Cultural appropriation refers to the use of elements of one culture by members of another culture. This can be controversial when the use is seen as disrespectful, such as trivializing something sacred or exploiting another culture for profit. There are generally considered to be four main types of cultural appropriation:
Appropriation of Imagery
This refers to the use of culturally significant imagery or symbols by people who are not part of that culture. For example, getting a tattoo of a Hindu god if you are not Hindu, or wearing a Native American headdress as a costume if you are not Native American. This can be seen as disrespectfully treating sacred images as fashion or decor.
Examples of Appropriation of Imagery
- Wearing an inappropriate Native American costume such as a headdress.
- Getting a tattoo of a Hindu god like Ganesha.
- Using a Buddha statue as home decor.
Appropriation of Fashion
This is when fashion designers and companies take styles and designs from other cultures and incorporate them into their fashions without permission. This can allow them to financially profit from that culture while denying proper representation to the community they borrowed from.
Examples of Appropriation of Fashion
- High fashion brands using Native American patterns without permission.
- Mainstream retailers selling Chinese qipao dresses without crediting their origins.
- Runway shows presenting designs from African cultures they don’t understand.
Appropriation of Cultural Intellectual Property
This refers to the use of original cultural products, styles, artifacts, narratives, and other cultural intellectual property without permission or compensation to that culture. It can deny proper credit and representation to marginalized cultures while allowing the dominant culture to profit from their creativity.
Examples of Appropriation of Cultural Intellectual Property
- White musicians performing songs and styles created by Black musicians without compensation or credit.
- Large corporations using indigenous folk remedies without any benefit to those communities.
- Major brands using designs and narratives from minority designers and artists without permission.
Appropriation of Sacred Rituals and Practices
This refers to the adoption of culturally sacred rituals and practices by people who don’t understand their deeper cultural meaning. It treats them like trends or experiences rather than spiritual practices that require proper initiation, lineage, or heritage.
Examples of Appropriation of Sacred Rituals and Practices
- Wearing a Native American war bonnet when you haven’t earned the right.
- Holding a pseudo Native American vision quest when you’re not Native.
- Performing a fake Hindu puja ceremony you don’t understand.
Why is cultural appropriation problematic?
Cultural appropriation is problematic for several reasons:
- It treats cultural heritage as a fashion trend or consumer good, rather than something of sacred and personal meaning.
- It perpetuates racist stereotypes and exploitation of minority cultures.
- It denies proper representation and voice to marginalized groups.
- It allows companies to profit from minority cultures while giving nothing back.
- It spreads incorrect assumptions about traditions rather than honoring their origins.
How can cultural appropriation be avoided?
There are several ways individuals and groups can avoid cultural appropriation:
- Learn about other cultures enough to avoid caricatures, stereotypes and sacred imagery.
- Credit the origins of cultural products, styles and intellectual property.
- Gain permission, initiation or guidance before participating in cultural rituals.
- Ensure minority communities benefit from any commercialization of their culture.
- Listen to people of marginalized cultures and avoid speaking over them.
- Understand your own culture’s history of appropriation and do better.
Conclusion
Cultural appropriation involves the inappropriate adoption of marginalized cultures by more dominant groups, often perpetuating harmful stereotypes and denying proper representation. The main types involve appropriating imagery, fashion, intellectual property, and sacred rituals. However, cultures can honor each other through ethical cultural exchange that avoids exploitation. Respect and mutual understanding are key to appreciating cultural diversity in a globalized world.