By Shaira Tasnia
“cultural appropriation, adoption of certain language, behaviour, clothing, or tradition belonging to a minority culture or social group by a dominant culture or group in a way that is exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical.”
Credit: Britannica
Oftentimes, I feel that the last few words of this definition either get ignored or misconstrued:
“..in a way that is exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical.”
I believe my thoughts about cultural appropriation were always hazy, but I was forced to think more about it after watching someone dress up in various cultures’ clothes and ask American university students vs. the people of the culture themselves what they thought about what he was wearing. The university students said it was disrespectful, and that it was “cultural appropriation,” but the people of the culture themselves loved what he was wearing and expressed joy. I also think that if people of different ethnicities and races wore Bangladeshi clothes since they thought the clothes were truly beautiful, I would also like that.
Cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation?
It reminded me of a time where a non-Muslim friend of mine asked me if it would be ok to wear the hijab, even though she is not Muslim herself. She said she tried wearing one, and that it was so comfortable. I said of course, and thought it was commendable that she felt drawn to the hijab in this way. She wouldn’t be the only one: I have other non-Muslim friends that think the hijab is pretty and fascinating, ever since a young age. Once, I showed one of those girls how I do up my hijab, and she said, “It’s like I’m watching a magic trick.” I think I would be hard-pressed to find any hijabi sisters that would turn down another non-Muslim girl with this kind of genuine interest in the hijab.
I think it’s unfortunate that sometimes these terms whose purpose is anti-racism and discrimination can impede love and genuine curiosity of other people and their cultures. Although people shouldn’t mindlessly use things from cultures they don’t understand [to avoid doing anything disrespectful by accident], things like clothes, food, arts, and literature should generally be open for people to enjoy [within reason]. There is moderation in everything.
After all, by engaging with each others’ cultures, understanding and wonder can be inspired.
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