Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Appropriation vs. Appreciation
When considering cultural appropriation versus appreciation the main distinction is knowledge and respect. When someone takes something from a culture that isn't theirs and exoticizes it, exploiting whatever it is for their own personal benefit, then it's appropriating. In contrast, when someone adopts something from another culture and knows the history behind whatever it is that they're borrowing, paying it respect, then it can be considered appreciation. In a way, cultural appropriation is synonymous with assimilation: something is being stripped of it's historical significance and integrated into a different culture.
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I agree with your differentiation of appropriation and appreciation boiling down to knowledge and respect. One of the main examples I see in the current media regarding cultural appropriation is the Kardashians wearing braids and corn rows in their hair and appropriating black culture. There seems to be an ongoing debate over whether or not these are just fashion statements or if it is insulting because these cornrows have been a part of black culture throughout history.
ReplyDeleteOne aspect of culture that I believe breaks your theory about knowledge and respect is food. The United States has become such a melting pot of different cultures and cuisines that it has become common for most Americans to enjoy a variety of different cuisines both at home and in restaurants. It is almost a sign of appreciation of other cultures if you enjoy and adopt the foods that are center to their culture. However, there is a certain amount of assimilation that has occurred food-wise, and a lot of white-washing happens in commercials or in the foods themselves. A good example is Mexican food, the tacos that are offered by fast food restaurants probably bear little resemblance to the ones native to Mexican culture.
Your definition of the difference between the two, cultural appropriation vs appreciation is spot on. I agree with both. We see appropriation when people take a custom from a culture without giving credit or as taking it as their own unique concept. Appreciation is done by doing the opposite, providing the credit where due to the culture presented.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your definition of appropriation versus appreciation. I think a classic example of this is how American culture has bastardized Cinco de Mayo. Most people wrongfully assume it is Mexican Independence Day (September 16) and use it for little more than a day to drink. I saw ads on Twitter this year referring to it as Cinco de Drinko or Drinko de Mayo, that pretty much says all you need to know about the appropration going on here.
ReplyDeleteI can't see any way of a culture being implemented into a story that isn't assimilation or cultural appropriation. Taking someone elses culture was never ment to be used for entertainment but many cultures are interesting enough to be told in a film or show. And as expected sometimes the characteristics of certain cultures will only be represented one way.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your definition of appropriation and appreciation, and I think a major factor is giving credit and proper representation to the culture. Often appropriation happens when something is stolen from a culture, watered-down, and presented to a mainstream, white, audience.
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