Written by: Aarav Timilsina - 28028, Grade VIII
Posted on: 13 December, 2023
Most people believe their culture is theirs to embrace. In Nepal people are deeply fond of their culture and make no hesitation to show that. Our pride lies in our cultural beauty and we openly gesture our admiration for our culture by wearing cultural clothes, cooking cultural cuisines and partaking in cultural forms of entertainment. Not only the Nepalese, everyone has their unique and diverse culture but if one takes interest in another’s culture that act is immediately considered cultural appropriation. The act of taking a cultural, racial or social group’s ornaments, costume, beliefs and mannerisms and making a mockery of them is known as Culture Appropriation .
Now, Culture Appropriation is a highly debated and controversial topic. The depths of what is considered cultural appropriation is not specified . There is a blurry line between culture appropriation and cultural appreciation. Culture appropriation is the act of actually admiring and understanding the significance of one’s culture. If someone is genuinely intrigued by another's culture and wants to honor it by means of his/her choice, it’s not at all insulting or mocking that specific culture. Here’s an example of cultural appropriation or culture appreciation. If Sarah, a woman of Christian religion bought a Holy Muslim Quran but put it on a shelf, it’s considered cultural appropriation as Sarah is not able to realize the significance of mistreating the Quran for the muslim community. But if Sarah bought a Quran, acknowledged its influence and followed the religiously correct manner of storing it. It will be considered cultural appropriation as she is respecting the community and their guidelines. The fashion industry has a major role in developing the blurry line that I previously mentioned. The popular cosmetics and clothing brand ‘Victoria’s Secret’ had in the past organized a fashion runway where the clothes seemed to closely resemble exaggerated versions of indigenous Native American clothes . The viewers were divided into two. Ones who think that their approach was normal and the ones who believe their dresses were offensive to Native Americans. The argument was that if culture should not be owned and anyone should be able to represent or admire it or culture is the representation of a community and others should not be able to morph it into something that truly undermines its meaning. The war bonnet for the Red Indians is an accessory of high honor, strength and courage and only given to the bravest, most respectable warriors. Modern Media has also played a supporting role in normalizing cultural appropriation. Blackface, Whiteface, Asian-fishing etc are truly outrageous and offensive to the respective races. Going as far as changing your own structure to match someone else’s hereditary genes is absolutely confusing and queer.
At the end of the day, culture is free and not supposed to be owned by anyone or any group but the group can enforce rules and customs to make their own culture shine. I personally feel admiring and taking part in culture is great as long as you are understanding and respectful. Culture is just an idea, it’s a collection of art and a way of living life. People who call out other people for simply enjoying their lives just because they think positively about their culture are wrong and have nothing else to be angry about.
