Cultural Appropriation: Some Thoughts
I've covered cultural appropriation on this blog a number of times before. But it's one of those complex and frustrating issues that calls for repeated examination. What adds to the confusion and defensiveness, I think, is the way in which the internet outrage machine reacts to highly-publicised cultural appropriation incidents. The outrage machine tends to assume everyone has the same information, and don't actually explain what's going on or why anyone should care. A quick scan of the comments section on any such article will show you a bunch of puzzled readers going 'but...humans trade, that's our thing. And I'm Afro-American and I like sushi, are you telling me I can't like sushi? But you're wearing jeans and speaking English, WTF? You mean I can't like jewellery because a Navajo made it?...'
Covering all of cultural appropriation in a blog post isn't really feasible. Plus, as I said, it's something that deserves regular discussion. However, I can give you a few bullet points to guide you through.
Cultural appropriation isn't:
Displaying a piece of art or using a tool for its intended purpose. A lot of food falls into this category as well. If you're appreciating art or putting a mundane item (like cookware) to use, then the object is fulfilling it's purpose. Totally respectful. Adopting the customs of a colonising culture. This is a survival mechanism for holding a job, going to school, etc. in the coloniser's world. Adopting the customs of a culture while you're visiting. This is polite. And honestly, you'll probably enjoy your visit a lot more. Researching a culture for a project. In-depth research about experiences outside of our own is awesome! The more in-depth the better. Trade and exchange between two cultures on equal footing.
Cultural appropriation includes:
A power differential. The appropriator has more cultural capital, usually from belonging to the dominant culture, and is appropriating from a marginalised group.Misusing a religious or culturally significant object. Self-explanatory. Exploitation without understanding or advocacy. This means using some piece of the culture to further your own ends without giving anything back. Fetishising. Turning 'exotic' aspects of the culture into something titilating or into a gimmick, instead of recognising that the non-theme-park version is someone else's normal existence.
Again, not an exhaustive list, but hopefully some guidelines for thinking about cultural appropriation in fiction and in real life.
Covering all of cultural appropriation in a blog post isn't really feasible. Plus, as I said, it's something that deserves regular discussion. However, I can give you a few bullet points to guide you through.
Cultural appropriation isn't:
Displaying a piece of art or using a tool for its intended purpose. A lot of food falls into this category as well. If you're appreciating art or putting a mundane item (like cookware) to use, then the object is fulfilling it's purpose. Totally respectful. Adopting the customs of a colonising culture. This is a survival mechanism for holding a job, going to school, etc. in the coloniser's world. Adopting the customs of a culture while you're visiting. This is polite. And honestly, you'll probably enjoy your visit a lot more. Researching a culture for a project. In-depth research about experiences outside of our own is awesome! The more in-depth the better. Trade and exchange between two cultures on equal footing.
Cultural appropriation includes:
A power differential. The appropriator has more cultural capital, usually from belonging to the dominant culture, and is appropriating from a marginalised group.Misusing a religious or culturally significant object. Self-explanatory. Exploitation without understanding or advocacy. This means using some piece of the culture to further your own ends without giving anything back. Fetishising. Turning 'exotic' aspects of the culture into something titilating or into a gimmick, instead of recognising that the non-theme-park version is someone else's normal existence.
Again, not an exhaustive list, but hopefully some guidelines for thinking about cultural appropriation in fiction and in real life.
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