by Simone E., Editor-in-Chief When you’re walking down the aisle of Party City trying to decide whether you want to be a sexy “Indian” or a “gangster” this All Hallow’s Eve, don’t forget these two words: appropriation and appreciation. To add a little icing on the cake, add the word “cultural” in front of both of the terms, and I’ve officially either made you uncomfortable or defensive.
Definition: Cultural appropriation is when you decide to “adopt” an element of someone else’s culture (Johnson 2015). So when you’re putting on that afro that you found for super cheap, and you know that an afro is not something that you’ve seen at any family reunions, television shows, or just day to day life by people who look like you, don’t do it. When you say, “But I appreciate the culture. I love 2 Chainz.” Please don’t do it. If you can’t realize what that afro means to people of color, and you aren’t trying to appreciate the struggle that came and has come with that afro, then don’t do it. (Note: This isn’t just about white and black people. It’s about different cultures, and there are a lot of different cultures where cultural appropriation can and does happen). There are ways to appreciate culture, but to this day, it can be hard to draw the line. So, until that line is drawn, don’t try to cross it. There’s no reason to. You can still have fun being you and dressing up as an animal. Animals don’t care if you appropriate their culture. Animals are cute. Be a bunny this Halloween. (Or maybe a bear if you’re feeling aggressive). Read the article below for a better understanding on cultural appropriation if you’re interested. Resources: Johnson, A. M. (2016, November 03). What's Wrong with Cultural Appropriation? These 9 Answers Reveal Its Harm. Retrieved October 19, 2017, from https://everydayfeminism.com/2015/06/cultural-appropriation-wrong/
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March 2018
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