Question

what is cultural appropriation? and whats the difference between exploring a cultural and appropriating it?

Answer 1

Cultural appropriation is when someone tries to take on the appearance of another culture. The difference between exploring a culture and appropriating it is like for example, you can try (explore) different foods from different cultures but if all you eat is Chinese food when you're not Chinese is appropriation. And in all honesty in todays world,especially in America, cultures are so mixed that people should be able to dress any way they want without being accused of trying to steal from cultures. Accusing people of appropriation only keeps the separations that people have tried so hard to overcome. And only leaves the question, how can we overcome racism if we aren't willing to share our cultures?

Answer 2

Cultural appropriation is when someone does, wears, or says something that is usually looked down upon from another culture, and ten someone else does and makes it okay. For example, many African Americans have been ridiculed for wearing braids/cornrows; we've been called ghetto, unprofessional, etc. Although this has been happening for centuries, people will turn around and say that Kim Kardashian's "Boxer Braids" are the newest fashion trend. Do you see the double standard? Because a white person is doing it, it's all of a sudden okay, and then they'll be given credit for it (hence the name change from cornrows to boxer braids). Cultural appreciation is respecting one's culture and recognizing what that group of people went through, as well as, what you're appreciating represents (like a Native American's traditional head dress)/ what they have gone through as an oppressed people. Cultural appreciation also includes being open to the idea that if you are planning on wearing or doing something from another culture, that that group of people might be offended. FWI eating food from other culture's is not appropriating. And remember just because you say that you're appreciating doesn't automatically mean that you are. :) hope this wasn't too confusing!