A few years ago, it was rare to find anyone who discussed the term “cultural appropriation” outside of the academic world. Now, the often negatively interpreted phrase is seen on a daily basis through social media.
Anyone on social media would find it hard to go a day without seeing an outraged Facebook or Twitter user ranting about how a well-known figure made a fashion statement out of a culture they don’t belong to.
Selena Gomez has worn a bindi during several concerts. Various members of the Kardashian family have sported cornrows — a hairstyle mostly found in black culture. In a music video Beyonce wore traditional Indian attire as part of the video’s India theme. All of these celebrities received harsh backlash for wearing fashions from other cultures.
Hailey Stewart | Argonaut
And while most celebrities don’t often set the best examples, the accusations against them are upsetting. If they sport fashions borrowed from other cultures that don’t put the culture in a negative light, then there isn’t a problem. It is worrisome that these kinds of accusations have become so frequent, that even the smallest hint of cultural borrowing has become inexcusable.
The general definition of cultural appropriation is the adoption or use of elements by members of another culture. Even though the definition doesn’t necessarily or outwardly connote negativity, I can see why many view it so critically at first glance. With the rise of Halloween costumes that unfairly and inaccurately depict certain cultures and races, it would be easy to say that everyday fashion choices for some end up being a sort of costume.
However, in this day and age, cultural appropriation is inevitable and quite possibly positive. It is the job of a multicultural society to share styles and customs — to exchange ideas and traditions.
Every day, artists and prominent figures are accused of cultural appropriation by those who decide to police who is or who isn’t allowed to share in the creativity of world cultures. But no one person can own a culture. Culture is fluid and ever-evolving.
There are ways in which one can live in a diverse world where sharing and borrowing from other cultures is not frowned upon, but encouraged in a constructive and beneficial way.
First, it’s important to remember that dressing up to make fun of or create a joke out of any culture is never OK. Tacky costumes that imply a culture is made up of only stereotypes don’t exactly scream positivity.
It is important to appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity put forth in any characteristic of a particular culture. Recognizing the origin of where a cultural element came from is one of the best ways to learn and let it be shared for all to participate.
My daily routine could be seen as a compilation of small acts of cultural appropriation. I’ll put my hair into Dutch braids, wear a dress with patterns reminiscent of Mexican culture, put on turquoise earrings designed by a Native American woman in Arizona, watch a French film at the end of the day and eat Thai food for dinner. Am I a pure descendant of any of those cultures? No. Is it inherently wrong for me to take part in those cultures? No. My appreciation for their creativity and artistry is always present.
Culture is and will always be open. There isn’t a single way to interpret a culture because there is not one defining aspect of a culture. This also means the ideas of cultures should be open to those not directly affiliated with said culture, as long as those sharing in it can appreciate it as it deserves.
There are larger, more pressing problems to worry about when it comes to our culturally diverse nation and world. Cultural appropriation should not be another way to point fingers and divide an already separated society.
The positive use of cultural appropriation is no substitute for diversity. But, if one can learn and appreciate the diversity and originality of various backgrounds, then the inherent sharing of cultural appropriation has done its job in a beneficial way.
Hailey Stewart can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @Hailey_ann97
Chinwe Umegbolu
Very informative.