#iaskyou

How do you feel about the term “cultural appropriation”?

I am a third culture kid (ahem, adult) myself, and I’m stuck in the middle. On the one hand, I understand, and on the other hand, I don’t really see it that way.

I love other cultures, not just as a tourist looking into a zoo, but every time I’ve moved, I’ve put a little part of me into that country and taken a little part of it to make me who I am. Was that wrong? I don’t feel bad though, I feel enriched. But every time I read about someone of a different culture wearing a sari and getting offended, I feel - disconnected. How does someone know whether that person is trying to experience and learn about the culture, vs “exploiting” it. I just don’t see it that way, and maybe that’s cause I’m missing a distinction.

It’s not that I don’t see race, or see culture. I’m not blind to it. I see them ALL. Somehow that seems to be another issue.  

Anyone else? Maybe I’m the only one. I don’t know.

I don’t want to argue, I just want a discussion.  

Helpful definitions:

Cultural Appropriation: The adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of a different culture.

“Cultural appropriation is an entirely different matter. It has little to do with one’s exposure to and familiarity with different cultures. Instead, cultural appropriation typically involves members of a dominant group exploiting the culture of less privileged groups — often with little understanding of the latter’s history, experience and traditions.“ - Source