With an increase in world traveling and migration, there have understandably been more reported cases of cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation, often referred to as the stealing of another’s culture, is often put in a bad light and has been the source of many arguments. This becomes very apparent around big holidays and celebrations like Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, cultural appropriation doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
Appropriation has been occurring since the dawn of time. The world has come a long way when it comes to mingling different people, which inevitably results in the spread of their ideas and beliefs. If we are to stop prejudiced assumptions and laws, we should start thinking of ourselves as a uniform mixture rather than a salad bowl. If each culture were an ingredient in a salad bowl, it would make sense that people would pick out whatever they didn’t like or thought looked weird. If we are a uniform mixture, this would be a lot more difficult.
Essentially, if we share our ideas and let others use them too, then we are one step closer to becoming one large, eclectic culture rather than separate cultures occupying the same space.
Sharing promotes understanding, support and equality among various groups. And if this is being done incorrectly, usually unintentionally, it is an opportunity to educate and inform. The fact that people are using your culture’s ideas just goes to show that they have some sort of interest in it.
It is also important to note that appropriation is not always clear. Many cultures share similar themes that arose separately from each other. Also, since so many cultures are coming together, people may associate with one culture more than their native one. For example, people that are exposed to different cultures through adoption, a community or a babysitter may associate with several. People may just want to tip their hat to their heritage. I, for example, am part Irish and part Cherokee. I have always been fascinated by both cultures. My mom, a shawl dancer in her youth, used to put me to sleep as a baby using Native American rhythms.
Appropriation isn’t all black and white so it shouldn’t be considered all bad. In this diversified day and age, we should stop trying to separate ourselves from each other. Instead, we should appreciate that we are all of the same species and start acting like it.
