What if I do Culturally Appropriate?

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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What the hell is Cultural Appropriation?

The term gets thrown around by the media, internet, celebrities but what the hell is cultural appropriation exactly?

There are varying definitions of cultural appropriation floating around on the internet and what it can be applied to, so for many of us we’re just bloody confused to as what it is exactly.

In the simplest terms possible (and in no way trying to reduce the seriousness of this issue):

Cultural appropriation is when elements of a minority culture are taken by members of a more dominant culture for their own use.

This results in the original context to become distorted and it’s meaning reduced. Those taking elements of the culture do not experience the same cultural significance.

Often this can be seen as disrespectful and offensive. Culture is important to all people all around the world, as people we should respect that.

Hopefully this has explained what cultural appropriation is exactly, follow us to keep informed and inform others. And continue to find out why cultural appropriation need to be stopped.

R.C.W – Stopping Cultural Appropriation

Join the #stopthecult campaign on:
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Definition provided by Young, J 2010, Cultural Appropriation and the Arts.