Cultural Appropriation Part 2: You're doing it Wrong

Of all the things I post about on this platform, the meaningful philosophical discussions that I can have with other humans mean the most to me. A few days ago I woke up writing this article in my sleep and, after making it a reality, was very pleased at the quality, thoughtfulness and range of the comments left by others including (but not limited to!) all the ones mentioned in this article.

These responses have motivated me to think deeply and to have even more interesting thoughts. I believe I am feeling the process called 'mining with my mind on Steem'.

_{If this were a thing, this would be my title card (v1.0)}

It seems that I am not the only one interested in culture and its spread! Those who study new cultures with respect are appreciating not appropriating (Hive account@solarsupermama), but even with respectful intentions our cultural expectations can affect how we interpret cross-cultural interactions (Hive account@torico).

Over the span of thousands of years, all culture is developed and appropriated, in cycle. Perhaps what's really important may be the culture of individual freedom (Hive account@likedeeler) developed and appropriated relatively recently among human cultures. But just don't be a dick (Hive account@solarsupermama).

We are not a singular race of boring sameness but a vast pluri-ethnic web of humans shaing layers of life called culture (Hive account@carrieallen). Perhaps culture, and how we use it for both adaptation and traditionality, for change and stability, above all else is what defines us as humans.

_{Bits and Pieces Used}

This leads to some interesting comparisons.

Which is more egregious and for which reason, the working class white who appropriates culture by wearing a War Bonnet, or the business class casino owner whose ancestral heritage has been converted to the right to take a rake in a poker game?

_{Its all fun and games until Disney tries to jump on the bandwagon}

One thing that has become clearer for me through this discussion and further thought is the distinction between the dominant culture and vulnerable cultures, and surely there is a spectrum in between. Though I still believe that appropriating other cultures is hardwired into both groups, immigrants learning a language looks a lot different from black face comedy. There is a difference, not necesarily in magnitude, but in direction.

When members of a vulnerable culture appropriate characteristics of the dominant culture it is adaptation. Adaptation is generally considered a positive trait, but consider that within the vulnerable culture the adaptors may be viewed as Uncles Tom.

_{Adaptation or 'blending in' can save your life in the wild}

Members of a dominant culture are hardwired to appropriate other cultures too, in this case it is often manifested as experimentation or rebelliousness. How rebellious one gets depends on each person, but I think its safe to say that we humans are known for both building and then challenging our own conventions.

_{Humans rebel against the dominant culture using all available mediums}

Humans are not capable of staying the same, change and culture, and culture change, are what define us. We even have an entire stage of adolescence which forces human brains once per generation to temporarily forget all logic and challenge the local dominant culture (ie parents).

If ideas and culture are our shared humanity, then it is again my conclusion that we all, at all times, learn, borrow and steal only the best, from the best for the best world, and humanity, possible. Since this will never be the same for all people, the dynamic culture churn will continue to drive us on to ever greater heights of illumination!

Love and Light to All!