Cultural Appropriation: What Is It And How Is It Harmful?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Cultural Appropriation: What Is It And How Is It Harmful?

“Appropriation occurs when a style leads to racist generalizations or stereotypes where it originated but is deemed as high-fashion, cool or funny when the privileged take it for themselves” - Amandla Stenberg

43
Cultural Appropriation: What Is It And How Is It Harmful?
www.twitter.com

Many celebrities have been guilty of cultural appropriation. There is a fine line between appropriating a culture and appreciating it.

Cultural Appropriation can be defined when a dominant culture or group adopt elements from a group that is oppressed. It is especially harmful and problematic when celebrities are profiting from it.

On Feb. 22, the 2015 Oscars aired, where directors, actors, and producers are rewarded for the films they have created. Zendaya Coleman, a Disney channel actress and singer, appeared on the Red Carpet. Coleman wore a silky off white Vivienne Westwood gown, and she wore her hair in dread locks.

Coleman stated that she wore her locks to commemorate people of color, since many African Americans get criticized for the way they style their hair. She wanted to shed a positive light on the hairstyle and remind black men and women that they are more than just their hairstyle.

On the show "Fashion Police," E News anchor, Guiliana Rancic made a racist comment about Coleman's hair. Rancic stated that she felt like she "smelled like patchouli oil and weed."

It was very ignorant of Rancic to make this assumption about Coleman simply because of the way she styled her hair.

This is very harmful because celebrities such as Miley Cyrus and Kylie Jenner can wear dreadlocks and people think it's edgy. Why is it that when Coleman wears a hairstyle that is apart of her culture she gets criticized and stereotyped? But when Cyrus or Jenner wear it, it's a new trend or a boho look.

This perception is very problematic and must be stopped. You can still like the music or appreciate a celebrity for what they produce, however it is important to recognize why their actions are problematic.

Many black men and women who wear dreadlocks have a hard time finding jobs. Some even make the commitment to get rid of their hairstyle in order to keep their job.

Celebrities aren't the only individuals guilty of appropriating cultures. Many of us may do it and not even realize it. During Halloween there are costumes that are viewed as problematic, in that they appropriate other cultures. Costumes such as "Mexican Serape" or "Native American Princess," are harmful since you are dressing up as a different culture, that is not yours. However, you would not want to take the oppression the culture faces in society from a day-to-day basis. It is also problematic because when you dress up as a different culture you may do stereotypical things or make fake accents to go along with it.

It is important that we recognize this and how it can offend others. We should all make conscious effort to respect other people and their cultures.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51835
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33290
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956187
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181117
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments