Identifying Cultural Appropriation

By Jennifer Ju
Facing Ourselves

Jennifer Ju

Years ago, I met with several different prospective photographers in Milford for my upcoming wedding. At one interview, I informed the photographer that I was going to wear a hanbok, a type of traditional Korean clothing, during the reception. When the photographer later referred to the hanbok as a kimono, I corrected her. The photographer replied, “Hanbok. Kimono. Same thing.”

I did not choose this photographer. There is a lot of work that needs to be done to improve sensitivity, awareness and appreciation for another’s culture. What I find even more challenging and nuanced is the issue of cultural appropriation, and how that differs from cultural appreciation.

What is cultural appropriation? The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the practices, customs, or aesthetics of one social or ethnic group by members of another (typically dominant) community or society.”

What does that exactly mean? It can be hard to wrap your head around the definition. So what does cultural appropriation look like in real life?

Some examples that have been cited include Miley Cyrus’s twerking, Elvis Presley appropriating music from black musicians, Victoria’s Secret models parading down the runway in ceremonial Native American headdresses, sports teams with names like the Redskins, and slang such as “woke,” “I feel you,” “bae,” and “yaaasss queen.”

Trying to differentiate between cultural appreciation and appropriation can be confusing and challenging. Are you appropriating Irish culture if you dress in green and go bar hopping on St. Patrick’s Day? If you wear a mandarin collar dress, silver and turquoise jewelry, or a sombrero, is that cultural appropriation? What about dressing up as a Native American or as the Disney character Moana on Halloween? How about trying out henna tattoos or wearing your hair in dreadlocks? What about doing yoga or getting a tattoo of the Om symbol? If you buy Persian or oriental rugs, is that cultural appropriation? What about cooking foods or listening to music from different cultures?

The above scenarios aren’t necessarily examples of cultural appropriation, but they illustrate how complex and endless the potential scenarios can seem.

Many people ask: aren’t we encouraged to embrace and be open to the cultures of others? What is the difference between celebrating and sharing a culture, and appropriating it as your own?

One hallmark of cultural appropriation is taking credit for something that is not your own or exploiting it for your own gain. Gain can be more than financial; it can be include imitating a culture to get a laugh. Although some may argue that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, plagiarism is downright wrong and harmful. Cultural appropriation is considered a form of plagiarism. If you are giving respect and credit to the culture, as well as understanding the meaning and relevance of what you are borrowing or using, it is more likely cultural appreciation than appropriation.

Take the hit Disney movie Frozen, for example. The first Frozen movie was criticized for appropriating the culture of indigenous Sámi people of Scandinavia. However, Frozen 2 was made in collaboration with the Sámi, with a focus on cultural accuracy and sensitivity. As a result, the film also increased awareness of the Sámi and the injustices inflicted on them. Disney’s collaborative approach in the making of Frozen 2 appears to be a good example of cultural appreciation, awareness, respect and sensitivity – without the appropriation.

People may debate where cultural appropriation begins and cultural appreciation ends. The line can often shift and seem blurry depending on the situation. A nuanced understanding of the differences between the two requires sensitivity, attention and intention.

Pay attention to people’s different cultural backgrounds. Pay attention to what people from different backgrounds value and what the meaning and significance of their culture is. Take time to ask questions. Take time to really listen.

Be aware of your own intentions and examine them. Are your actions meant to divide or mock? Are you trying to use someone else’s culture for profit? Are you giving credit to a culture that is not your own?

This column may be difficult to read. It is easy to get defensive. It only begins to skim the surface of a topic that is complex and has deep ramifications that are rooted in centuries of wounds inflicted by suppression, oppression, discrimination and ignorance. When I reflect upon it, I realize I have been guilty of cultural appropriation. I’m still learning. I want to be better.

We can all be better. We can speak clearly, firmly and calmly. Seek to educate. Engage in respectful dialogue. Listen with openness, compassion and a desire to learn. Each of us can grow. We can grow together.

Jennifer Ju, MD is a physician who is a graduate of the Brown University family medicine residency program. She is also an actor and writer who has performed in various theatres across the state and whose plays have been produced locally. Ju has also presented numerous online and in-person workshops on mindfulness, health and wellness for parents and children, as well as for pre-K-12 educators in New Haven and Fairfield counties.