Cultural appropriation; share or care?

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he narrative behind cultural appropriation is often too aggressive. I can understand why some people ignore the conversation because it affects their freedom of choice. However, that does not excuse you if you knowingly choose to wear or embrace something without the right understanding. That makes you an idiot.

Do you know what a bindi stands for? It is to remind women (and men!) that her intellect is her most beautiful feature and it resides just behind her bindi – in her mind. I think it is one of the most subtle and fundamentally empowering sentiments that Hindu culture provides. It is a mark of individuality, intelligence and understanding – not just a fashion statement.

It is a mark of individuality, intelligence and understanding – not just a fashion statement.

When I see people wearing bindis and other paraphernalia at festivals, I am not outraged that they are appropriating my culture. I actually feel sorry for them, because they choose to see it is a status symbol, than by understanding the meaning. If they chose to learn, then it might be different.

I am not going to claim that all appropriation is positive – it rarely is. It is in most cases ignorant or plain stupid. However, you have no idea unless you choose to understand why, which means reaching out and actually speaking to those that own that culture. If you aren’t willing to communicate, I’ve got no sympathy for you. Appropriation doesn’t have to be a bad thing, it can be a fantastic way to promote and understand something authentic…just don’t skip the most important part.

Hiran Adhia

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]ulture is not exclusive when cultures meet, and fashion in particular, as a facet of culture, is very vulnerable to being transferred across cultures. This, therefore, does not make appropriation offensive and mocking by default, and, even if it is mocking and offensive, it is not a reason for any ‘cultural appropriation’ to be shut down.

It was not long ago, in January 2015, when we all happily stood alongside French satirical artists Charlie Hebdo with our ‘jesuischarlie’ placards, banners and hashtags. Here we saw culture being taken, offence being made, and money being made from it. Yet, it was with rallying cries of free speech and for the freedom of self expression we stood. We stood with those making money from the offence of a culture, and stood with those who disregarded the views of some Islamic culture.

The use of aspects of culture should never be seen as exclusive to some group of people

The use of aspects of culture should never be seen as exclusive to some group of people, nor belong to them. Culture should never be restricted, regardless of the offence caused. Knowledge, religion, art or music never belong to a skin colour or upbringing. Historical artefacts, tangible or intangible culture, doesn’t belong to anyone, but are part of our collective history as humanity.

It is with that, I say, you should wear your Native American headdress, your kilt or your beefeater costume. It belongs to no one, and you should be free. I will stand by your decision to, if it’s trending on Twitter or not.

Matt Monk