What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Culture is the basis for which someone can become and the background at which they form their identity upon. “Adopting elements of different cultures is a natural, human consequence of interaction between different groups. It is indicative of a diverse and vibrant society.” – Josephine Sherwood, journalist for Not Just A Label. People borrow or use other culture’s distinctive characteristics to either show respect for the culture or viewed as ridicule to the culture in its entirety. Images relay a certain attitude and message that is revealed through the position the characters are standing, the clothing they are wearing, how much the person is revealing based on their body language, and the potential labeling options. People desire to wear certain pieces of clothing for the simple fact of its in style or deemed fashionable at this current time

The imitation of another culture is considered to be cultural appropriation. According to the Urban dictionary, cultural appropriation is defined as, “the ridiculous notion that being of a different culture or race (especially white) means that you are not allowed to adopt things from other cultures. This does nothing but support segregation and hinders progress in the world. All it serves to do is to promote segregation and racism.” – taken directly from the prompt. Where does the line become drawn for appreciation versus appropriation? People choose to wear certain patterns, particular symbols, and/or objects for just the reason of making a fashionable statement. One thing most people don’t understand is when wearing feathers or a stripped pattern, those viewed on the insiders club of Native American culture view the wearing of these items as mockery of their culture. However, this isn’t the case. Thus, when people choose to wear something; they do it for the pure fact of its considered to be in style or