The Thin Line Between Appreciation and Appropriation: Cultural Appropriation in Music

The Thin Line Between Appreciation and Appropriation: Cultural Appropriation in Music

Music has been a universal language that has united people from different cultures and regions since time immemorial. In a world where globalization and cultural exchange are increasingly prevalent, it’s important to acknowledge and respect the diversity of cultures. However, despite good intentions, cultural appropriation is a recurring issue in the music industry. This article aims to shed light on the thin line between appreciation and appropriation in music.

What is Music Cultural Appropriation?

Before diving deep into the topic, defining cultural appropriation is essential. Cultural appropriation refers to the act of adopting a particular element of a culture by an individual or group that does not belong to it, often without permission, and often at the cost of the original culture. In the case of music, it refers to the use of elements of another culture’s music, without proper recognition or compensation, by artists or musicians who do not belong to that culture.

Examples of Music Cultural Appropriation

In recent years, there have been many notable instances of cultural appropriation in music. One of the most enduring examples concerns hip hop, as it has historically been a genre that emerged from African American urban culture. Its influence has now expanded globally, and many non-black artists have been accused of appropriating hip hop culture.

One such example is Iggy Azalea, an Australian rapper, who received criticism for adopting African American vernacular and using it to create her music. Similarly, Miley Cyrus faced backlash for “twerking” during her performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, which many deemed inappropriate, as it’s an African American dance style with significant cultural roots.

Another example of cultural appropriation in music involves pop icon Madonna. In 1998, she released her “Ray of Light” music video, which featured her wearing a bindi, a sacred symbol in Hinduism that is typically worn by women to signify cultural or religious significance. Her use of the Bindi was seen as disrespectful, as it had no bearing on Hinduism or the Hindu culture.

Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation

Many people argue that cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation are two sides of the same coin. However, while the intention may be the same, it’s crucial to understand the difference between the two.

Cultural appreciation involves the recognition and celebration of different cultures, where one acknowledges the worth and value of another culture, and uses it as inspiration without disrespecting or distorting its meaning. For example, Beyonce incorporating African orishas into her music videos is an example of an appreciation of African culture.

Conversely, cultural appropriation involves taking cultural elements out of context and commodifying them, often without giving credit or proper compensation. It is the embodiment of white privilege, particularly when it comes to history, which has been marked by white people stealing, commodifying, and profiting from marginalized cultures.

The Impact of Cultural Appropriation

The impact of cultural appropriation is widespread, and it has significant consequences. Apart from disrespecting the cultures that the appropriated elements belong to, it also perpetuates sociocultural injustices. It reinforces negative stereotypes and perpetuates racial and cultural inequality. In turn, this can lead to fetishization, tokenism, racism, and discrimination.

Conclusion: Bringing an End to Music Cultural Appropriation

In conclusion, music cultural appropriation is a crucial issue, particularly in our globalized world, where cultural exchange is increasingly prevalent. As music fans, we must celebrate and appreciate different cultures without disregarding their traditions, values, and histories. We need to hold artists and musicians accountable for their actions and ensure they respect and acknowledge the cultures they borrow from. It is up to us as music listeners to be mindful and lookout for cultural appropriation and call it out when we see it. Only by addressing this issue can we preserve the rich diversity of music cultures and promote true cultural exchange without exploitation.