About CUltural Appropriation In Modern Society
Cultural appropriation is something we see as an increasing phenomenon in today’s society due to pop culture and rising awareness for the topic. It is prevalent in the media and other widely known and popularized areas such as music festivals and national holidays, i.e Halloween. Cultural appropriation is widely seen as a negative, however, many believe good can come out of it.
Negatives of cultural appropriation involve instances in which specific cultures, typically minority cultures, are diminished and/or mocked. An example of this in pop culture is the Kardashians wearing traditional African American, or Black, hairstyles without giving credit to their significance. In change, these traditional hairstyles are being rebranded as a fashion statement and stripped of their cultural significance. Another more close to home example of the negatives of cultural appropriation is derogatory Halloween costumes and festival wear that may offend people of the targeted culture. These types of cultural appropriation promote cultural dominance, the idea that one culture, typically white European culture, is superior to other, typically minority, cultures. Despite these negatives, according to some, cultural appropriation isn’t bad all. A positive of cultural appropriation is that it allows us to mesh with other cultures and become more of a melting pot society.
Some individuals believe it permits us to be a more accepting and inclusive society. For example, without cultural appropriation, we wouldn’t have New York pizza or unique fashion trends. Regardless of whether cultural appropriation is positive or negative, it is a topic worth discussing because it affects us all due to its prominence in modern society. There are a lot of controversies that stem from cultural appropriation and people are learning more about it every day as society’s awareness increases. It is important to be informed and form your own judgments on this pressing social issue.
Negatives of cultural appropriation involve instances in which specific cultures, typically minority cultures, are diminished and/or mocked. An example of this in pop culture is the Kardashians wearing traditional African American, or Black, hairstyles without giving credit to their significance. In change, these traditional hairstyles are being rebranded as a fashion statement and stripped of their cultural significance. Another more close to home example of the negatives of cultural appropriation is derogatory Halloween costumes and festival wear that may offend people of the targeted culture. These types of cultural appropriation promote cultural dominance, the idea that one culture, typically white European culture, is superior to other, typically minority, cultures. Despite these negatives, according to some, cultural appropriation isn’t bad all. A positive of cultural appropriation is that it allows us to mesh with other cultures and become more of a melting pot society.
Some individuals believe it permits us to be a more accepting and inclusive society. For example, without cultural appropriation, we wouldn’t have New York pizza or unique fashion trends. Regardless of whether cultural appropriation is positive or negative, it is a topic worth discussing because it affects us all due to its prominence in modern society. There are a lot of controversies that stem from cultural appropriation and people are learning more about it every day as society’s awareness increases. It is important to be informed and form your own judgments on this pressing social issue.