Sometimes the answer to this question,
‘just don’t do it in the first place’ isn’t always the most helpful. Cultural appropriation can often occur unknowingly or accidentally. So here we are to help!
Well what do I do if I do culturally approriate?
First things first, STOP (obviously).
There does need much reasoning behind this, cultural appropriation disrespects and alters the original meaning of the culture and the best way to not do this is to stop.
Secondly, RECOGNISE & APOLOGISE.
Recognising that you’ve culturally appropriated an aspect of someones culture is great (you’re learning and identifying) but even better is to recognise those faults and apologise. And we applaud you in doing so and leading the way for others!
Thirdly, EDUCATE.
Its great to stop, recognise & apologise but there is no harm in educating yourself. If aspects of cultures truly appeal to you only for aesthetic reasons (bindi, henna, cornrows etc) I encourage you to find out why these are so important culturally and the history behind it because its far more interesting. Not only that educating yourself means you can educate others on not why we should participate in cultural appropriation!
Enriching your knowledge will further your appreciation and perhaps instead of cultural appropriation you’ll be invited to culture exchange and truly experience these traditions with respect and permission. We need to understand that cultural appropriation isn’t always intentional. Educating others is one step closer to stopping cultural appropriation.
R.C.W – Stopping Cultural Appropriation
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