Cultural Appropriation Between Different Cultures

The culture of many people around the world is different from one region to another. Some have similarities, while others possess their uniqueness. In a world that many people live in, many cultures are introduced to others and sometimes this can be an issue. People seem to take ideas of one culture and use it to represent an idea or subject which can be a problem or benefit to people who truly understand the history and meaning behind these ideas. Also the knowledge and stereotypes that an individual possesses is a factor in their depiction of other ideas and how they are shown. The concept is called cultural appropriation, and it has been happening for a quite a while.

The misconception that people say when performing such actions, relate to the idea that they are representing the “good” of the culture which, to some of the people of the targeted culture will take it the other way. The concept of cultural appropriation has some aspects of negative responses. It

usually centers on the cultures of minorities and while the individuals claim to give a sense of homage to the group, sometimes it can be taken as an insult and issues arise about the perception of their ideas. For example, Ruth Hopkins explains how, “Some folks contend that since it’s acceptable to dress up as a cowboy, they should get a pass for dressing up as an ‘Indian.’” This brings a problem because it does not give a right for people to dress up as another culture without their consent. The reason why this occurs is because of history. Tami stated that, “Colonization has made Western-Anglo culture supreme-powerful and coveted,” thus leading to specific races having a “right” to dress or depict other cultures who are “under” them as they see fit. She supported her position with how Amy Winehouse was depicted as having an appreciation for “race music,” and how it is from African history which has always been oppressed by white society, so just by singing is not paying homage to years of pain and injustice they endure during history. So there are many reasons for people to be disappointed at how their culture is being perceived by others, and people should be aware of that issue. Although cultural appropriation may be conceived as a negative form, there are some positive ideas in it.

Sometimes people use cultural appropriation to show their homage of other cultures to different people, to state a claim, or to just appreciate its ideas. For example, the All Blacks of New Zealand who play ruby and perform the signature “haka” before a game. The culture and dance are related to one another and how the team fully understands that the history of the dance and the culture in relation to their home land. The problem though is how other cultures perceive such depictions.  For instance, Andre Brett explained how people were against the dance which the rugby players performed, especially the part when they are doing “a throat-slitting motion at the end.”  The problem that he claims is that people do not understand the history of the “haka.” The Maori, of New Zealand would usually perform the “haka” to perform “war dances… welcome distinguished guests, and to acknowledge significant occasions.”  So the team fully knew what they were doing before each game. Sometimes people are not aware of cultures and rely to stereotypes to answer or make claims on different cultures that they lack knowledge on. This is a problem for many people, both who want to show homage and others who want to express their culture. If people are not aware of different cultures, then they should learn about the culture, same applies to the people who want to use ideas and objects of a different culture as not to dishonor that cultures ideas.

People have been involved in the concept of cultural appropriation, big or small, it does matter because it involves the ideas of other cultures. Many people either lack the knowledge of what they perceive or see, which causes a problem. But others, are aware and do see the appreciation of another culture when it has been done correctly and with the consent of that group they are  representing. People should be allowed to express different ideas, but again, with the full consent of the people who they are trying to express and to also be responsible on how they are depicting it to society.

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