Cultural Appropriation or Appreciation?

As avid fans of travelling and experiencing other cultures from around the world, we understand it is a luxury, one which comes with a multitude of benefits, some of which can only be gained from first-hand experience. Another thing we are all very familiar with, that we learnt and practised during our time at university is to cite and reference wherever possible, giving the appropriate recognition to the author, creator, or place of origin. These experiences go hand in hand when discussing the appropriate ways to appreciate a culture and its practices, as well as distinguishing it from appropriation is a means to respect and give thanks to others individuality.

Globalisation has infiltrated nearly all aspects of our lives and in most ways for the better, advancements in technology has meant that our modern way of living is a result of several influences around the world. As we become more exposed and expand our knowledge of the world, it is our duty to make sure we give credit where credit is due. While travelling we buy directly from small businesses and support local communities through purchases, such as souvenirs. Besides buying directly from the source and keeping a physical relic of your happy memories more often than not, you are learning about a different place’s unique offerings and partaking in the celebration of it.

Understanding the difference between showing genuine admiration for another culture’s practice and mocking another is very important and in cases some actions should never be done. For example, blackface, there is never a situation where you should imitate another persons’ race by changing the colour of your own skin. It is insulting and reducing an entire person’s value down to their skin colour. Another case in which people are ignorantly appropriating another person’s culture is popularly during Halloween, wearing costumes and dressing up as your favourite character is acceptable but not when your costume involves the inappropriate dressing of another cultures sacred clothing like traditional Native American garments or using religious articles of clothing for a costume. Even when dressing up as celebrity, someone whom you may admire, it should be done with respect and well thought out intentions before doing so.

Another example of cultural appropriation is when you appreciate a culture but only at a superficial level, to only enjoy the aesthetics and not fully understand the significance of a certain item, style, or practice. The most wonderful thing that comes from learning about another culture is to understand their struggles and their past and how their present came to be. Also, when cultural aspects are being appreciated, it is important to remember to uplift other cultures and races alongside it and not just champion aspects that you enjoy. Purely enjoying the culture but not showcasing the people from which it originates is ignorant and enforcing a lack of diversity which everyone should be working towards increasing.

With all that has been said, it is important to realise people make mistakes and learning is a part of the process. As well as understanding why the actions of some may not be well received by another group of people – having compassion and a desire to growth your empathy will not only lead to self-improvement but will spread to those around you. Taking the time to unlearn your bias and understanding your peer’s struggles will help integrate all parts of society and make way for a better environment for everybody.