Cultural Appropriation: A Round Table
Questions and Answers:
Q1. In the reading, there was a lot of talk around Cultural Appropriate being a trend. Is it a trend to call it out when it is happening or is the trend Cultural Appropriation as something that IS happening? A1. I think that yes, it is a trend in both senses - but this isn't a bad thing. I think it is trending now because it is important to speak about and the generations now are beginning to develope these cultural identities, and people want that to be unique. I think that people are also just fed up with being misrepresented and stereotyped into one role, or having their culture become a one-dimensional thing for people to look at. In reality, these cultures are complex and personal. So it’s becoming a trend so that we can shed light on the misuse of cultures. I think people will get over calling it out too because right now If you call out cultural appropriation on certain platforms you’re considered strong and progressive. The trendiness of it all becomes a problem when people are calling out people for the wrong reasons like gaining popularity.
Q2. Learning from a culture that is not yours: If I learn of a culture and: witness it - engage with it - learn about it - learn from it - speak about it - use it and benefit/lose from it; is that a form of cultural appropriation? A2. I think that it is because you have used cultures and you have benefited from it. If I use cultures to further myself as an individual, to make my self a better person for the world then must I stop because of appropriation? I think it is how one goes about learning and using that knowledge. 2 points came up in the tut: firstly that one must be, always, very respectful towards that culture and community and where that culture comes from. secondly that, for you it is a choice, for others, they were forced into that culture so you are actively involving yourself in culture by choice which is a privilege. Towards the second point, I would like to ask: If I have come from a position where my Jewish culture was forced upon me and the laws of that culture became part of my everyday life - if I then decided to still learn from other cultures how does my privilege play a role then? I am not too sure.
Q3. One of the speakers from the reading said this: When the enemy isn’t in the room, we practice on friends. A3. This isn't a question but I like it as a statement. That when you are alone, with friends you may feel free to exercise other cultures ways, but once you are in the presence of that culture and display what you have learnt.. you'll be wrong. also, the statement intends to make cultures into enemies which I don't agree with.