Cultural Appreciation: Definition and Importance in DEI
Cultural appreciation is the respectful recognition and understanding of the cultural traditions, practices, and beliefs of a group that differs from one’s own. It involves learning about these aspects with an open mind, with the intention to honour and respect their origins, significance, and value. In the context of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), cultural appreciation plays a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and creating a sense of belonging, while avoiding the harmful pitfalls of cultural appropriation.
Definition:
Cultural appreciation refers to the mindful and respectful interaction with another culture. It goes beyond merely adopting elements of a culture but strives to understand and celebrate the significance of those elements within their historical and social contexts. When individuals or organisations engage in cultural appreciation, they seek to genuinely connect with the culture, demonstrating sensitivity to its nuances and showing respect for the people to whom the culture belongs.
Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation
While cultural appreciation involves learning about and valuing different cultures, cultural appropriation refers to the exploitation of another culture, often by individuals who do not belong to that culture. Cultural appropriation involves taking aspects of a culture, such as clothing, music, or rituals, without understanding or respecting its significance, and often for personal gain or without giving credit to the culture’s origins.
For example, someone might wear traditional Indigenous attire as a costume without understanding its sacred value, which would be an act of appropriation. In contrast, cultural appreciation would involve learning about the meaning behind Indigenous dress and acknowledging its cultural significance during respectful interactions, perhaps in the context of a celebration or educational event.
Why Cultural Appreciation Matters in DEI
Cultural appreciation is crucial in DEI initiatives as it fosters respect, mutual understanding, and cross-cultural relationships. When workplaces and communities engage in cultural appreciation, they create environments where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals feel included. It helps dismantle stereotypes and prejudices by highlighting the complexity and richness of various cultures, encouraging empathy and respect.
Benefits of Cultural Appreciation:
- Promotes Inclusive Environments: When organisations support cultural appreciation, they create a more welcoming and inclusive workplace where diverse cultural perspectives are acknowledged and valued.
- Encourages Learning and Growth: Engaging with different cultures enriches knowledge and personal growth, allowing individuals to understand the world from different viewpoints.
- Strengthens Cross-Cultural Relations: It fosters better communication and collaboration between individuals from diverse backgrounds, reducing misunderstandings and increasing cooperation.
Example:
An example of cultural appreciation can be seen in a workplace that celebrates diverse cultural festivals. For instance, during Diwali, a Hindu festival, a company might invite employees to share the significance of the event, perhaps through storytelling or traditional music. The company would also educate non-Hindu staff about the festival’s importance, ensuring that any celebrations held respect the cultural traditions. The focus here is not on commercialising or diluting the festival but on appreciating its meaning and providing a space for employees to express their cultural identity.
In contrast, appropriating Diwali might involve using symbols from the festival (such as lamps or mandalas) for decorative purposes without any understanding of their meaning, or hosting a “Diwali-themed” party that caricatures the culture.
How to Practise Cultural Appreciation
- Learn and Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about a culture’s history, values, and customs. Understanding the context of cultural elements is key to genuine appreciation.
- Engage with Cultural Representatives: When possible, interact with people from the culture you are appreciating. Attend cultural events, festivals, or workshops led by members of that community.
- Acknowledge the Source: Give credit to the culture and its people. Acknowledging the origins of cultural practices or elements is essential in avoiding appropriation.
- Avoid Stereotyping: Be mindful not to reduce a culture to stereotypes. Appreciate its depth and complexity rather than using single elements in isolation.
Conclusion:
Cultural appreciation is a vital practice in the DEI landscape, fostering respect and understanding across cultural lines. By embracing cultural diversity and valuing the richness of different traditions and perspectives, individuals and organisations can create inclusive environments that honour and celebrate diversity. Learning the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation is key to ensuring respectful engagement with cultures that are not one’s own, promoting equity and inclusion in all spheres.
References:
Han, H. C. (2019). Moving from cultural appropriation to cultural appreciation. Art Education, 72(2), 8-13. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00043125.2019.1559575
Cattien, J., & Stopford, R. J. (2023). The appropriating subject: Cultural appreciation, property and entitlement. Philosophy & Social Criticism, 49(9), 1061-1078. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/01914537211059515
Cruz, A. G. B., Seo, Y., & Scaraboto, D. (2024). Between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation: Self-authorizing the consumption of cultural difference. Journal of Consumer Research, 50(5), 962-984. https://academic.oup.com/jcr/article/50/5/962/7100345?login=false
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