If you know me, or at least have read any of my articles, then you know that I'm fairly liberal in most of my views. I'm a feminist and I think Bernie Sanders is the man. I am opinionated on topics such as the wage gap and same-sex marriage. Despite my alignment with most left-sided opinions, I think it's very important to critically review any controversial ideal, and not simply jump on board because of your political affiliation or because your friends think it's cool.
Cultural appropriation, or misappropriation, has been a hot topic in the news as of lately. Everyone from Miley Cyrus, who famously twerked at the VMAs three years ago, to Chris Hemsworth, who dressed up in Native American garb for an Instagram photo, have come under fire for appropriation. Simply put, cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of a minority culture by members of a different, and often larger, culture. Especially in a country like the United States, where so many different backgrounds blend together, it seems almost impossible to avoid embracing another culture's traditions.
When I first heard the term "cultural appropriation" being thrown around, I didn't initially quite grasp what the big deal was. Although I am mainly German and Irish, my great grandma was full Cherokee Indian. When my mother and little sister dressed up like Indians a few Halloweens ago, I didn't see anything wrong with it. Cultural appropriation, however, is not some harmless blending of cultures, or even an appreciation of cultures. Rather, it is, often indirectly and sometimes intentionally, a facet for the embrace of cultural stereotypes.
Contrary to the "Mexican Independence Day" myth, Cinco De Mayo is actually the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1892, during which the Mexican army won a victory over the French. Drinking tequila shots on this day, while maybe not the best idea for other reasons, has nothing to do with cultural appropriation. However, drinking tequila shots while wearing a sombrero, a false mustache and faking a Mexican accent is -- as well as flat out rude.
Blackface, a make-up style in which typically a white person would apply makeup in order to appear black, is another extremely controversial form of cultural appropriation. Actress Julianne Hough was accused of appropriation when she dressed as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes," from the popular Netflix show "Orange is the New Black." Blackface's history arises from the 19th century, during which many shows would use it to perpetuate stereotypes of African Americans.
So why does cultural appropriation matter, and why is it so wrong? In a time in which political environments are already so toxic, negative stereotypes are not something that needs to be proliferated. Judging a person based on their religious views, or summing up an entire country into one exaggerated mold, will not create any positivity towards other cultures, but simply fuel the hate. Cultural appropriation is not about being overly sensitive, but rather the importance of respecting other cultures, as well as the minorities which represent them.
