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@AD1 not buy that one. People an India love Apu yet many Indian-Americans hate that character because of the stereotypical implications it has cause for Indians that live in the US. The multicultural society we live in adds a layer of complexity to how culture is share. How those Cultures in their respective countries observe the issue is kinda beside the point because they don’t have to deal with being underrepresented in the US.
@CW I would love to agree with your aspiration view of culture. I think that causes the protectionist views of this is mainly the economic injustice some of these cultures face. Mexican culture is admired in the US yet the people of that community do not get that same admiration from an economic POV. Same can be said for Indian, black, or native cultures. It’s the actions that say “we love your culture, but not necessarily your people”
The products of that culture (food, art, music, language) were created by the community to “feed” their own people, yet often more privileged communities will take them for their own benefit and over time the community that created it is left out and forgotten about.
So yes I agree cultural exchange is valuable but culture is about people so they should also benefit from that exchange.
Copywriter 1 and Art Director OP I think you’re both right. Culture is fluid and despite this administration globalization is here to stay and so is transcultural exchange and adoption. I would say cultural appropriation is different from cultural adoption. Appropriation suggest a power dynamic and not giving credit where it’s due. Adoption suggest acceptance and elevation. Jazz started in the black culture but there have been European American and others around the world who have honored its origins, deepened its equity and expanded its relevance. I think we all need to navigate the complexity carefully. There are many black folks that have adopted aspects of Asian culture because they honor certain philosophies and incorporated them into lifestyle choices
@AD1
https://medium.com/@sean.dao12/identifying-the-systemic-racial-issue-behind-the-qipao-incident-whiteness-as-a-gatekeeper-to-1863b89f54e1
Unpopular opinion: In my personal life, I am not a fan of the hate around cultural appropriation (am a WOC, minority, and the culture from my country finds its way into pop culture across the world).
I believe that adapting other people's culture is natural. The world is getting increasingly more connected, and the melding of cultures is a consequence of that. I think it's a beautiful thing. In a world where there are already so many borders and divisions, why should we be possessive of our cultures? When I see white people wearing clothes from my culture, or adopting our beliefs and practices, it makes me happy to know that our traditions have made a positive impact in the world, or been a part of someone's self-expression. Why create more reasons to fight?
Of course, one must be responsible about what they are adopting, and give it respect by learning the history behind those practices, but most people I know already do that. I think we need to move on from the hate, and start to acknowledge our shitty past but also embrace a more loving future where the world will one day be one big global culture that mixes everything.
Professionally, however, I take cues from my senior creatives. We have not progressed so far yet that our audiences won't be offended, and I wouldn't risk hurting and alienating a consumer for my optimistic world view. Hopefully we can all reign in our entitlement to things that have never really 'belonged' to us (in the way a public park doesn't 'belong' to the one guy who's been walking his dog there for 5 years), but be collectively responsible for using our shared cultures respectfully.
No, @AD1, that’s not how it works. Cultural appropriation is about power dynamics. Not because a group says it’s okay to do. OP gave a good example of this.
I completely agree.
When people in China are happy an American is wearing a modified Qipao, then the line has been drawn that it’s not in fact cultural appropriation.