WHAT IS APPROPRIATION

Appropriation means taking aspects of other cultures, often lacking understanding and respect for personal interests. Cultural appropriation may include the use of traditions, clothes, cosmetics, ideas, artwork, and language—for instance when fashion designers have their models wear cornrows. Another example would be producing Halloween costumes from other cultures, such as Native American headdresses.

WHAT IS APPRECIATION

The standard definition of appreciation is a positive regard, or acknowledgement for the positive qualities of something or someone. Cultural Appreciation in the context of cultures and race is similar. It’s described as honouring culture and understanding its beliefs and traditions. There are many ways to appreciate a culture, for instance visiting a place of significance within the  culture, such as a mosque, to explore their customs optimistically. 

TIME FOR A CHANGE, THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Once known as the “Washington Redskins”, the Washington Commanders have had a multitude of complaints about their offensive, and insensitive team name. By 2020, after pressure from the public and the hockey enterprise, Daniel Snyder announced the team's plans to change the title. "A lot of people now get it, that it's not all right to use disparaging terms, derogatory names, slurs, images, behaviours." said Suzan Harjo, a 76-year-old advocate central to the fight to change the team's name. Fortunately, the path of terminating inappropriate names has just started, and the “end of a dark era”, as Harjo describes it. Nevertheless, she is aware that the campaign is still ongoing because hundreds of teams in professional, college and high school sports still employ offensive mascots, names, or symbols that refer to Native Americans.

However, Harjo believes it will be soon that additional professional sports teams, the Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Braves, and Kansas City Chiefs do the same.

ISSUES CAUSED BY CULTURAL APPROPRIATION

Stereotypes and Misrepresentation

Stereotypes are reinforced by appropriative halloween costumes which commonly depict Native American chiefs, Japanese geishas, and Arab sheiks. Clothing from non-dominant cultures, cultures that do not hold the primary or dominant position in terms of social, political, economic, or cultural powers, can be used by dominant cultures to "dress up", thus lessening the significance of the item and reinforcing these stereotypes.

Mental Health

Stephanie Fryberg, a certified professor of psychology, explains how offensive mascots, or logos affect the overall mental health of adolescents, especially First Nations. According to Fryberg stereotyped imagery is said to have "decreased Native American adolescent's self-esteem, lowered the achievement-related goals they set for themselves, and diminished both their sense of community worth and belief that their community can improve itself,". The push of stereotypes has caused people of descent to be confused or confined to follow a narrative that they are not. For this reason it is crucial for the future media producers and companies to actively right their mistakes, and evade any more errors that could be replicated.

SOLUTIONS

Education

• Acquiring knowledge, and exploring more non-dominant cultures is a great start, as well as teaching individuals around you on topics that are neglected. 

• According to Lucas, a former international student from Brazil, "International students who either didn't know English or are not confident about their language skills often had trouble communicating in class and felt excluded.". proves the isolation between both international and local community members. To combat against what Lucas described, students who are curious and wish to help aid international associates to grow accustomed to a new country are heavily encouraged to do so. In a varied group, unrestricted thought-sharing can extend  perspective and improve understanding of different people.

Support

• Support can come a long way, as it fosters a community to feel welcomed and appreciated.

• Some examples of supporting a community would be:

- Purchasing artworks from small-owned businesses in the minority and promoting their talent.

- Engaging in allyship by being present in protests, or standing up for rights about equality and social justice.

- Foster meaningful connections with individuals from minority cultures based on mutual respect and solidarity.

Media representation

• Fight back against offensive media, or companies that promote stereotyping characters from minority racial and ethnic groups in TV shows and movies.

• The media is a main source of news for many, so spreading awareness through videos, or documented short films are excellent ways to spread the word.

• When coming across a targeted hateful comment under someone’s social media post, it’s encouraged to report that individual. Everyone can be educated.

TO CONCLUDE

It’s unlikely to suddenly stop all appropriation, whether it be in the media or companies. However, with the help of community members, promoting appreciation instead of appropriation can be possible.