Unpacking the Term ‘Culture Vulture’: Meaning, Origins, and Implications

Unpacking the Term ‘Culture Vulture’: Meaning, Origins, and Implications

Have you ever heard the term ‘culture vulture’ thrown around and wondered what it means? The term has gained traction in recent years, often being used to describe individuals who exploit a culture for their own gain. In this blog article, we’ll dive deep into the meaning of the term, its origins, and the implications that come with it.

Defining ‘Culture Vulture’

A culture vulture is defined as a person or organization that profits from appropriating aspects of a culture that is not their own. They do not respect the culture and its traditions, instead using it for their own benefit without giving back to the community. Culture vultures are often criticized for exploiting cultures that are not their own and contributing to the erasure of the culture’s authenticity.

The Origins of ‘Culture Vulture’

The term ‘culture vulture’ has its roots in the 1947 book “Black Magic: White Hollywood and African American Culture” by author Mike Davis. He used the term to describe people who used aspects of African American culture for their own gain without any regard for the culture’s significance and contribution to society. Since then, the term has expanded to include individuals and organizations from various cultural backgrounds who engage in cultural appropriation.

The Implications of ‘Culture Vulture’

The implications of being labeled a culture vulture can be significant. It can damage an individual’s reputation, especially if they are seen as exploiting a culture for their own gain. Being seen as a culture vulture can also lead to boycotts and protests against an individual or organization, causing financial losses.

However, the implications extend beyond just the individual. The erasure of a culture’s authenticity due to cultural appropriation can lead to the marginalization of the community. It perpetuates the notion that certain cultures are inferior to others, leading to further systemic and institutionalized discrimination.

Examples of ‘Culture Vulture’

One of the more prominent examples of cultural appropriation is fashion company Urban Outfitters, which has been accused of appropriating Native American culture for profit. The company was found to have sold clothing with designs that resembled Native American patterns without giving back to the community or providing credit.

Another example is Katy Perry’s music video for “Dark Horse,” which was accused of appropriating Egyptian culture. The video featured Egyptian imagery, such as pyramids and pharaohs, without any regard for the culture’s significance.

Conclusion

The term ‘culture vulture’ has gained traction in recent years and is often used to criticize individuals or organizations who exploit a culture for their own gain. Its origins can be traced back to the 1940s, and its implications are significant, extending beyond just the individual. Examples of cultural appropriation can be seen in various industries, including fashion and music.

It is important to recognize the significance of cultures and respect their traditions. The erasure of a culture’s authenticity due to cultural appropriation reinforces systemic discrimination and perpetuates the notion that certain cultures are inferior, leading to further marginalization of communities. We must work together to create a world where cultural appreciation is prioritized over appropriation.