Annabel Honigstein
Whether we’ve read it in a Tiktok comments section or heard it in history class, we’ve all stumbled upon the term “cultural appropriation” at one point or another.
Although the term was first coined in the 1980s as a means of discuss- ing colonialism in academic settings, it eventually grew to be used in more informal contexts. Because of its widespread use today, many of us encounter the phrase without knowing what it truly means. The Oxford English Dictionary defines cultural appropriation as “the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.” With a definition in mind, we can now identify why cultural appropriation can be harmful, exploitative, and disrespectful through various case studies.
THIS SITUATION ILLUSTRATES A LACK OF THOUGHTFULNESS AND AN INABILITY TO ENGAGE WITH ANOTHER CULTURE IN A RESPECTFUL MANNER.
Singer-songwriter Justin Bieber has been accused of cultural appropriation on several occasions. In January 2016 and April 2021,Bieber wore dreadlocks, a hairstyle associated with African American culture. Historically, Black people have faced discrimination and judgment for their dreadlocks, such as being denied jobs due to the fact that the hairstyle is associated with recreational drug use.
Many on social media were outraged by the cruel hypocrisy of the situation, since as a white man, Justin Bieber would not face the same discrimination for the hairstyle as a Black man would, according to Black Beauty and Hair Editor Irene Shelley. “People still face hair discrimination and stigma for their hair choice,” she said. “[Bieber] is seen as a dilettante, a person who’s dipping his toe in the culture, without any real commitment or knowledge of the style’s history.” As an example, when half African American actress Zendaya wore dreadlocks to the 2015 Academy Awards, Fashion Police co-host Giuliana Rancic commented that the look “[smelled] like patchouli oil or weed.” This situation illustrates a lack of thoughtfulness and an inability to engage with another culture in a respectful manner. What is most damaging, however, is the fact that Justin Bieber had—and still has— millions of followers, illustrating a lack of accountability.
Cultural appropriation is also evident in the fashion and design industry. Clothing and beauty retailer Victoria’s Secret has repeatedly been accused of cultural appropriation at its runway shows. In 2012, the company held a holiday-themed show, where Karlie Kloss, an American model of Eastern European descent, walked the runway in a feather and bead headdress, turquoise jewelry, and leopard print accents. While the outfit was designed to reflect Thanksgiving, it glorified the traumas and tortures indigenous people experienced when Europeans first colonized America. Kloss’ look was cut from the television broadcast as a result of widespread outrage, and shows how a brand—in an attempt to be trendy or creative—appropriated a people’s traditional clothing without taking into account the history of the culture.
In August 2020, popular English singer-songwriter Adele posted a photograph on Instagram of her sporting Bantu knots, a Jamaican flag bikini top, and feathered accessories. Bantu knots area traditional protective hairstyle that have existed for over a century, originating from the Zulu people of southern Africa. According to an interview with Vogue, her outfit was in preparation for London’s annual Notting Hill Carnival, which celebrates Caribbean culture. “If you don’t go dressed to celebrate the Jamaican culture—and in so many ways we’re so entwined in that part of London—then it’s a little bit like, ‘What you coming for, then?’” she said. “I didn’t read the f------ room.”
IT IS CRUCIAL TO ATTRIBUTE THE TRADITION TO THE CULTURE IT BELONGS TO, SUPPORT AND ADVOCATE FOR THOSE IN THE CULTURE, AND CONSIDER THE PRIVILEGE ONE HOLDS, ESPECIALLY IF THOSE WHO BELONG TO THE CULTURE BEING APPRECIATED FACE DISCRIMINATION FOR PARTAKING IN THE SAME TRADITION.
Although Adele’s look elicited back- lash, she did intend to appreciate Jamaican and Caribbean culture; in order words, she may have been trying to practice cultural appreciation, which is defined by the University of British Columbia as “appreciating another culture in an effort to broaden one’s perspective and connect with others cross-culturally.” The critical dierence between appropriation and appreciation often comes down to humility, curiosity, and overall respect. It is crucial to attribute the tradition to the culture it belongs to, support and advocate for those in the culture, and consider the privilege one holds, especially if those who belong to the culture being appreciated face discrimination for partaking in the same tradition.
Ultimately, cultural differences are not something to be afraid of. Rather, they are an opportunity for us to acknowledge and respect other communities’ customs, and dissipate the misconceptions and hatred of the status quo. It is crucial that we know how to identify cultural appropriation to battle against discrimination and create a more just world.
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