Let’s Chat About Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation

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Every autumn, as September fades away and October rolls in, the annual Halloween costume debate kicks off. Social media buzzes with the usual concerns over culturally insensitive costumes: Geisha outfits, Indian princesses, and sugar skull face paint. This sparks a familiar clash of perspectives.

On one side, we have the champions of cultural sensitivity who assert that culture is not a costume. On the other side are those who, despite their good intentions, misunderstand the line between appreciation and appropriation. Their rationalizations can range from “I’m not just any Indian princess; I’m Pocahontas!” to the ever-popular “Come on, it’s just a costume!” Then, of course, there’s the classic, “I’m not appropriating; I’m appreciating.” To borrow a line from a classic film: You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Cultural appropriation has become a hot-button issue, often met with defensiveness from those who feel constrained by political correctness. When told that getting a dreamcatcher tattoo might not be the best idea or that buying “cultural artifacts” from trendy stores isn’t the way to go, many respond with the same incredulity as a beleaguered press secretary after a late-night comedy skit.

So how can you express your admiration for other cultures without offending those who hold them dear? Don’t worry—your Halloween doesn’t have to be bland and boring. Here’s how to appreciate without appropriating in three simple steps:

1. Put Your Money Where Your Appreciation Is.

At its core, cultural appropriation involves profiting from someone else’s culture. If you admire African jewelry, buy it directly from African artisans or fair-trade businesses. Support the creators whose work you admire; it’s not just ethical, it’s how appreciation should be done. Brands can also do better by collaborating with actual designers from the cultures they wish to represent—think sugar skulls designed by Mexican artists or authentic Southwestern patterns from Native American designers. With a little thought, appropriation can easily turn into genuine appreciation.

2. Do Your Research.

So you’re fascinated by dreamcatchers? Awesome! But do you know their origins? It’s not a generic “Indian” item; it’s specifically tied to the Ojibwe people. Do your homework before you purchase. Understand the cultural significance and buy from legitimate sources rather than a mall kiosk. And please, reconsider that tipi-themed nursery. Think about the stereotypes it evokes and how they might perpetuate harmful narratives. Remember, cultures are not merely props for your aesthetic.

3. Love Without Lust.

Appreciation doesn’t give you the right to take. You can admire something without feeling entitled to it. Just as I can appreciate a certain politician’s charm without thinking he belongs to me, you can admire hairstyles without appropriating them. If your hair doesn’t naturally support locs or braids, embrace your own texture instead. Compliment those whose styles you admire without crossing boundaries. And if you’re in a position to hire, be inclusive—support black professionals with natural hair rather than discriminating against them.

In summary, it’s perfectly fine to appreciate other cultures, but the best way to do so is through understanding and respect. Your admiration shouldn’t come at the cost of devaluing what is sacred to others. Remember, your attempts to engage with different cultures can carry the weight of historical exploitation. To truly appreciate cultural diversity, invest in genuine sources, educate yourself, and engage respectfully. It’s not about dressing up as someone else; it’s about celebrating both your culture and theirs.

For more insights on navigating cultural nuances, check out our related blog posts at Intracervical Insemination and find resources on pregnancy at Womens Health. If you’re considering home insemination, Make a Mom offers a wealth of information.