Opinion
How to handle criticisms of cultural appropriation
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ultural appropriation is defined as “the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.” Specific instances of cultural appropriation remain up to interpretation of the individual. However, regardless of the number of people bothered by a potential act of cultural appropriation, it should be seen as an opportunity for education instead of the initial blind frustration that comes with such an offense. According to GreenHeart, an activism organization focused on the promotion of cross-cultural education, “Appreciation is when someone seeks to understand and learn about another culture in an effort to broaden their perspective and connect with others cross-culturally. Appropriation on the other hand, is simply taking one
aspect of a culture that is not your own and using it for your own personal interest.” Understanding this distinction allows for the respectful expansion and possible restoration of a culture that promotes collaboration instead of perpetuating harmful stereotypes out of ignorance.
Cultural Appropriation noun The unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society. The token 280-character Twitter apology has become too common in the cases of celebrities committing culturallyinsensitive acts succeeding in salvaging their careers instead of genuinely apologizing. This lack of true education belittles minorities continuously hurt by
the fetishization of their culture. However, the role of educators can overcome damage done by the normalization of cultural appropriation on social media. “Part of the issue with cultural appropriation is the lack of understanding around the importance that an image or concept can carry within a specific culture,” wrote the The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in an article on cultural appropriation in the classroom. “While educators can impart knowledge in many areas, there is no replacement for someone’s lived experience. Having those voices be an integral part of the conversation provides valuable learning opportunities for students.” Forgiveness should not be expected and cannot be forced after an instance of cultural appropriation, but the most sincere apology lies in education and clear growth from past mistakes.
CULTURE, NOT A COSTUME: Initiated by Students Teaching About Racism in Society (STARS), an organization of Ohio University students, in 2011, the posters above contributed to an educational campaign centered on condemning culturally-insensitive Halloween costumes after several incidents of such on campus. The Ohio University students used media to promote more thoughtfulness about the connections between stereotypes and identity when confronting acts of cultural appropriation. (Photo/Ohio University)
4 Editorial
(Design/Kayla Giset) Issue 3
