Appreciation or Appropriation: Where Do We Draw the Line?
March 9, 2023
Cultural appropriation is a sticky topic to say the least. The definition is simple: taking elements of one culture and using them for one's own purposes, typically without proper acknowledgment or understanding of their significance to the original culture. The difficulty lies in the fine line that separates appreciation from appropriation. This line seems to primarily rely on one thing: intention.
To begin, let us discuss the obvious- what is the problem with cultural appropriation? Cultural appropriation is often exploitative of cultural elements when they are removed from their original context. Such displays are typically considered disrespectful or even destructive to the culture that is appropriated. Power dynamics are integral to ethical considerations surrounding cultural appropriation. When a dominant culture appropriates elements of a marginalized one, it often reinforces historical colonial power dynamics. For example, by wearing a Native American headdress as a fashion accessory, a non-Native may perpetuate the idea that Native culture is something to be consumed and commodified. But here is the tricky part. If this same person puts on a headdress, but this time their intention is to respect the culture, does it make a difference? Most of us would say yes, and this is why we see things like “Hijab Day,” a day of recognition commonly seen in California universities that encourages women of all backgrounds and religions to wear and experience the hijab. The idea that intention draws the line between appreciation and appropriation would be popular with Kantians. Consequentialists on the other hand would find difficulty in accepting the same action with the same consequences differs in moral standing based purely on the thought put behind it.
There is little actual distinction in action between appreciation and appropriation. The difference between wearing culturally appropriate clothing at a celebrated event and going to a music festival wearing a culturally imitative costume for attention lies solely in the intention behind the action. Yet, because the intention is internal to each individual, if I was to wear a native american headdress with good intentions and consent, most would see my action at face value, and naturally, assume appropriation. In situations like this is intention insufficient to distinguish between appreciation and appropriation, or should we never assume another’s actions are mal intended? It is unclear. For this reason, the line between appropriation and appreciation is consistently contentious, however cultural exchange, when it is done with consideration and consent is beneficial to deepening empathetic ties between distinct cultures. As individuals, we should constantly strive to obtain a nuanced understanding of the cultures surrounding us, and as a good rule: if you are unsure whether your actions are appropriative, just ask. We are often blind from our own perspective.