Post on 12-Apr-2017
transcript
+ What is cultural appropriation?
n When a member of a dominant cultural group adopts elements of a minority group’s culture
n Ex: Ideas, Clothing, Personal Adornment (piercings, etc.), Music, Art, Religious Symbols, Language/Slang, Dance
Example: Katy Perry at the American Music Awards in 2013, “trying on” geisha stereotypes.
+Why is it problematic? n Involves a power/privilege dynamic: n Dominant/privileged group takes
from minority/oppressed group
n Inaccurate representation, often seen as mocking or racist stereotype
n Done without full understanding of the element’s religious, cultural, or historical significance.
n Turns something important and sacred into a fashionable style choice.
+ “A Japanese teen wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the logo of
a big American company is not the same as Madonna sporting a
bindi as part of her latest reinvention. The difference is
history and power... Ignorance of culture that is a burden to
Asians, African and indigenous peoples, is unknown to most
European descendants or at least lacks the same negative impact.”
-Cultural Appropriation: Homage or Insult? By Guest Contributor Tami, from What Tami Said
+Why these costumes Hurt n At the end of the day, you can
take your costume off – Your costume is free from the lifetime of systematic oppression, awful stereotypes, racism, and discrimination that many face.
n Perpetuating these stereotypes through costumes may seem harmless, but it marginalizes the lived experience of those who are being impersonated.
+The difference between Appreciation and Appropriation n Appreciation:
n Enjoying another culture’s food
n Exploring different religions
n Traveling to new places and trying to connect with their customs.
n Appropriation: n Wearing a religious symbol of a religion that you don’t follow n Headgear (such as head dresses, sombreros, hijabs) of another
culture, especially as a costume
n Dressing up in a costume that plays on/furthers stereotypes of other cultures
n Denying cultural origin to art forms, styles, and other cultural products (e.g. dreadlocks, twerking, rapping, R&B)
+How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation n Know the difference between stereotypes and culture (and do
some research if you’re not sure J )
n Understand the significance of the fashion trend, costume, or holiday to its culture of origin, and if your participation in this is respectful to that culture.
n Reflect on where a certain trend may come from – Often times, certain styles become popularized via white appropriation of certain cultures (ex: cornrows). If you feel that’s the case, refer back to point 2!
n Remember, it’s not about being “politically correct”. It’s about recognizing one’s privilege, and understanding the influence of one’s actions on marginalized groups.
+Special Focus: Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
n Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that traditionally is observed from October 31st-November 2nd n Gathering of family and friends to pray for and
remember loved ones who have passed away. n Traditions vary from area to area, but are
sacred nonetheless
n Día de los Muertos is NOT: n The Mexican version of Halloween n A celebration of death– It is a happy day of
remembrance n An event that should be capitalized upon as a
reason to drink, dress up, or party.