Cultural appropriation, defined as the adoption of cultural elements by members of another culture in a manner perceived as inappropriate or unacknowledged, continues to be a subject of debate, particularly when dominant cultures borrow from minority cultures.

The concept of cultural appropriation involves the adoption of various cultural elements, including religious and cultural traditions, customs, dance steps, fashion, symbols, language, history, and music. This adoption is often seen as inappropriate or unacknowledged, especially when members of a dominant culture borrow from minority cultures. American anthropologist Jason Jackson distinguishes cultural appropriation from other forms of cultural change like acculturation, assimilation, or diffusion, describing it as an outward-focused action done to a specific party. Jackson notes that cultural appropriations can cause pain and feelings of loss or violation for the affected community.

Defining Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation is understood as the adoption of an element or elements of culture or identity by members of another culture or identity in a manner perceived as inappropriate or unacknowledged. Charges of cultural appropriation typically arise when members of a dominant culture borrow from minority cultures. This can encompass a wide range of cultural expressions, such as religious and cultural traditions, customs, dance steps, fashion, symbols, language, history, and music.

Opponents of cultural appropriation view it as an exploitative process where cultural elements are lost or distorted as they are removed from their original context. The use of dreadlocks by non-Black people is frequently cited as an example of cultural appropriation. Britannica defines cultural appropriation as occurring when members of a majority group adopt cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way.

The debate surrounding cultural appropriation has been ongoing for decades, with Black writers and artists contributing to the discussion. The term itself is described as imperfect and mobilized in imperfect contexts. The discussion is often tied to racial oppression and exploitation.

Criticisms and Perspectives

Criticism of cultural appropriation has come from various groups, including Indigenous peoples working for cultural preservation, advocates for the collective intellectual property rights of originating cultures, and individuals who have lived or are living under colonial rule. These critics highlight the perceived inappropriateness or lack of acknowledgment in the adoption of cultural elements.

The debate over cultural appropriation is described as a difficult one, often intertwined with racial oppression and exploitation. The term, intended to sharpen a political analysis of life under postcolonial capitalism, has sometimes led to conflict among people who share overlapping experiences of racism and displacement. The ITV show Good Morning Britain has presented the issue as a question of white people seeking permission to have fun. New media outlets have also listed items considered problematic when adopted by white people, such as "blaccents," bindis, and box braids.

Examples that have sparked discussions include whether Gordon Ramsay is permitted to cook Chinese food, if it is acceptable to dress as Disney’s Moana, or if Jamie Oliver can cook jollof rice despite not knowing what it is. Gordon Ramsay has defended a new restaurant in a cultural appropriation controversy. Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq is boycotting the Indigenous Music Awards in Canada.

Distinguishing Cultural Appropriation

American anthropologist Jason Jackson differentiates cultural appropriation from other forms of cultural change, such as acculturation, assimilation, or diffusion. Jackson characterizes cultural appropriation as something that is thought of as focused outward and done to a certain party. He further states that cultural appropriations can be sources of pain and can bring about feelings of loss or violation for the community affected.

The discussion around cultural appropriation is not new, having been present for decades. It involves complex considerations regarding power dynamics, respect, and the historical context of cultural exchange. The focus remains on the perceived inappropriateness or unacknowledged nature of cultural adoption, particularly when it involves dominant groups borrowing from minority cultures.

Key Facts

  • Cultural appropriation is the adoption of cultural elements by members of another culture in a manner perceived as inappropriate or unacknowledged.
  • Charges of cultural appropriation typically arise when members of a dominant culture borrow from minority cultures.
  • Elements adopted can include religious traditions, customs, dance steps, fashion, symbols, language, history, and music.
  • Critics include Indigenous peoples, advocates of collective intellectual property rights, and those who have lived under colonial rule.
  • American anthropologist Jason Jackson distinguishes cultural appropriation from acculturation, assimilation, or diffusion, noting it can cause pain and feelings of loss.
  • The debate is often linked to racial oppression and exploitation.