Millennials' Dictionary: Appropriation | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Millennials' Dictionary: Appropriation

Inappropriate appropriation?

45
Millennials' Dictionary: Appropriation
BestofPicture

Appropriation: a newfangled term used primarily by Tumblr fascists, also known as “those darned liberal millennials driving our country and society into the dirt.” This appropriation is not to be mistaken for the allocation of funds to serve diverse purposes, as every dictionary defines the term (unless, of course, the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations all decided to get tribal tattoos and listen to Iggy Azalea while wearing kimonos). In fact, the full term is cultural appropriation, and it refers to the adoption of certain parts or aspects of a culture by people who are not of the culture from whence it came. It also usually targets white adoption of minority cultures. White women in cornrows and kimonos, tribal and Chinese script tattoos on the arms of white men, the infamous Native American Halloween costume, and so on. In a constantly globalizing world and society, and especially in the United States, this “appropriation” is becoming more and more common, and all over the internet, “SJWs” ( Social Justice Warriors, learn more in further installments of Millennials’ Dictionary) are crying out against it with fiery rage. On the other side of the issue, many find the negative feelings toward cultural appropriation absolutely ludicrous, and believe that the issue is pointlessly overdramatized.

I’m somewhere in between, leaning toward the side that says the hype over cultural appropriation is insane, but with qualifications and observations. Taking the extreme standpoint—that no one should adopt anything from another culture—leaves one stuck between a rock and a hard spot. Following this drastic reasoning, learning and speaking another language is cultural appropriation. Learning and doing certain kinds of dance, whether that’s the ancient art of belly dancing from the Middle East or any mixture of twerking, the Dab, the Whip, and the NaeNae, are appropriation. If taking anything from another culture is appropriation, and appropriation is inherently wrong, that limits our food options tremendously, and this is an idea that saddens me. The beloved and faithful Taco Bell, despite being a cheap and inaccurate mimicry of Mexican food, is appropriation. Eminem and Iggy Azalea, along with the majority of American artists going back as far as and further than Elvis Presley, are filthy cultural appropriators. Really, as Americans, the full concept of our culture is based in sanctioned cultural appropriation, making us the “melting pot” of the world (we’re expected to be original now?). Our government system comes from the Greeks, the names of half the cities in Virginia come from Native languages, the names of ninety eight percent of cities in Texas are Spanish (by my guesstimation), and the short list of foods you can thank America for include peanut butter, chocolate chip cookies, potato chips, buffalo wings, s’mores, and brownies—delicious, but I’m trying to live past the age of thirty five. These thoughts are what lead me toward my somewhat dubious view of cultural appropriation.

However, to say that SJWs make no valid points and that their rage is always unjustified and ridiculous goes too far as well. Appropriation is wrong when it mixes with disdain, ignorance, or simply makes a farce of the culture from which it came. Flagrant wearing, for modeling, holidays, or other purposes, of sacred and symbolic clothing from a different culture are not simply “appropriations,” they are inappropriate. In Native American cultures, the feathered headdress is an extremely important ceremonial article worn only by chiefs and great warriors within the tribe. It is not your place to buy one for a couple of bucks to don on for a few hours while having fun with your friends or taking pictures. Black face is not appropriate. A sports team with a Native American as a mascot being called the “Redskins” is not appropriate (and I’m not sure that could even be labeled as simply “cultural appropriation”).

Another valid point that SJWs make about cultural appropriation is the difference in perception that occurs when certain practices from one culture are adopted by another—most of the time, white people. Baggy pants, sagging, cornrows, and dreadlocks are all examples of trends created by the black community. When blacks wear them, it is a symbol of them being ghetto thugs. When whites wear them, it is chic and cool, and ends up in fashion magazines. The problem, however, isn’t the appropriation itself—it’s racism in our society. And typing out CULTURAL APPROPRIATION in all caps, boldface, italics, and underline, followed by exclamation points, isn’t going to even touch that infection in our society.

The diversity of culture in this world, and even in this nation, is stunningly beautiful. By no means should we attempt to erase that by amassing one big homogenous culture. However, what we must realize is that while humanity is scattered across the world, speaks hundreds of languages, and has hundreds upon hundreds of cultures and subcultures, there is still only one human race, and cultural connections, even “appropriations,” can be a good thing. Division should not be something that is continued through the glaring disapproval of every appropriation. Let the white girls wear their cornrows. Let Iggy rap—even if she’s God awful at it. And most importantly, please don’t take Taco Bell away from me!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2807
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1675
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200940
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21361
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments