Cultural appropriation is inappropriate

Ava Memarzadeh, Staff Writer

The issue of cultural appropriation enhances the divided social and political climate in the U.S., in contrast to cultural appreciation which bridges the gap between that divide. Students as young as 13 are now introduced to complex discussions such as the differences between cultural appropriation versus appreciation due to the inescapable divide. Many groups, specifically minorities, are sensitive on topics regarding their culture and background due to the trauma that many have experienced in this country. The fine line between the mockery and appropriation of a culture versus appreciation is a tough one to distinguish, but understanding the difference is crucial in working towards a more equal society. While many brush this difference off, it is a topic that has a large impact on many communities and deserves the public’s attention. 

To understand where the problem lies, it is crucial to truly comprehend the meaning of cultural appropriation. Essentially, it is when parts of a culture are adopted by someone not a part of it, with a lack of appreciation or understanding of what it is. Historically, those who are appropriating generally have the upper hand in society and those being appropriated have been oppressed either currently or in the past. In our country particularly, the issue of appropriation usually comes up when someone who is white attempts to adopt something cultural from an oppressed group. Frustration is expressed because many cultural elements discriminated against in the past are suddenly adopted once a trend is introduced, without knowing the importance and history. 

A classic example would be with white women’s adoption of traditional African hairstyles, all of which come with a meaningful background. If one were to copy those hairstyles and not understand the meaning behind them or their significance, it would be deemed cultural appropriation. The frustration stems from the lack of equality. If a white model imitates the cornrows traditionally worn by African Americans, they would be commended by their followers for taking a fashion risk, however, if an African American model wears those hairstyles they are often seen as unprofessional and not elegant. The difference in treatment is simply unfair. 

“I think as a society we should try to educate ourselves about a culture before trying out something of that culture such as clothes, food, or traditions, in order to make sure that we aren’t harming the community or appreciating it incorrectly,” said Skylar Tuckett (’23).

However, if it is brought to one’s attention that something is being culturally appropriated, it is easily reversible. If your reaction is to research about it and spread awareness, then you are making the switch to appreciation. Cultural appreciation is borrowing a component from a culture but doing so after the education of it. The intention is not to mock or be ignorant, rather to diversify and spread acceptance. 

Many marginalized groups are still mending from their times of oppression, and cultural appropriation does nothing but stunt that process. Also, for many still experiencing oppression and discrimination for their cultural items, seeing others mimic it can be incredibly insensitive. This is why learning the difference between the two is important. 

“I believe that cultural appreciation is going to be the way we can grow as a society,” said Egan Waktole (’23).

The two ideas may be hard to process, so what we can do collectively as a country is to listen to one another and be open to critique. If a correction is offered regarding cultural appropriation, take and learn from the situation and make sure you and others don’t make the same mistake. Learning from a young age, especially in high school, what distinguishes the two can lead to a harmonious future where hopefully less conflict takes place.