Does cultural appropriation make me a racist?

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Twerking headdresses and bindis have nothing in common--except for one thing...

This is an ever so muddy topic especially in these turbulent times where political correctness has come to rule our conversations.

The world is basically a globalized culture in many ways and doubly so if you live in a diverse country like the U.K. or the U.S.

BUT WHAT IS THIS ISSUE EXACTLY?

“Cultural appropriation” is more than just taking the “fun” out of things white people want to do. In the U.S. it is a problem because often times, the perpetrators are from a position of wealth and privilege and are not treated with the same respect as the people they are borrowing from.

In most cases, it’s white people using cultural dress (headdresses, dreadlocks, kimonos, dashikis, box braid extensions etc.) that is the most offensive. Also the use of religious icons without understanding the full meaning/context... And of course, let's not forget there are cultural practices like yoga, tai chi & other martial arts, dances etc. that get hijacked.

WHERE IS THE LINE EXACTLY?

Honestly, it’s extremely subjective and varies by the individual situation. To find where cultural exchange blurs into appropriation, you must ask a few key questions:

1. Is this being done to evoke a sense of exoticism?

2. Is it being done because you think it would make you “cool” or garner social capital with your peers?

3. Do I benefit from any privilege over the people whose culture I am borrowing from? (As in would the ethnic individual suffer harassment for expressing their identity?)

If there are perhaps two things I would say are not cultural appropriation, it would be food and religion/philosophy.
These are the result of exchange and can be gateways to discovering more about the place of origin. It is also my fundamental belief that religion is a human right and all humans are entitled to subscribe to whatever spiritual beliefs and doctrines they want… or not!

Navigating cultural appropriation is a nightmare—particularly if you are one of many marginalized groups. I have been guilty of appropriation of Indian and various other cultures at one part another. I do it as an homage, but I pay my dues by educating myself about what it is I am using. I advise everyone to be willing to ask the significance of what you are wearing and why it may seem harmful to the people you are borrowing.

Take a look at some of my other work:

The most erotic item you own
https://steemit.com/love/@puddinpaws/wheqfrtp

Colourism: A social issue
https://steemit.com/life/@puddinpaws/pp0czy0y

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