Cultural Appropriation or Cultural Appreciation?

Cultural appropriation has become one of those buzz-topics, filling all the internet forums and it's even on the news.  I love that it has gained so much popularity because people are becoming more aware of the disrespect that comes along with this practice.

Therefore, because we are all becoming so aware, I almost expect everyone to know and understand what is appropriative and what is appreciative, but it turns out people don't.

I had that realization while reading all the tweets and think-pieces regarding, Hymn For The Weekend, Coldplay's latest single and video. So, lemme break it down for y'all using visual aids



This is Cultural Appreciation.


This is Cultural Appropriation.


This is Cultural Appreciation.


This is Cultural Appropriation.



So, first things first...let's get into definitions.

According to Wikipedia, Cultural appropriation is the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of a different culture.

According to my research, Cultural appreciation involves employing parts of a separate culture into your life but while showing respect for a culture. This is a fairly open interpretation, depending on the circumstances in which you are inserting elements of another culture into yours.

Now, let's talk in reference to the Coldplay video.

This video was set in Mumbai, India. Therefore, I understand the references to Indian culture such as the shots of the various representation of Gods, Holi, cultural dancing and the various cultural symbols  featured in this video.





I personally don't consider this to be cultural appropriation, but I am not part of that culture and therefore I cannot speak on whether people should or not be offended by this or not.

Personally, I found it beautiful except for Beyonce's part which were clearly appropriative.

I love this video because it shows both sides of the coin, in my opinion; the cultural appropriation and the cultural appreciation, all in one.

In some ways, the video played homage to Indian culture,  and in other ways, it made a caricature of Indian culture. That's were the outrage from people comes in.

Cultural symbols are not costume pieces that can be worn with disregard and disrespect. Wearing a 'Native American" costume for Halloween is highly appropriative, but wearing a traditional Native-American bag or piece of common apparel (not special/culturally significant pieces) that's manufactured by a Native-American is culturally appreciative because you understand the source of the article and by patronizing someone of the culture, you're empowering the culture.

Wearing a Bindi, which is usually worn in South Asian and Eastern African cultures, if you do not belong to those cultures is appropriate, but wearing the traditional clothing at a cultural event or function such as a wedding or cultural gathering, is appreciative. Wearing a cultural piece, for shock value or aesthetics is disrespectful and appropriative. Try again.

The main thing to keep in mind is that things from different cultures do not belong to anyone outside of that culture. It's simple as that. Western people have this nasty habit of claiming ownership of pieces from other countries and cultures without paying the proper respects for said culture.

Also, permission  from your Indian friend doesn't mean that other people will find it appropriate for you to wear a bindi. Permission from your black friends doesn't absolve you of any guilt or responsibility when you decide to appropriate one of our hairstyles or looks.

Always remember that what one person may excuse, another person may not.

A rule of thumb for me is, "if I have to defend it, I'm better off not wearing it".

Some reading material on this topic:

Appropriation vs Appreciation: An Illustrated Style Guide | InterruptMag.

The Do's & Don't of Cultural Appropriation |The Atlantic.

What's Wrong With Cultural Appropriation? | Everyday Feminism.

I hope I've shed some light on this topic!

Love & Light,

Rachel.