The 2018 Met Gala Wasn't Cultural Appropriation, But It Was Disrespectful
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The 2018 Met Gala Wasn't Cultural Appropriation, But It Was Disrespectful

Just because the Vatican made a decision to approve the theme doesn't mean everyone has to be happy with the results of that decision.

207
The 2018 Met Gala Wasn't Cultural Appropriation, But It Was Disrespectful
Instagram

Cultural appropriation has become something of a buzz phrase. No matter your race or ethnicity, everyone seems to have different and strong opinions about what cultural appropriation is, who it applies to, and when, or if, it’s allowed. The 2018 Met Gala is the most recent subject of cultural appropriation debate. I’m here to set the record straight: no, the Met Gala wasn’t cultural appropriation, but some of it was insensitive and disrespectful to the Catholic faith.

First, it’s important to know the definition of cultural appropriation. The problem with this is that no one dictionary of information source can seem to agree on what that is. The Cambridge English Dictionary defines cultural appropriation as “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture.” Wikipedia, on the other hand, insists that cultural appropriation can’t be cultural appropriation unless the dominant culture is using something from a minority culture.

See also: Why I, As A Catholic, Celebrate The Met Gala Theme This Year

So, if you go by the Cambridge definition, the Met Gala is cultural appropriation. If you’re going by Wikipedia, then it isn’t. I’m more inclined to believe that the act of “taking” something has an oppressive or power-structure factor, something can’t be cultural appropriation unless this cultural thing – whether that’s music, clothing, religion, or what have you – is being used by the dominant culture when it is typically part of a minority culture.

There’s also the fact that Catholicism is a religion, not a culture. Every person, regardless of race and ethnicity, is welcome to join the Church, so it doesn’t matter whether Christianity is “dominant,” because it’s not a culture. By this logic, we’re going to go ahead and say that the Met Gala was not cultural appropriation.

However, just because it’s not cultural appropriation doesn’t mean that it isn’t insensitive and disrespectful to the religion.

The Met Gala theme this year was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.” The point of the theme was to showcase the cross (pun intended, I guess) between fashion and Catholic imagery and symbolism. Most of the pieces were inspired by Catholicism, and while there were some looks that weren’t offensive, well, most Catholics know by now that something has to be wholly good to be good.

I love the intent behind the theme, and I think that, if the designers had made more conservative fashion choices, it could have been something truly beautiful. However, a woman wearing Pope garb, and others generally being scantily clad while also wearing Catholic imagery is ignorant at best and disrespectful, or even blasphemous, at worst. There’s no getting around that. The Catholic Church might not have a black and white dress code, but Christianity at large is generally against revealing clothing, so to do that, and then intertwine some Catholic imagery along with it, is absolutely disrespectful to the faith.

See also: No, White People, You Don't Get To Claim 'Cultural Appropriation' For The Met Gala's Latest Theme

Yes, the Vatican approved the theme. Yes, they sent over materials from the Sistine Chapel. Yes, many of the celebrities and designers identify as Catholic. But the people who operate under the Vatican, as well as the fellow followers of the faith, are not infallible. They are human, and therefore prone to making mistakes. Just because they make a decision doesn’t mean that everyone is required to be happy with the results of the said decision.

The intentions might have been good here, but the designers, by and large, took it a little too far, and we all know that the impact of your actions usually matters more than your intent.

So no, whether Catholicism is “dominant” is irrelevant because religion is not a culture, but the Met Gala was not cultural appropriation. However, despite the intent behind the Vatican and the designers, and probably some of the celebrities as well, the execution altogether fell short. This is not to say that all attempts at combining fashion and Catholic symbolism cannot ever happen, but it shouldn’t happen the way it happened at the Met Gala.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

935595
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

112356
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

70083
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments