Appropriation is Not Appreciation

The best form of flattery? 

Being a role model, a trendsetter or a major influence to others all promote a positive image. But where is the line drawn between imitation as flattery and imitation as distasteful or disrespectful?

Cultural appreciation turns into cultural appropriation when one uses their platform to broadcast or compliment fashion, looks or music from a certain culture but neglects the issues, injustices and/or discrimination that culture experiences.

Victoria's Secret Appropriates

After being accused of cultural appropriation in 2012, Victoria's Secret is now being accused again. An E! News article states that Mexican and Asian influences were distastefully present in the Victoria's Secret annual fashion show.

Don't Cash Crop my Cornrows

In 2015, actress Amandla Stenberg spoke out about stars like the Kardashians appropriating Black culture.

She discusses the importance and relevance of hair and how certain hairstyles shape identities within African American culture.

For centuries, cornrows, braids or locs were used for upkeep of kinky hair or to help prevent damage. Today, these styles are an essential part of the Hip-Hop and R&B culture and have become fashion statements as well. 

As Stenburg points out, once other cultures began embracing the Hip-Hop and R&B culture, they began adopting the trends of the cultures as well.

Many stars who have adopted Blackness or ways of Black culture fail to speak on the racism or inequalities that come along with Black identity.

Dos and Don'ts of Cultural Appropriation

Media Coverage

Things like the media, marketing and advertisements, and TV programming play a significant role in the representation or misrepresentation of certain cultures. 

When a young woman of color is portrayed to smell like weed or patchouli oil because of her hairstyle, but the same hairstyle on a white woman is portrayed as fashionable or urban, there's a problem. 

Especially in a time when it is legal to refuse to hire someone due to the styling of their hair.

Many fashion designers, fashion shows and style magazines are guilty of taking very old trends of Black culture and releasing them to the public as if they've discovered some newfound style that everyone should now embrace. 

This is nothing new.  For centuries designers, musicians, inventors, and artists in dominant cultures have borrowed, stolen, or  attempted to replicate the work and ideas of those in minority cultures. 

What is Cultural Appropriation?

So,what will it take for the cultures that inspire the masses to receive the respect, the recognition, and the true appreciation that they deserve?