You’ve heard the arguments about dreadlocks and bindis, headdresses and Cinco De Mayo (if you haven’t, you haven’t been listening). But what exactly is cultural appropriation? Where do we draw the line between appropriation and assimilation? Why is appropriation harmful?
What is it?
"Cultural appropriation is the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of a different culture.” The validity of the arguments regarding cultural appropriation have become controversial in recent years. Many people believe that there is nothing wrong with adopting separate cultural values while others are determined to prove the harmful effects of this practice. The issue usually comes about whenever a majority group exploits (usually erroneously) cultural practices of a minority group.
A reoccurring example of this is headdresses being worn at music festivals. Native Americans, being of aboriginal culture, are a minority among whites in the United States. Native American tribes have very carefully placed the honor of being adorned with a headdress for the entirety of their history. The bearers of this are usually chiefs or brave warriors: the most noble of the tribe.
When a young adult with no relation to Native American culture wears a headdress (or more properly, a war bonnet), they are showing disrespect to the culture as a whole and also to the bearers of the honor.
When can it be acceptable?
There are quite a few people who do not see an issue with adopting cultural habits as long as they are educated on the custom and respect it. Although, this would actually be called “assimilation”. The definition of assimilation is “to take in (information, ideas, or culture) and understand fully”. Although, this is not completely supported either. Some people who support social justice will feel as if the use of another culture (whether it be assimilation or appropriation) is always immoral.
Whites are most often targeted for the appropriation of other cultures, and while I am not denying this at all, there is hypocrisy that lies within whites and their adoption of customs. There is often an argument that white America makes towards immigrants: “If you’re going to come into our country, speak our language!” Yet, there are many whites that abuse Cinco De Mayo as an excuse to drink, there are many whites that adorn themselves with bindis without knowing the proper reasoning behind them.
Why does it matter?
When minority groups have been oppressed or are currently oppressed, the exploitation of their culture is obviously offensive. These oppressed peoples are not deserving of an incorrect stereotype, and appropriating just perpetuates that stereotype. Cultural natives will most likely be willing to teach you about their culture, but claiming aspects of a culture without understanding their depth is purely irresponsible. It matters because nobody likes to be exploited. It matters because as humans, we should all work to respect each other and our differences.
