Cultural Appropriation Research Paper

"Cultural appropriation is itself a real issue because it demonstrates the imbalance of power that still remains between cultures that have been colonized and the ex-colonizers."(Jarune Uwujaren) Cultural appropriation is when someone uses a culture - that they don't belong in - for their own personal gain. The personal gain can range from an award to a few giggles from a friend, either way it's disrespectful and not right. Cultural appropriation has been going on for a long time, it has even been praised in the eyes of the media. People should not wear a cultural item as a fashion statement because it is not their to exploit, it disrespects the culture, and it shows to others all they view of the culture is a cute outfit.

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Especially when it holds a religious spot in the culture, that's when it truly turns impudent. "Cultural appropriation is always disrespectful when it incorporates religion. Using an item that holds spiritual significance as jewelry is not only insulting to Hinduism, but the specific importance of the item in question"(Lauren Duca). The reason why it's always disrespectful to use religious items, is because it holds significance to the culture and isn't there to be worn around without care. "...It is not meant to be thrown around loosely for seductive effects or as a fashion accessory aiming at mercantile greed"(Rajan Zan). When the item in question is put on, and the importance of the item is not known or cared for, than why are they wearing it? To 'complete' their outfit, for a Halloween party, or because they are trying a new trend out? Any of those reasons aren't right. There are other ways it disrespects the culture, it can turn a whole way of life into one, tiny, insignificant piece of clothing when it isn't, it's a culture that people belong to and respect. "The biggest issue with cultural appropriation is that it belittles the origin culture, in a way that trivializes an entire way of life, turning it into an accessory. If you are a sensitive and
It shows that they feel entitled and important enough to take something, and without respecting it either. "The most important thing to keep in mind, is that you’re part of a global community, so whether you mean it or not, what you wear has meaning connected to that global context."(Muhammad Fayaz). Maybe the person wearing doesn't want to disrespect it, they thought it was ok and they had no bad intentions, but no one knows that. It can also have other negative effects on people, it shows them that they no longer own their own culture, and it isn't something to be proud of any longer. "When Black women have to fight for acceptance with the same styles a young white woman can be admired for, what message does that send to Black women and girls?

It says that our natural beauty isn’t beautiful at all – and that our features are only appealing when they’re adopted by white women."(Maisha Z. Johnson). This is important to realize that culture appropriation doesn't only affect the person doing, but it effects everyone, and to know to stop spreading the idea that it's ok to do