11.1 Defining and identifying cultural appropriation

Cultural appropriation in media is a complex issue involving power dynamics and cultural insensitivity. It occurs when dominant groups adopt elements from marginalized cultures without respect or understanding, often for profit or social gain.

This practice perpetuates stereotypes, erases cultural significance, and contributes to the marginalization of oppressed groups. Understanding the difference between appropriation and exchange is crucial for promoting respectful cultural interactions in media and society.

Understanding Cultural Appropriation

Defining Cultural Appropriation and Exchange

Top images from around the web for Defining Cultural Appropriation and Exchange

• 

  Ten terms related to race that require sensitivity in translation - Latitude - Rethinking Power ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dimensions of Culture – CaseWORK View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Understanding Culture Clashes and Catalyzing Change: A Culture Cycle Approach View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Ten terms related to race that require sensitivity in translation - Latitude - Rethinking Power ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dimensions of Culture – CaseWORK View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Defining Cultural Appropriation and Exchange

• 

  Ten terms related to race that require sensitivity in translation - Latitude - Rethinking Power ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dimensions of Culture – CaseWORK View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Understanding Culture Clashes and Catalyzing Change: A Culture Cycle Approach View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Ten terms related to race that require sensitivity in translation - Latitude - Rethinking Power ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Dimensions of Culture – CaseWORK View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Cultural appropriation occurs when a dominant culture adopts elements from a marginalized or oppressed culture without understanding or respecting the original context and significance
• Differs from cultural exchange, a mutual sharing of cultural elements between groups with equal power dynamics
• Power dynamics play a crucial role in distinguishing appropriation from exchange, as the dominant group often benefits financially or socially from the adopted elements
• Cultural sensitivity involves being aware of and respectful towards the cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions of others
• Cultural context is essential to understanding the meaning and significance behind cultural elements, and ignoring this context can lead to appropriation

Consequences and Impact of Cultural Appropriation

• Perpetuates stereotypes and misrepresentation of marginalized cultures, reducing complex traditions to simplistic or inaccurate portrayals (Native American headdresses as fashion accessories)
• Strips cultural elements of their original meaning and significance, disrespecting their sacred or ceremonial nature (religious symbols used as decorative prints)
• Contributes to the erasure of marginalized cultures by popularizing appropriated elements while the original culture remains oppressed or underrepresented
• Enables the dominant culture to profit from the labor and creativity of marginalized groups without proper credit or compensation (white-owned businesses selling "ethnic" products)

Misrepresentation and Stereotyping

Stereotyping and Tokenism in Media

• Stereotypes are oversimplified, generalized representations of a group based on assumptions or limited knowledge, often perpetuating harmful or inaccurate beliefs (portraying Latinos as drug dealers or maids)
• Misrepresentation occurs when media presents a distorted or inaccurate portrayal of a group, often reinforcing stereotypes or excluding diverse perspectives
• Tokenism involves including a superficial representation of a marginalized group to give the appearance of diversity without genuine inclusion or development of the characters (the "token Black friend" in a predominantly white cast)
• Exoticism portrays marginalized cultures as mysterious, strange, or primitive, often romanticizing or sexualizing them for the consumption of the dominant culture (depicting Asian women as submissive and exotic)

Impact of Misrepresentation on Marginalized Communities

• Reinforces harmful stereotypes that shape public perception and treatment of marginalized groups, leading to discrimination and prejudice
• Limits opportunities for accurate and diverse representation, perpetuating a lack of understanding and empathy towards marginalized experiences
• Contributes to internalized oppression, as members of marginalized groups may struggle with self-image and identity due to limited or negative representation
• Normalizes the marginalization and oppression of certain groups by presenting stereotypical portrayals as acceptable or entertaining (Native American mascots in sports teams)

Commodification and Theft

Commodification of Culture

• Commodification occurs when cultural elements are transformed into products or services for commercial gain, often divorcing them from their original context and meaning
• Authenticity is compromised when cultural elements are mass-produced or adapted to suit the preferences of the dominant culture, erasing their true significance (mass-produced "tribal" patterns on clothing)
• Intellectual property rights are often violated when the dominant culture appropriates and profits from the traditional knowledge, art, or designs of marginalized groups without permission or compensation
• Cultural theft involves the unauthorized use or claiming of cultural elements as one's own, denying credit and benefits to the original creators (white musicians popularizing Black musical styles without acknowledgment)

Misuse of Sacred Symbols and Practices

• Sacred symbols, objects, or practices that hold deep spiritual or cultural significance for marginalized groups are often appropriated and used inappropriately by the dominant culture (using religious deities as decorative elements)
• Commodification of sacred elements strips them of their original meaning and purpose, disrespecting their cultural importance and the beliefs of the communities they belong to
• Misuse of sacred symbols can be deeply offensive and hurtful to members of the marginalized group, as it trivializes or desecrates elements that are central to their identity and spirituality (non-Native individuals wearing war bonnets as fashion accessories)
• Lack of understanding and respect for the cultural context and significance of sacred elements contributes to their misuse and appropriation (using Buddhist or Hindu iconography for aesthetic purposes without understanding their religious meaning)