Culture Appropriation: The Depths of Borrowing and Blending

       Cultural appropriation, a multifaceted and frequently overlooked issue, invades various features of our society, extending from dialect and fashion to music and social media trends. However, amid this borrowing and blending of societies, how profound is our understanding of the traditions we join?  

   
        Cultural appropriation is a layered and nuanced phenomenon that numerous individuals have trouble understanding and may not be mindful that they, themselves, are partaking in the act as well. In its simplest form, cultural appropriation is “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, particularly without appearing to understand or respect this culture. This is an issue that is rarely recognized and tackled by the society. Regularly, individuals inadvertently take part in the act because they are unaware of the cultural significance behind certain symbols or practices. There is also a general lack of education about distinctive cultural histories, making it troublesome for individuals to recognize when they might be appropriating something.

        On social media, a common example of this is the misuse of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), which leaves the Black community frustrated as Black English is misidentified as “Gen Z slang."

        AAVE is a particular dialect with its own rich history and cultural significance within the Black community; however, on social media platforms, non-Black users regularly adopt AAVE terms and expressions without understanding their more profound meaning or the verifiable setting in which they arose. This can be seen as appropriation because it strips away the cultural weight of these terms and can indeed trivialize them. Additionally, social media trends frequently center on particular AAVE words or expressions, turning them into fads without recognizing their origin or significance.

        Cultural appropriation can also be observed in music. For instance, pop star Katy Perry drew overwhelming criticism for her "geisha-style" performance at the American Music Awards, in which she and her backup artists wore kimonos, overwhelming powdered face cosmetics, and colorful parasols, among other East Asian cultural items. The overall performance also showed her ignorance as she presented Japan and its culture as "exotic."

        Nowadays, the social issue has reemerged in the media and can be seen with the latest TikTok trend, the Asoka Makeup trend. The trend includes the beauty community styling themselves in Indian bridal cosmetics, ensembles, and adornments. It has started talks around the appropriation of Indian cultural components as many people participated in the trend without understanding or respecting its noteworthiness within the Indian community.

        Now, where do we draw the line between genuine appreciation and destructive appropriation? 

        Drawing the line between genuine appreciation and destructive appropriation is a complex task. Genuine appreciation involves a deep understanding and respect for the cultural significance of a particular practice, art form, or tradition. According to Susan Scafidi, the key lies in understanding the power dynamics at play and ensuring that the original creators or practitioners of a culture are respected and acknowledged. 

        Together, as a society, we must integrate cultural education and awareness into all levels of learning, ensuring that individuals are equipped with the knowledge and empathy needed to appreciate and respect diverse cultures. Additionally, it is essential to promote diversity and inclusion in all sectors of society, creating spaces that celebrate and uplift diverse voices. Moreover, we should also engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration with affected communities, and hold individuals and institutions accountable for instances of appropriation, whether through policy implementation or calling out appropriation when it occurs.

        In conclusion, dealing with cultural appropriation can only be done with collective efforts made by different sectors of the society. It involves not just knowing the historical and cultural importance of practices and symbols, but also uplifting the affected communities' voices. Education, diversity, and inclusion should be fostered, and serious dialogue should be encouraged. By doing so, we could move towards a more equitable and culturally respectful society. Let us learn to appreciate and celebrate diversity without hurting those whose culture it is, making sure that the lines between genuine appreciation and harmful appropriation remain acknowledged; thereby creating an understanding, empathetic world with mutual respect.
 

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References: 

• Cuncic, A. (2022, November 8). What Is Cultural Appropriation? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cultural-appropriation-5070458 
• Ninertimes. (2023, February 4).  Opinion: Cultural appropriation on social media can harm communities. https://www.ninertimes.com/opinion/opinion-cultural-appropriation-on-social-media-can-harm-communities/article_3e3b391a-a468-11ed-8bfd-5f6a37c1eed4.html?fbclid=IwAR3t4aZnGULAzDReMlVcBDLooyx_91UpBKxMZ_6Ne5NAuRHagvOyvFmhx6Q
• Medium.(n.d.). TikTok Language: What’s up with the Misuse of AAVE? https://medium.com/the-comeback-of-culture/tiktok-language-whats-up-with-the-misuse-of-aave-e1f19c6c75b3
• Chery, S. (2022, August 19). Black English is being misidentified as Gen Z lingo, speakers say. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/08/17/black-english-misidentified-internet-slang/
• Unconditionally orientalist. the Empire(s) Strike Back. (2016, December 2). https://kcoquia.wordpress.com/2016/12/02/unconditionally-orientalist/