Multiculturalism vs. Cultural Appropriation - say what??

[icehorse]

On the one hand we in "the West" are asked to swallow the idea that all cultures are equally good, that we'll all live together harmoniously, learning from each other and benefitting from each culture's strengths and achievements...

But on the other hand, if you're a white girl, you better not wear a beautiful Chinese dress to prom, how insensitive of you! That's "cultural appropriation"!!

WTF?? (what's the future?)

Teen defends Chinese prom dress that sparked cultural appropriation debate: 'I would wear it again'

 

[Trackdayguy]

On the one hand we in "the West" are asked to swallow the idea that all cultures are equally good, that we'll all live together harmoniously, learning from each other and benefitting from each culture's strengths and achievements...

But on the other hand, if you're a white girl, you better not wear a beautiful Chinese dress to prom, how insensitive of you! That's "cultural appropriation"!!

WTF?? (what's the future?)

Teen defends Chinese prom dress that sparked cultural appropriation debate: 'I would wear it again'

Good for her. I think if the truth be known we all resist change as it produces fear. Most of us tend to think the way we do life is right and therefore often see others wrong instead of different.

Seems to me that we can all preach difference isn't wrong, it's just different, but most of us cant do it.

 

[Sunstone]

I try see these things for what they are -- power games. The ideology involved is merely a weapon.

 

[Terese]

Clearly these people do not want multiculturalism and harmony but want every culture segregated.

 

[Quintessence]

I try see these things for what they are -- power games. The ideology involved is merely a weapon.

Yup. Excellent way to frame it.

That's not to say there are not legitimate issues when it comes to utilizing another culture in a particular way. Unfortunately, in this world of sensationalist, poor quality news feeds, it's the nonsense drivel that most people see.

 

[ImmortalFlame]

Meh. Girl wears dress to prom that originates from a culture that isn't her own, some people react when the pictures are put up on line by calling her out for appropriating the look from a privileged, westernized perspective and thus adopting an aspect of a minority culture as a mere fashion statement/accessory, girl reacts and explains that she wore the dress after researching the cultural significance of it and doesn't feel like she was being respectful but is otherwise polite and humble about the criticism she received.

I fail to see why this is worthy of any significant kind of response (much less a news article), other than to acknowledge it as part of the ongoing debate about the concept of cultural appropriation. I see no need to demonize either side - both have valid points and I'm sure it's an issue that only a reasonable a lengthy discussion between them may have any possibility of reaching a conclusion on.

 

[Sunstone]

Yup. Excellent way to frame it.

That's not to say there are not legitimate issues when it comes to utilizing another culture in a particular way. Unfortunately, in this world of sensationalist, poor quality news feeds, it's the nonsense drivel that most people see.

Now and then, on relatively rare occasions, the media covers a genuine instance of cultural appropriation, such as some of the controversy surrounding the Redskin's Football team name and logo. But so far as I can tell, it seldom goes too far into the matter, and still tends to sensationalize it.

For the most part, though, you get this drivel about someone objecting to a prom dress and calling it "cultural appropriation" when it's not.

 

[metis]

As a biological Heinz 57, I feel multiculturalism is fine & dandy, and I'm not too crazy about p.c. clothes-- especially if someone makes fun of my manyhose.

 

[columbus]

One of the first criticisms came from a Chinese American student who shared Daum’s post on Twitter with the caption “My culture is NOT your g------ prom dress,” pointing out the origins of qipao and its significance within a marginalized minority.

“For it to simply be subject to American consumerism and cater to a white audience, is parallel to colonial ideology,” the student wrote.

I can't help but wonder what the poster was wearing at the time they posted. Kinda hypocritical if it was jeans and a rock band T-shirt.

Tom

 

[ImmortalFlame]

Now and then, on relatively rare occasions, the media covers a genuine instance of cultural appropriation, such as some of the controversy surrounding the Redskin's Football team name and logo. But so far as I can tell, it seldom goes too far into the matter, and still tends to sensationalize it.

For the most part, though, you get this drivel about some twit objecting to a prom dress and calling it "cultural appropriation" when it's not.

To be fair, it does literally fit the definition of "cultural appropriation", and I think calling someone a "twit" for being personally upset about it is maybe not helping the matter.

 

[ImmortalFlame]

I can't help but wonder what the poster was wearing at the time they posted. Kinda hypocritical if it was jeans and a rock band T-shirt.

Tom

How would that be hypocritical?

 

[Sunstone]

To be fair, it does literally fit the definition of "cultural appropriation"...

I think perhaps only if one understands the term "cultural appropriation" quite literally.

and I think calling someone a "twit" for being personally upset about it is maybe not helping the matter.

You're right. I've been without sleep for nearly two days. It's showing. Thanks for pointing that out. I'll edit my post.

 

[Sanzbir]

Cultures are beautiful, and they grow and develop best when allowed to intermingle with others.

They stagnate and die when cut off and insular.

Me, I favor a "Cultural Free Market". Let everyone pick and use the best parts of cultures that work best for them and let our cultures flourish, grow, and mix into new and exciting cultures and subcultures.

I'll continue cooking Mexican food, praying Persian prayers, watching Japanese shows and Indian movies, making Latvian artwork, reading Chinese books, dreaming French philosophy, playing American games, and listening to Mongolian music.

And those who are horrified by the idea of cultures growing in this way can feel free to watch their own traditions wither and die. Culture is a changing thing, and clinging to stasis will never work, especially in this case.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

tacky and thoughtless at best ...

 

[columbus]

I am not say

How would that be hypocritical?

I am not saying it's important. Only that they're laying claim to the clothing style of "their" culture, while wearing clothes from somebody else's.
Tom

 

[columbus]

tacky and thoughtless at best ...

Personally I thought it beautiful. And the fact that she actually did research the history of the style, and share that, hardly qualifies as thoughtless.
Tom

 

[ImmortalFlame]

I think perhaps only if one understands the term "cultural appropriation" quite literally.

What do you think it means?

 

[Sanzbir]

tacky

You don't like Chinese fashion?? To each their own I suppose.

 

[ImmortalFlame]

I am not saying it's important. Only that they're laying claim to the clothing style of "their" culture, while wearing clothes from somebody else's.
Tom

But cultural appropriation is specifically when a dominant race or culture adopts elements from a minority race or culture, so how is a minority adopting the clothing habits of a majority culture (if jeans and t-shirts can be said to have a specific or historical significance within any specific culture, that is) an instance of the same thing?

 

[Kangaroo Feathers]

I think a lot of very boring people lack enough drama in their own lives so they seek it out in the lives of others. One of the worst classes of these is people who look for opportunities to get offended on other people's behalf. Did any actual, you know, Chinese people have an issue over this dress?