Taking someone else’s words and using them as yours is called plagiarism. What about taking other culture’s traits and using them for your own good? Not all ignorance is bliss. In today’s interconnected world, cultural appropriation is an actual problem. One can learn about numerous cultures with just a click away. However, we frequently take advantage of this, too carried away with the idea of being ‘different’ that we neglect the problem it would cause.
Navigating The Fine Line
We can be inspired to appreciate the beauty and individuality of multiracial people through social media, print media, and television programs. But where is the line drawn?
Culture Appreciating
Image via The Gazelle
When someone sincerely tries to understand or learn about another culture, they are demonstrating cultural respect. They develop and give their time to try to comprehend. They aim to respect its traditions and beliefs. All of this is done not for fame, money, or an Instagram photo but for their own personal advantage.
However, to sincerely respect the culture and its people. Don’t you think it is amazing to be alive at a time like this for being able to learn and appreciate other cultures?
Culture Appropriating
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On the other hand, appropriation is the act of taking a part of another culture and using it for your own benefit. Buying jewelry or apparel that may have significant cultural importance to that culture but only utilizing it as a fashion statement is an example of appropriation. It might be taking a picture of a ritualistic event purely for the purpose of increasing your engagement on social media.
Nevertheless, adopting a component of another culture without fully knowing what it entails can have a negative impact on both the people whose culture you are using and the people you share it with.
Appreciate Without Appropriating
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Did you receive an invitation to dress traditionally for a cultural event? Or did you choose to wear it just for the sake of looking different? Notice how appropriation frequently includes an individual decision influenced by popular media, while appreciating culture entails community, connection, and learning?
Here are some ways to appreciate a culture without appropriating it:
- Look at your own traditions and values. One of the finest ways to comprehend and value different cultures is to be aware of your own culture.
- Accept and value cultural diversity.
- Encourage healthy conversation based on these differences.
- Avoid accessorizing with religious objects or symbols from other cultures.
- Think about why. Make sure that your reasons are real and true.
- Be a partner! Participate in crucial discussions and educate others about cultural appropriation.
Most of the time, this is overlooked. Nobody in their right mind would go out of their way to intentionally hurt or insult someone else’s culture. Hence, it is important to understand a culture that is different from your own. Start with good intentions and educate yourself about the culture before you can begin to appreciate one that is different from your own.
Now that we are on the topic, since we are living in a multiracial country, it is also important to understand Diversity and Inclusion, especially in a workplace setting.
