In the age of integration and globalization, people have more access to diverse cultures in various ways. Due to the abundant information and many personal observations, the above development has made the line between "culture appreciation" and "cultural appropriation" thinner than ever.
Most people have heard the phrase "cultural appreciation" a lot, and we constantly encourage others to uphold it. However, if we just promote the primary virtue while ignoring the notion of "cultural appropriation" whether intentionally or unintentionally, we will cross the thin boundary between these two concepts. Cultural appreciation involves actively and respectfully exploring and researching the unique identity of an ethnicity or nation from reputable and accurate information sources. In contrast, cultural appropriation is the commercial use and exploitation of one's culture by an individual, group, or organization. More precisely, they "invade" another culture with a lack of inquiry, unconcerned about the genuine meaning and beauty of that culture, even without sourcing or recognizing that their ideas came from that culture.
The term "cultural appropriation" can be expressed from simple behaviors such as mocking local accents or laughing at group dances and costumes, etc. to larger actions such as the case of a well-known fashion brand from Italy. In a promotional video for a fashion event in Shanghai, Dolce & Gabbana exploited the Asian tradition of eating with chopsticks. Instead of allowing the model to eat traditional Chinese cuisine with chopsticks, they served her platters of European food such as pizza and spaghetti, creating controversy in China and around Asia. Exploiting and creating art from cultural beauty is a way to show respect for cultures, but a lack of careful and thorough exploration will lead to the distortion of cultural beauty instead of honoring it.
Image of Dolce & Gabbana advertisment
When adopting from a different culture, there are some essential steps we need to follow to prevent being criticized for cultural appropriation. Firstly, while addressing a culture, we must understand and thoroughly examine official material available online, in books, or from indigenous people themselves. Secondly, when engaging with a new culture distinct from our own, we should have an open mind since imposing our stereotypes on culture will result in a distorted perspective of their society. Finally, the most effective method to avoid cultural appropriation is to interact with the culture from which we are studying. Spend time in it, examine it, participate with it, and then utilize a pattern, symbol, headdress, or anything else to promote that culture, and its people and share advantages with them if feasible.
Every cultural beauty deserves to be cherished and promoted positively, and care should be given to avoid negatively cultural intrusion in order to avoid detrimental consequences.
REFERENCE:
Dolce & Gabbana controversial video
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