- Question
- What is cultural appropriation?
This position defines cultural appropriation as racism expressed through aesthetics. It argues that this specific form of cultural borrowing erases the people it takes from — a kind of colonialism that is belittling and demeaning rather than a neutral or appreciative exchange.
Supporting arguments · 3
- Cultural appropriation is a form of erasureCultural appropriation popularizes an action but fails to educate people on the action’s cultural significance, thus erasing it entirely. Without the cultural significance attached to the action, appropriation occurs and the majority remains ignorant of an action’s cultural significance.
- Cultural appropriation is a form of colonialismPower balances are at play in instances of cultural appropriation. When a dominant culture steals parts of another culture, they are stealing part of their identity and attempting to assimilate it into the dominant culture, removing their unique cultural identities.
- Cultural Appropriation is belittling and demeaningAppropriating another culture is to undermine it and treat it as little more than a fashion trend or fad.