Culture Synthesis Essay

Culture is defined as the behaviors and beliefs characteristics of a particular social, ethnic, or age group (dictionary.com). Why has society seen this clearly defined word brought up in many media disputes as of late? Because people are crossing the line. For years people have been in heated debates about cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Arguments have arisen in art, clothing, and literature and whether their meanings are being exploited or celebrated. Society must find common ground before culture loses its essence. To choose an accurate position in the argument one must return to the basics of culture. Culture is mixing, it connotates the mixing from other sources. So instead of shaming those inadvertently skewing customs a collective consensus must be met to rid society of stereotypes and initiate a blend of cultures. Speaking up for one’s culture will prevent a world constantly at battle it will promote one abounding in appreciation for unconventional style. After all, diversity is far more commended than conformity. If

It is killing the rationale of culture’s core. For example, Native American headdresses are being worn on the runway or used as costumes for Halloween (Fragoso, 2016). This is absolutely obscene. Typically, a headdress is worn by respected elders or males in a tribe. The headdress is a symbol of hard work, honor, and admiration, not to be worn as new co-opted fashion trend. All significance of the headdress is lost simply because someone did not take a moment to do some research. A misused headdress incident can be compared to dressing in military uniform to receive benefits and high regard (Fragoso, 2016). No one would make this blatant mistake and go unnoticed, so the mimicry of a Native American honor should not be overlooked