Talking Points: is wearing clothes from a different culture appropriation or appreciation? [Part. 1] (2024)

FAQs

What is an example of cultural appropriation or appreciation? ›

If you take and use elements from another culture that is not your own, it may be cultural appropriation. Some examples include images, symbols, artifacts, or practices. Getting compliments, ribbons, or money for your art benefits you. The people in that culture may not get the same positive attention from it.

While cultural appropriation harms marginalized communities by perpetuating stereotypes or commodifying their culture, cultural appreciation, on the other hand, seeks to empower and uplift these communities by recognizing their contributions.

Wearing cultural clothing of other races can be acceptable if approached with respect, cultural understanding and appreciation of their importance. It is important to avoid cultural appropriation and define clothing as fashion.

Appreciation is when someone seeks to understand and learn about another culture in an effort to broaden their perspective and connect with others cross-culturally. Appropriation on the other hand, is simply taking one aspect of a culture that is not your own and using it for your own personal interest.

We can't ignore the violence at the core of appropriation. Social power allows for some to wear clothing that others might be harmed for wearing, as is the case of bindis, cornrows, turbans, sagging pants, and qipao.

Mutual respect is developed through appreciating a culture instead of mocking it. Learning about someone's culture enables one to exchange appreciation and share things about themself and their own culture. By doing this, offensive stereotypes and patterns of prolonged oppression can come to an end.

Appropriation refers to taking something that doesn't belong to you or your culture. In the case of cultural appropriation, it is an exchange that happens when a dominant group takes or "borrows" something from a minority group that has historically been exploited or oppressed.

Dress is a significant part of almost every culture. As more cultures have cross-cultural contact, people from begin to change aspects of their cultures by incorporating aspects of different cultures they come into contact with. This includes changes in dress.

What is a Culture of Appreciation? A culture of appreciation is one where employees feel valued and celebrated for all their efforts and hard work. Managers and HR leaders in such a culture actively ensure that employees are shown their worth by not having to second-guess their place at the company.

Rewearing the same clothes — particularly on consecutive days — is “linked to avoiding decision fatigue, hence wearing the same clothes involves less decisions to make and less stress every morning,” said Manal Mohammed, senior lecturer of medical microbiology at the University of Westminster in London.

Do clothes represent people's culture answer? ›

Clothing serves many practical purposes, such as protection from the elements, modesty, and social identification. In addition, clothing can have symbolic and cultural significance, representing cultural values, beliefs, and social status.

The clothes we wear tell stories of our culture and our heritage – things that can't easily be shrugged on and taken off at will. Tradition is also passed down in the creation and construction of our clothes. The way things are made, the materials, and the process, are all embedded into our communities and cultures.

Consider context. Ask about origins of different customs. Use this understanding to broaden your own world view. Finally, be a willing participant in cultural exchange, sharing pieces of your own traditions as you appreciate those of another.

By respecting other cultures, we can learn from their unique perspectives and traditions, which can enrich our own lives and broaden our horizons. Additionally, respecting other cultures helps to create a more inclusive and harmonious society, where everyone feels valued and accepted.

The answer is simple: call out cultural appropriation when you see it. Approach the person or group with good intentions, knowing that they may have a lack of understanding. Tell them how and why their actions are hurtful.

Examples of inappropriate cultural appropriation include using Native Americans as mascots, as in the Washing- ton Redskins football team, dressing up as a Native American for Halloween, and wearing a Native American headdress at a festival.”

This is commonly seen with folks, like white models or festival-goers, wearing Indigenous headdresses. In music, appropriation can include borrowing elements from a genre or culture without giving proper credit, or using them in trivial or disrespectful ways.