Amandla Stenberg, a favorite actress of mine (she plays Rue in The Hunger Games), has blown up social media recently with a video she made for school on cultural appropriation. This video, posted to her Tumblr, explains the issue of treating cornrows as “cash crops” and other cultural insensitivities present in American society.
Every culture has meaningful components that originated in times of strife or represent a key belief — whether it’s a style of music or an article of clothing. But what happens when minority cultures seem to be losing their unique identities to majority consumers? As Stenberg asks: How do we stay aware of the line between cultural exchange and cultural appropriation?
Avril Lavigne
First, what is cultural appropriation? I would define it as when members of a majority culture adopt elements of an oppressed culture without an understanding of the oppressed culture or with disregard for the cultural elements’ original significance. Through this process, the original significance of these cultural elements is altered and reduced to something “trendy,” “edgy” or “exotic.”
Cultural appropriation has been prevalent since the beginning of this century — whether it’s seen in a “Hot Indian Princess” Halloween costume or music festival fashion. This trend of misappropriating cultures has only been encouraged by celebrities at concerts, in their music videos or on the runway.
One quick search on Twitter for “cultural appropriation” and “Coachella” will show how the infamous music festival is a breeding ground for celebrities in Native American war bonnets, bindis and a wealth of other cultural symbols.
Cochella
While there is no problem with sharing culture — like when George Harrison played the sitar (practicing with an expert) — there is a difference between learning about another culture and taking part in it and simply wearing cultural symbols because they’re “cute” or “charming.” Yes, we live in a diverse world, and we don’t need to stay within the stereotypical confines of our own culture. We should explore, learn and try new things, but first we need to treat other traditions with more deference. If we respect one another’s differences and unique qualities instead of adopting them for our own selfish purposes, we will have a more culturally informed society. I’m all for sharing and taking part in new cultures, but slapping a bindi-like jewel on your forehead is exploitation and only shows ignorance, not fashion sense.
People have been trying to take back their heritage, though. Social media movements such as #reclaimthebindi on Twitter and #blackout on tumblr have allowed minorities to express their feelings about misappropriation, celebrate their cultures and explain their significant elements. The “We’re a culture, not a costume” campaign has also gained traction, putting the focus on the heart of the issue.
Cultural appropriation isn’t a problem rooted in hate; it is rooted in ignorance. And the solution lies in knowledge. Let’s just respect other cultures and everyone — and maybe let’s wear different Halloween costumes.
