There is a history of racism in westernised wellness culture
Yes, the wellness industry is racist because there is a history of racism in westernised wellness countries. Many BIPOC wellness practitioners and teachers have spoken openly about being tokenised and facing open racism within the wellness community, and cultural appropriation forms a large part of the problem.
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The Argument
Racism has been prevalent across the wellness industry for a number of years. Many BIPOC wellness practitioners and teachers have spoken openly about being tokenised[1] and facing open racism within the wellness community.[2]
A large part of the problem stems from cultural appropriation within the industry.
For example, there is a deep misunderstanding of the ancient spiritual practice of yoga.
It is often associated with white, thin, able-bodied, middle class women, and has been commercialised for western consumers. As a result, much of its cultural meaning has been stripped away.