Cultural Misappropriation: Definition, Explanation, and Example
Definition:
Cultural misappropriation refers to the inappropriate or harmful use of elements from one culture by members of another, often more dominant culture. This typically occurs without understanding, respect, or permission, resulting in exploitation or reinforcing stereotypes. It differs from cultural appreciation, which involves respectful engagement with and learning about a culture.
Understanding Cultural Misappropriation
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the sharing of cultural practices, symbols, and expressions is more common than ever. However, not all cultural exchange is respectful or ethical. Cultural misappropriation happens when individuals or groups from a dominant culture adopt aspects of a marginalised culture, often reducing it to a fashion trend or a commercial commodity, without acknowledging its original significance.
One of the key issues with cultural misappropriation is power dynamics. It often involves a dominant group benefiting from the culture of a marginalised group without facing the discrimination or historical injustices tied to that culture. For example, a dominant group might profit from selling or displaying sacred symbols, traditional attire, or music, but the original culture may still face oppression or marginalisation when practising these same cultural expressions.
Cultural Misappropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation
It is important to distinguish between cultural misappropriation and cultural appreciation. Cultural appreciation involves a genuine effort to understand, respect, and learn from another culture, often engaging with it in a way that honours its origins and significance. Cultural misappropriation, on the other hand, reduces cultural elements to mere objects of entertainment or fashion, stripping away their deeper meanings.
Impact of Cultural Misappropriation
Cultural misappropriation can have harmful effects on the communities whose traditions or symbols are taken out of context. It may:
- Perpetuate stereotypes – When elements of a culture are taken without understanding their meaning, they are often used in ways that reinforce harmful stereotypes or distort the true essence of that culture.
- Disrespect cultural significance – Many cultural symbols and practices have deep, often sacred meanings. When they are used for commercial or entertainment purposes, their value is diminished.
- Erase the contributions of the original culture – When a dominant culture adopts and commercialises cultural elements, the original community often does not benefit or get credit for their contributions.
Example:
A well-known example of cultural misappropriation is the use of Native American headdresses at music festivals or fashion shows. These headdresses, known as war bonnets, hold significant cultural and spiritual meaning for certain Native American tribes. They are traditionally worn by respected leaders who have earned the right to wear them through brave acts or community service.
However, in popular Western culture, these headdresses have been used as fashion accessories or costumes, stripping them of their original significance. This commodification of sacred symbols can be deeply offensive to Native American communities, as it diminishes the respect and meaning associated with the headdress while ignoring the ongoing struggles faced by these communities.
Avoiding Cultural Misappropriation
To avoid cultural misappropriation, individuals and organisations can:
- Educate themselves about the cultures they are interested in. Understanding the history, significance, and meaning of cultural practices and symbols is essential.
- Seek permission from members of the culture when engaging with cultural elements, especially those with sacred or traditional significance.
- Engage in cultural appreciation, which involves supporting and learning from the culture in a way that honours its origins and respects the people who practice it.
Conclusion:
Cultural misappropriation is a complex and sensitive issue that arises when elements of a marginalised culture are used inappropriately by members of a dominant culture. Understanding the power dynamics at play and the potential harm caused is crucial in fostering a more respectful and inclusive world. By recognising the importance of cultural appreciation over misappropriation, we can engage with diverse cultures in a way that honours their significance and respects their origins.
References:
Hale, T. (2017). Translation in distress: cultural misappropriation and the construction of the Gothic. In European Gothic (pp. 17-38). Manchester University Press. https://www.manchesterhive.com/display/9781526125699/9781526125699.00007.xml
Nute, K. (2019). Toward a test of cultural misappropriation. The International Journal of Critical Cultural Studies, 17(2), 67. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kevin-Nute/publication/337237391_Toward_a_Test_of_Cultural_Misappropriation/links/5e96bde14585150839de78c4/Toward-a-Test-of-Cultural-Misappropriation.pdf
it Matter, D. Cultural Misappropriation. https://docs.rwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1134&context=law_pubs_conf
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