Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Appreciation

According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison (n.d.), cultural appreciation is when an individual’s goal is to understand, learn, and honour a culture without any self benefit; contrastingly, cultural appropriation is the act of adopting certain elements from another culture without understanding and permission for use (Young Women’s Christian Association, 2023), often benefitting the individual socially or financially. In short, appropriation harms marginalised communities, whilst appreciation empowers and respects them (YWCA, 2023).

Consider the following examples to demonstrate these concepts. Cultural appropriation can take the form of adorning ethnic costumes that are a caricature of the original culture, participating in religious practices without understanding and respecting the beliefs, and creating art that supports harmful stereotypes of a culture (University of Wisconsin-Madison, n.d.; YWCA, 2023). Conversely, acts of cultural appreciation include purchasing cultural art made by an artist from that culture and visiting any religious place with a teachable and honourable mindset (Preemptive Love, 2020). 

How is Cultural Appropriation Harmful?

Appropriation may contribute to the erasure of the original culture, reinforce stereotypes, and offend the culture subjected to that appropriation. This often involves a power imbalance, which can further widen the inequality gap (YWCA, 2023).

How can we be more Culturally Sensitive while Travelling?

Before visiting any destination, research the country’s laws, culture, customs, political climate, and religious practices (Birtles, 2020). Dress appropriately to blend in, and ensure that photography is permitted before shooting!

How do I approach someone who is Appropriating a Culture?

Approach the person gently, knowing that they may be ignorant of their appropriation; inform them how their actions may be offensive (Native Governance Centre, n.d.).

Every culture and even individual may have different views on what appropriation is. Take racial harmony day in Singapore, for example; schools may encourage pupils to wear ethnic costumes from another culture, whereas in America, people can view that as appropriation in itself. Hence, research and an invitation to participate in a culture are of the utmost importance. 

Written by: Adalee Loh

08/2024

Sources:

Birtles, K. (2020, February 24). Nine ways to ensure you’re a culturally sensitive traveller. The Real World. Retrieved August 21, 2024 from https://www.trafalgar.com/real-word/ways-ensure-sensitive-culture-travel/ 

Native Governance Centre. (n.d.). Cultural appropriation and wellness guide. https://nativegov.org/resources/cultural-appropriation-guide/ 

Preemptive Love. (2020, May 31). What is cultural appreciation (and how it’s different from cultural appropriation)? https://preemptivelove.org/blog/what-is-cultural-appreciation/ 

University of Wisconsin-Madison. (n.d.). Cultural appreciation vs appropriation. https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/opportunities/projects/expressive-arts/cultural-appreciation/#_ftn1 

Young Women’s Christian Association. (2023, September 28). Cultural appropriation vs. appreciation. https://ywcaspokane.org/2023-racial-justice-challenge-cultural-appropriation-vs-appreciation/