, it is possible for people of color to appropriate other cultures, but in the United States, it is not possible for people of color to appropriate culture from White folks.

There’s no such thing as “reverse” cultural appropriation and here’s why:

February 28, 2016, by Rachel Kuo

There’s no such thing as “reverse” cultural appropriation and here’s why:

1. ‘Dominant Culture’ or ‘White Culture’ Defines Everyone Else’s Reality

Dominant culture – so in the case of the US, White culture – is the one that appears as normal, as part of the status quo. It’s an ever-present part of everyone’s reality, no matter their background.

2. Cultural Appropriation Isn’t Just About Borrowing Culture

Rather, its the complete erasure of historical context and the total disregard of oppression experienced and endured throughout history.

3. There’s a Huge Difference Between Assimilation and Appropriation

Assimilation is when a marginalized group has to take on aspects from the dominant culture for survival.

When other groups adopt behaviors that whites describe as “normal,” to gain wealth, employment, or other benefits, that’s not appropriation — that’s trying to survive.

4. Colonization Established the Dominance of White Culture

Forced assimilation, emphasis on force, violently removes other cultures.

5. White Folks Aren’t Oppressed By Their Racial/Ethnic Culture

Systematic discrimination against white people when they practice, wear or display their cultural traditions is non-existent.

Bottom line: Discrimination is a disease that afflicts people regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, age or gender. The only cure is an education for the fear that is at the root of prejudice. That and maybe a can of Pepsi.

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