11.2 Case studies of cultural appropriation in various media

Cultural appropriation in media is a hot-button issue. It happens when dominant groups use elements from marginalized cultures without respect or understanding. This can lead to stereotyping, misrepresentation, and the commodification of cultural traditions.

Media often mishandles cultural representation through tokenism, stereotyping, and whitewashing. These practices perpetuate harmful stereotypes and deny authentic portrayals. Authentic representation, on the other hand, challenges stereotypes and gives marginalized groups a voice in storytelling.

Problematic Representations

Tokenism and Stereotyping

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• Tokenism involves including a single member of an underrepresented group to give the appearance of diversity without meaningful representation
• Stereotyping reduces individuals or groups to oversimplified, often negative, characteristics based on their race, gender, ethnicity, or other traits (submissive Asian women, aggressive Black men)
• Both tokenism and stereotyping perpetuate harmful and inaccurate perceptions of marginalized groups
• These representations lack depth, nuance, and authenticity, failing to capture the complexity and diversity within these groups

Whitewashing, Blackface, Yellowface, and Redface

• Whitewashing occurs when white actors are cast in roles originally written for people of color, erasing their representation (Scarlett Johansson in Ghost in the Shell)
• Blackface, yellowface, and redface involve non-Black, non-Asian, or non-Native actors using makeup, costumes, and mannerisms to portray caricatures of these groups
• These practices have a long history in entertainment, often used for comedic effect at the expense of the marginalized group being portrayed (minstrel shows, Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffany's)
• Such representations are deeply offensive, perpetuate harmful stereotypes, and deny opportunities for authentic representation by actors from those communities

Cultural Appropriation

Defining Cultural Appropriation

• Cultural appropriation is the adoption or use of elements from a marginalized culture by members of a dominant group without understanding, acknowledgment, or respect for the original context
• It often involves commodification, where cultural elements are used for profit without benefiting the originating community (Native American headdresses in fashion, yoga as a trendy workout)
• Appropriation differs from cultural exchange, which involves mutual understanding, respect, and benefit between cultures

Exoticism and Power Dynamics

• Exoticism portrays marginalized cultures as strange, mysterious, or primitive, often to make them more appealing or marketable to dominant groups
• It reduces rich cultural traditions to stereotypes and fails to recognize the humanity and complexity of the appropriated culture ("tribal" prints in fashion, "exotic" Asian women)
• Power dynamics play a significant role in cultural appropriation, as dominant groups have the privilege to adopt elements from marginalized cultures without facing the same oppression or discrimination
• Appropriation often benefits the dominant group while the marginalized group continues to face stigma or barriers for expressing their own culture

Misrepresentation and Sensitivity

Misrepresentation and Cultural Sensitivity

• Misrepresentation occurs when media portrayals of a culture or group are inaccurate, misleading, or based on stereotypes
• This can lead to the spread of misinformation and the reinforcement of negative perceptions about the misrepresented group (Latino characters as drug dealers or maids)
• Cultural sensitivity involves being aware of and respectful towards the beliefs, practices, and experiences of different cultures
• Media creators have a responsibility to research and consult with members of the represented group to ensure accurate and respectful portrayals

Authenticity and Representation

• Authenticity in media representation means portraying characters and stories in a way that rings true to the lived experiences of the represented group
• This often requires involving members of that group in the creative process, such as writers, directors, and actors who can bring their own perspectives and experiences (Moonlight, Crazy Rich Asians)
• Authentic representation provides a more nuanced and realistic depiction of a culture, challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding
• It also creates opportunities for marginalized groups to tell their own stories and see themselves reflected in media, which can have a positive impact on self-esteem and social perception