There’s A Fine Line Between Cultural Appropriation and Appreciation
What to do and what not to do..
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Screenshot via this Katy Perry music video on YouTube.
If you’re new to the land of the internet, then the cultural appropriation vs appreciation debate is going to seem fresh to you, but let it be known this debate has been going on for years. Amidst growing racial tensions, cultural appropriation stories have become a part of our mainstream news cycle. Adele caused a stir when she posted this photo of herself wearing bantu knots and a Jamaican flag bikini top as a tribute to Notting Hill Carnival, the Kardashians often make headlines for wearing Black hairstyles without properly acknowledging where they come from, and in 2018 Gucci faced serious backlash when they sent white models down the runway wearing turbans. It’s not just our favourite celebrities and brands, we're surrounded by examples of cultural appropriation in our everyday lives. So where’s the line between appreciating another culture, and appropriating it?
The Cambridge 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”.
It’s easy to experience different cultures today. The advancement of technology keeps us connected 24/7, we get a glimpse into other people's lives from around the world at the click of a button. We see how people from other cultures look, what they wear, what their beauty rituals are, what they cook, what holidays they celebrate, what their traditions are, and so much more. Being able to experience another culture so easily doesn’t give you the green light to imitate it, it doesn’t mean you understand its richness or its heritage, and it definitely doesn’t mean you should start replicating it as your own.
There's a huge difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation. We see examples of cultural appropriation on a daily basis in music, the arts, the fashion industry, advertising, social media, and many other places we may not realise. But what exactly is cultural appropriation, and why is it a problem?
Cultural appropriation surfaces when people take aspects of another culture, one that's not their own, and ridicule, disrespect, or demean it. Appropriation is when you take outside cultural influences and use them for your own personal gain without truly understanding the importance of what you’re doing. It’s when a culture becomes a fad, it's hurtful because it can devalue millions of people and turn their way of existing into something that's only valuable when it’s trendy. Appropriation preserves harmful stereotypes and divides us as a society.
Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2017 runway.
In 2020 there's been a huge shift towards understanding cultural appropriation. Some of this concern has been genuine, and some of it has been for the sake of appearances. There are those out there in the big wide world who claim cultural appropriation is political correctness gone too far, but for many, it's a legitimate and somber issue. It’s taken time but finally marginalised groups and individuals are speaking out against racist attitudes and prejudice beliefs. It’s become glaringly obvious when a particular group, company, or individual profits off of other cultures without believing in and standing up for the lives of those they’re ripping off. In this instance ignorance isn’t bliss, giving an insincere apology later once the damage is already done won’t help or save you.
By now you should know what not to do, but let me tell you a little about how you can correctly show cultural appreciation. It may help to ask yourself a few simple but hard questions, am I treating this culture with respect or am I imitating it? Will I cause offence to anyone if I do this? Do I understand the significance of what I’m doing? What is it about the culture I’m trying to celebrate and show my appreciation for?
If your cultural appreciation is genuine, do the work to understand it. Seek to explore different cultures, listen to the culture and its people, strive to understand them and learn, honour their beliefs and traditions. Involve those from the culture you’re interested in in the conversation. Don’t do it for the money, the fame, or the likes, do it because it is the right thing to do. When you next think about getting box style braids reminiscent of Afro Caribbean culture, feel it’s a good idea to wear Native American headwear to a festival, or decide to get henna done or wear a bindi, make sure you check yourself first. Culture is not a costume.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Twitter to see more of what I’m up to, and I’ll see you same time same place next week!
Catch you soon,
J’Nae
WHAT I’VE BEEN READING:
- Dapper Dan has always been someone I’ve admired, and reading this New Yorker article about how he got to where he is today and what drove him is electric. It’s a really interesting read if you’re into fashion and can appreciate a good underdog story.
WHAT I’VE BEEN WATCHING:
- I know autumn has arrived when The Great British Bake Off returns to our screens. I never watched the show when it was on BBC, and I put off watching it for a few seasons when it first aired on Channel 4, but eventually I caved and gave in. And it’s official, I can now see what all the fuss was about. I’m 100% hooked.
WHAT I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO:
- I don’t think the Futureproof podcast hosted by BBC 1Xtra DJ and presenter of ‘DIY Generation’ Jamz Supernova is in production anymore, but it’s still relevant and worth a listen. I particularly enjoyed this episode about generation rent, and I’m sure a lot of you reading this will be able to relate.
WHAT’S CAUGHT MY EYE:
- @blackownedeverything is an Instagram account run by stylist Zerina Akers, and the IG handle itself is pretty self-explanatory. It opened my eyes to a breadth of black owned brands I’d never heard of before, and I’m thankful they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve.
ON MY BLOG:
- Shameless self-plug promo here, but this outfit post on my blog has got to be one of my favourite self-portraiture street style looks I’ve done of myself. Going out onto busy streets in another country with a bag full of clothes and a camera/tripod is no mean feat, but I’m always proud of the results I produce and what I learn along the way.