What Is Cultural Appropriation? Why It’s Problematic and How to Avoid It – Yahoo Finance

January 31, 2024

Cultural appropriation is a hot topic that has gained significant attention in recent years, though it’s been happening for much longer. But what is cultural appropriation exactly? According to researchers from the University of Huddersfield, UK, it can be described as the taking of elements of a culture in a way that ultimately distorts or misrepresents the culture.

Cultural appropriation is seen as problematic because it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, strip cultural elements of their significance, and ignore the history and struggles of the culture from which they are taken.

In contrast, cultural appreciation (or exchange) is the understanding and respect for a culture that is different from one’s own. It can be a positive experience because it fosters mutual understanding and respect for different cultures and doesn’t rely upon an existing power imbalance between two cultures to achieve its aims.

Examples of cultural appreciation include attending cultural festivals, trying new foods, and learning about the history and traditions of a culture. It should be approached with an open mind and a willingness to learn, rather than an attitude of entitlement or superiority.

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