2. + Whatisculturalappropriation?
n When a member of a
dominant cultural group
adopts elements of a
minority group’s culture
n Ex: Ideas, Clothing,
Personal Adornment
(piercings, etc.), Music,
Art, Religious Symbols,
Language/Slang, Dance
Example: Katy Perry
at the American
Music Awards in
2013,“trying on”
geisha stereotypes.
3. +
Why is it problematic?
n Involves a power/privilege dynamic:
n Dominant/privileged group takes
from minority/oppressed group
n Inaccurate representation, often seen
as mocking or racist stereotype
n Done without full understanding of the
element’s religious, cultural, or
historical significance.
n Turns something important and
sacred into a fashionable style choice.
4. + “A Japanese teen wearing a t-
shirt emblazoned with the logo of
a big American company is not
the same as Madonna sporting a
bindi as part of her latest
reinvention.The difference is
history and power... Ignorance of
culture that is a burden to
Asians, African and indigenous
peoples, is unknown to most
European descendants or at least
lacks the same negative impact.”
-Cultural Appropriation: Homage or
Insult? By Guest Contributor Tami,
fromWhat Tami Said
5. +
Why these costumes Hurt
n At the end of the day, you can
take your costume off –Your
costume is free from the
lifetime of systematic
oppression, awful stereotypes,
racism, and discrimination
that many face.
n Perpetuating these stereotypes
through costumes may seem
harmless, but it marginalizes
the lived experience of those
who are being impersonated.
6. +
The difference between
Appreciation and Appropriation
n Appreciation:
n Enjoying another culture’s food
n Exploring different religions
n Traveling to new places and trying to connect with their customs.
n Appropriation:
n Wearing a religious symbol of a religion that you don’t follow
n Headgear (such as head dresses, sombreros, hijabs) of another
culture, especially as a costume
n Dressing up in a costume that plays on/furthers stereotypes of other
cultures
n Denying cultural origin to art forms, styles, and other cultural
products (e.g. dreadlocks, twerking, rapping, R&B)
7. +
How to Avoid Cultural
Appropriation
n Know the difference between stereotypes and culture (and do
some research if you’re not sure J )
n Understand the significance of the fashion trend, costume, or
holiday to its culture of origin, and if your participation in this is
respectful to that culture.
n Reflect on where a certain trend may come from – Often times,
certain styles become popularized via white appropriation of
certain cultures (ex: cornrows). If you feel that’s the case, refer
back to point 2!
n Remember, it’s not about being “politically correct”. It’s
about recognizing one’s privilege, and understanding the
influence of one’s actions on marginalized groups.
8. +
Special Focus: Day of the Dead
(Día de los Muertos)
n Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that
traditionally is observed from October 31st-
November 2nd
n Gathering of family and friends to pray for and
remember loved ones who have passed away.
n Traditions vary from area to area, but are
sacred nonetheless
n Día de los Muertos is NOT:
n The Mexican version of Halloween
n A celebration of death– It is a happy day of
remembrance
n An event that should be capitalized upon as a
reason to drink, dress up, or party.
