Jeff Victor’s “Cultural Appropriation” April 22-opinion piece fails to fully explain the differences between cultural appropriation and cultural exchange.
First off mentioning “Irishness” does not a minority make. The Irish have become a full-fledged part of the dominant white culture. Yes, white culture is diverse, but fitting into it grants one access to a world where white Anglo culture reigns supreme. For the record I too can claim to be Irish. Yes, I saw my great grandparent’s names on the wall at Ellis Island, but if anything that proves that I am a full-fledged member of dominant white culture. Did my ancestors face prejudice because of their country of origin? Possibly, but in 2015 I do not. Does that make it OK to celebrate St. Patrick ’s Day by getting drunk? No–but as members of white culture, both Jeff and I have to check our privilege and realize the harmful effects our actions can have.
There are important differences between cultural exchange and appropriation. The key difference is respect, according to the blog unsettlingamerica.wordpress.com. A cultural exchange comes out of wanting to understand a culture. Appropriation is when a member of the dominant culture adopts an element of a minority culture as a fashion statement or because it is “exotic.” What is offensive about the second example is that the person of the dominant culture, like someone of vaguely Irish decent, is that they can take off the elements of the minority culture, but members of the minority are unable to completely remove their minority status. Appropriation isn’t anytime a white person does something, its when a long complicated history of power and privilege is completely ignored for the sake of fashion or a conversation piece.
History is full of examples of colonizers taking over and forcing others to assimilate to their culture. This should not be mistaken for cultural appropriation. In assimilation a minority adopts to the majority. In appropriation, the majority choses to temporarily adapt specific elements of a minority.
So what about that Coachella headdress or that Katy Perry video where she dons dreadlocks? Most likely, cultural appropriation. Is that headdress really being worn out of respect for a Native American community or because it will make a fashion statement on Instragram? Learning about different cultures can be fun, exciting and an eye opening experience, but take a step back. If you’re a member of the dominant culture think for a minute about if your dress, words or “accent” are coming out of a place of respect or as a fashion statement. So, no wearing a headdress is not OK.
