Cultural Appropriation

Every culture has its own uniqueness and beauty that tells a story about the values and background they come from. From their music, food, and art, to how they dress, speak, and celebrate, it is what makes each culture fascinating. It is also what makes our world colorful and teaches us the wonder of diversity. Learning about different cultures teaches us respect and open-mindedness, as well as enriches our own identity. It is important, however, to know the difference between appreciation and misappropriation, which is taking parts of another culture without giving credit or showing understanding to the original meaning.

Some people recklessly imitate the Native American hairdress or traditional Asian outfits just for fun. When non-Black people wear cornrows or dreadlocks because they think it is “cool”, they are ignoring the roots when Black people were once discriminated against when wearing them. Restaurants sometimes take dishes from other cultures, such as tacos, sushi, or falafel, and claim it as their own without giving credit to the original people. When Arabic calligraphy or desert scenes are used in music videos or fashion brands just to look exotic or mysterious, that can enforce stereotypes and one-dimensional images. Another example is incorporating traditional Indian music into pop songs without acknowledging their context. Using religious or sacred symbols as fashion, such as Buddhist prayer beads, Christian crosses, or the Muslim hijab can be especially offensive.

Cultural misappropriation often involves borrowing aspects of another culture in a way that is disrespectful, stereotypical, and exploitative. However, it is essential to mention the positives of sharing parts of other cultures. When people are interested in learning about the traditions, values, and rituals of other people, it serves as a way to bring people together. When they try a new dish, listen to global music, or celebrate a holiday, it can build connections between communities. The key is to do it the right way, with kindness, curiosity, and appreciation.