Cultural Appropriation and Sensitive Ways of Learning about Other Cultures

Overview Definitions and terminology Examples of Cultural Appropriation on College Campuses (you may use images that pertain to your field of study. Be cautious when selecting images and be mindful that some images may offend members of minority cultures in your classroom.) Reasons why Cultural Appropriation Perpetuates Racism Psychological Effects of Cultural Appropriation How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation

Cultural Appropriation on College Campuses

Cultural Appropriation on College Campuses

Definitions and Terminology Cultural Appropriation: The act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture Involves a power dynamic in which members of a dominant group take cultural elements from an oppressed group that they themselves have dominated Cultural Exchange: Occurs when cultural groups share knowledge, technology, customs, etc. However… Lacks a power dynamic Implies that all groups involved are equal

Definitions and Terminology Cultural Assimilation: When a minority culture adopts the cultural elements, ideologies, and practices of a dominant culture Assimilation takes place when members of a marginalized group lose elements of their own culture and are absorbed into the culture of the dominant group For example, it is not cultural appropriation when a Mexican immigrant learns to speak English Cultural Appreciation: Learning about the customs and practices in a culture in a way that respects the culture

The Main Difference Between Appropriation and Appreciation is… Power For example, it is not cultural appropriation to use common objects such as paper (which was invented by the Chinese) because it is not a product of cultural exploitation and oppression It would not be cultural appropriation for a non-Japanese person to wear a Japanese kimono to a traditional wedding in Japan, but it would be cultural appropriation to wear one to a high school prom in the US You may include a video clip here YouTube video on the 7 Myths about cultural appropriation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXejDhRGOuI

In Your Field Provide examples of cultural appropriation in your field of study or work environment

Reasons Why Cultural Appropriation Perpetuates Racism 1. “It ignores the violent history of oppression” The elements of culture that are adopted are usually taken from a cultural group that is economically and historically disadvantaged For example, Native American sports mascots (Washington Redskins) ignore the historical significance of the oppression of these groups 2. “It allows one to love elements of the minority culture, but disregard it’s people” For example, Caucasian celebrities wear cornrows as a cool fashion statement but at the same time African Americans are criticized for wearing them to work.

Reasons Why Cultural Appropriation Perpetuates Racism 3. “It erases origin and allows dominate groups to take credit for things they didn’t create” For example, country music was actually born out of the Antebellum South, where instruments like banjos, fiddles, and harmonicas were the instruments of choice among African-Americans 4. “It allows dominant groups to profit from oppressed groups” For example, the fashion industry uses Native American cultural elements to sell lingerie 5. “It perpetuates stereotypes and misrepresents the culture”

Psychological Effects of Cultural Appropriation Research studies show that cultural appropriation negatively affects members of minority cultures (Fryberg, Markus, Oyserman, and Stone, 2008) Participants and procedure: American Indian high school students (n=71) residing on an Indian reservation Students were presented with either: images of Chief Wahoo images of Pocohantas information regarding stereotypically negative outcomes among Indian youth (e.g., 50% to 55% of American Indian high school students drop out of high school) control condition image Later, students completed a questionnaire that included a measure of self esteem Image of Chief Wahoo, mascot of the Cleveland Indians major league baseball team

Self-Esteem Scores (1-5 scale)

Psychological Effects of Cultural Appropriation Results: Participants’ self-esteem was lowest after viewing the image of Chief Wahoo sports mascot Importantly, their self-esteem scores were even lower than those students who read about the high rates of depression, suicide, and alcoholism among Indian youth

How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation Ask yourself the 3 S’s 1. Source: Who are you borrowing or buying from? The closer to the original source, the less likely you are appropriating 2. Significance: Is the cultural object (or thing for sale) of great significance in its source community, such as a Native American Headdress, or is it something meant to be used on a daily basis? 3. Similarity: Is the cultural object (or thing for sale) a direct copy of an object of cultural heritage, or is it inspired by it, only including a slight resemblance? - For example, a Victoria’s Secret Native American piece of lingerie

How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation Context Consider the context. Is the cultural group you are borrowing from a minority, historically disadvantaged, or oppressed group? Benefit How do you benefit from borrowing from the cultural group? For example, are you selling a product?

Summary Cultural appropriation has a negative effect on members of minority cultures Consider the impact of your actions, not just your intentions Learn about ways to avoid cultural appropriation Celebrate diversity, and learn about the norms and practices of minority cultures Classroom activities and debates (see resource list)