Why cultural appropriation is wrong

Looking for guidance on recognizing when appreciation of another culture crosses the line? Read on to get more insight, along with tips on how to avoid making potentially hurtful mistakes.

Culture refers to the traditions, customs, beliefs, and practices of any given ethnic, racial, or religious group.

Key elements of culture include:. Appropriation also tends to involve some misuse of cultural elements. In other words, people who appropriate generally pick and choose only the elements they consider appealing and ignore the rest, along with any important cultural context behind those elements.

Take henna art, or Mehndi, for example. Henna was originally used to help cool the hands and feet in hot climates. Mehndi ceremonies also make up an important part of wedding traditions in the Middle East and South Asia. Traditional designs are used to symbolize prosperity, love, and health in Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim wedding ceremonies.

Getting henna body art might seem like a harmless way to appreciate something beautiful. Appreciation , on the other hand, means you have an interest in all elements of the culture, not just specific aspects that look pretty, prove financially lucrative, or offer other benefits. If you do use any elements from that culture, you ask permission and give credit to the creator or source.

You also seek to understand people of that culture, as well as the culture itself, more completely instead of contributing to stereotypes. For white people, this involves doing some potentially uncomfortable work. Acknowledging all elements of a culture extends to recognizing how white supremacy and racism have played a part in dismantling and oppressing other cultures.

All cultures have complexities and nuances that contribute to, but go far beyond, their art, clothing, and jewelry. Appropriating these items for your own use without taking time to recognize and explore their significance diminishes, demeans, and disrespects that culture and its people. Navigating the niceties of appropriation versus appreciation can, admittedly, prove a little challenging. They encourage you to dress in a yukata — traditional Japanese summer clothing — and help you put it on properly.

Since that misrepresents Japanese culture, it would become appropriation. In short, appreciation involves learning and sharing with permission. Appropriation generally exploits other cultures and reinforces stereotypes. The chart below offers some examples to help illustrate the difference. Consider these examples:. Sure, white people can appreciate, love, and create jazz music. But they should also take time to acknowledge its cultural roots. Her portrayal clumps together Native American beliefs and traditions from several different Indigenous groups, reducing these cultural traditions to stereotypes and fantasy instead of acknowledging them as actual cultural practices that are still part of Native American culture today.

She also uses the problematic white savior trope. In her stories, the founder of the American wizardry school is a white woman. Other white characters not Native American characters help her establish the school. All the same, taking a little extra time to research and better understand a culture and its language, and communicate with people from that culture, could easily help prevent such mistakes.

Share Flipboard Email. Government U. Foreign Policy U. Liberal Politics U. Table of Contents Expand. Defining Cultural Appropriation. Appropriation in Music. Appropriation of Native Cultures. Cultural Appropriation Takes Many Forms. Why Cultural Appropriation Is a Problem. How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation. Nadra Kareem Nittle. Her reporting focuses education, race, and public policy. Updated February 04, Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Nittle, Nadra Kareem.

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Cultural exchange and appreciation are the core values of Greenheart Club. Learning to understand a culture that is different than your own is so important in becoming a global citizen and leader. It is important to understand, however, that there is a difference between appreciation and appropriation.

Appreciation is when someone seeks to understand and learn about another culture in an effort to broaden their perspective and connect with others cross-culturally.

Appropriation on the other hand, is simply taking one aspect of a culture that is not your own and using it for your own personal interest.

Appropriation could mean of purchasing a piece of jewelry or clothing that may have important cultural significance to that culture, but simply using it as a fashion statement. It could be taking a photo of a ritual ceremony simply for the sake of getting as many likes on Facebook as possible.

Regardless, taking a part of another culture without understanding what it truly means can be harmful not only to those whose culture you are using but also to those with whom you share it. So, how can you explore and take part in a culture without exploiting it for your own use? Here are a few great ways! Still unsure? Use the infographic below to check yourself and make sure that you are respecting and appreciating other cultures in an appropriate way!

At Greenheart Club, our participants are actively engaged in mutual exchange and cultural appreciation. What are some ways that you show your appreciation of other cultures? Trying to learn here. If I got to know the artist, heard her story, etc. But how does anyone else know my intention behind wearing the piece? What a farce. An excuse for people to get drunk and act inappropriately.

But have I ever stated this in this way? Hi Tara- thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! We agree that there is a fine line between appreciation and appropriation and that we each interpret our cultural identities in different ways. I think that we have all experienced people crossing that line at times, but the important thing is to talk about it and keep learning.

We encourage you to keep exploring these ideas along with us! Thanks for reading! I completely agree with you about St. I was at a store that had shot glasses attached to green beads. Earrings with tiny beer mugs attached. No, you cannot be Irish for a day. It portrays the Irish people as a bunch of drunkards. I called the corporate offices to express this.

I would be equally offended if Sombreros, and more necklaces with Shot glass came out for Cinco De Mayo. A Caucasian wearing a Sombrero, not cool at all. Thankfully, the stores have enough sense not to do this practice. Now, if we could get them on board for St. Shamrocks, fine, earrings, the same. Please wear green as to not be pinched.

Promoting that Irish people are drunkards. Southampton African American Museum will research and collect local history, produce media events, create expand community celebrations. Thanks for sharing — we agree that it is SO important to learn, embrace, and promote cultural exchange and understanding! A good example was Turquoise jewelry in silver.

Our late Mother had several pieces our late Father purchased for her as gifts. They were purchased at department stores. To my knowledge they do not have Native American symbols.

I know the Turquoise is real, as is the silver. Were they crafted by Native Americans? This is unknown. Would it be considered cultural appropriation to wear a bracelet or a necklace every once in awhile? These are bold pieces. Does Turquoise have a special meaning to Native Americans? I would simple like to wear it in honor of our late Mother. She passed away when I was 23 years old. However, I know times have changed and I certainly do not wish to offend Native peoples. Orris, What a great and thoughtful question!

As someone who is not a member of the Indigenous community — I cannot answer this! I think another important aspect of understanding cultural appreciation and the difference between appropriation is also exploring the resources you use, and working hard not to make generalizations about a community, or asking someone to speak on behalf of a whole community. Good luck! From the culture of Christianity.

Does that count in your organization and the continued learned path for all of us. Or do you not consider that a culture even though you acknowledge religious symbols and leaders of other cultures? Please do not give the same single generic answer as all the previous ones given. Thank you. We thank you for offering your input, as conversation is necessary here. Unfortunately, we have all experienced this line being crossed in inappropriate ways.

We appreciate your perspective and example, and we encourage you to continue exploring these ideas to bring increased awareness and clarity to this topic. A huge amount of their income comes from selling traditional jewelry, rugs, pottery, etc. If you were not meant to wear it proudly they would not be selling it. I also make jewelry and incorporate turquoise and other stones into it. At the end of the day, this is how people make a living.

If people stop wearing it for fear of offending, they stop getting an important source of income. They encouraged me to purchase jewelry that I admired there.