Cultural
Appropriation is not OK The image above is the perfect example of why. In each
shot there is a minority holding up a picture which depicts what cultural
appropriation is all about and why it angers so many cultures worldwide. So
what exactly is cultural appropriation?
Cultural
Appropriation, as stated by wisegeek,
is sometimes used to describe the act of borrowing aspects of another culture.
While this definition seems harmless, the effects that “borrowing” can have on
a culture are far more harmful. These effects include:
1. Invalidation of one’s culture,
society, or people
2. Reinforcement of negative stereotypes
3. Distorts cultural traditions
4. Dehumanization
Here are some examples to illustrate my point.
American sports have long used cultural appropriation as mascots to
promote their teams; for example, the Washington Redskins Indian. The term
Redskins in itself is a derogatory and dehumanizing term. For those who do not
know the history of the term “Redskin” (Google it)and would argue that this icon is being
used to represent Native Americans in a positive light, I pose this question,
“If the icon of was Jesus Christ winking and throwing up the peace sign, and
the mascot used during game ran around turning water into wine, would
Christians consider it offensive?”
Another example would be
Halloween. Halloween is a great example of cultural appropriation. For example
so people go as far as painting their faces and bodies to emulate another
culture. In the same instance, if reversed would the appropriating side feel
slighted as well?
That is a good question and I wonder how Caucasians felt when the
Wayan’s Bro. made White Chicks.
There will always be the
naysayers who say that the people offended by their actions are way too
sensitive and need to lighten up because they meant no harm, and to them they
may be right, but is having a little fun really worth offending someone’s
culture? You be the judge.