Why cultural appropriation is not appreciation

Cultural appropriation has been a controversial topic for a long time, with debates sparked around the thin line between appreciation and appropriation. It is not uncommon to see people from dominant cultures wearing clothes, hairstyles, or using art forms that originated from marginalized communities. In such cases, the question arises- is it cultural appreciation or appropriation?

Cultural appropriation means taking aspects from a culture that isn’t one’s own without permission or respect. This can lead to harmful stereotypes and disregard for the origins of that culture leading to the erasure of rich histories and traditions. While sincere admiration for another culture is understandable, it is important to understand why certain cultural practices and items are significant to their origin culture and respect their ways when displaying them.

One common example of cultural appropriation is the use of Native American headdresses in costume parties or festivals. These headdresses hold spiritual significance in Native American cultures and wearing them as a fashion statement only serves to diminish and belittle that significance. Similarly, using Hindu symbols like the Om symbol without understanding what it represents and what it means in Hinduism is disrespectful to the religion.

Appropriation also occurs in the fashion industry where designers profit from copying traditional patterns and cultural elements. Fashion designers have been known to sell products inspired by African textiles or Native American beadwork without giving any credit to the communities that originated these styles. They simply take inspiration from the cultures and profit from the popularity without giving due credit or respect.

Cultural appreciation, on the other hand, acknowledges the roots of a particular culture and displays them in respectful ways. Appreciation emphasizes mutual respect and a deep understanding of the cultural aspects one is representing. An example of this would be attending an authentic ceremony or festival to learn more about the culture, significance, and meaning behind various symbols or icons of a culture.

In conclusion, it is vital for people to understand the difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation. While cultural appreciation can lead to bridging communities, cultural appropriation exploits underprivileged communities by utilizing their heritage for personal gain. By acknowledging and respecting the origin culture, one can show genuine appreciation while avoiding the temptation to appropriate. We must ensure that we celebrate diversity, learn more about cultures different from our own, and engage in appreciation rather than appropriation.

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