Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation occurs when members of one culture adopt elements of another culture. The term usually has a negative connotation, as it is applied to the wrongful use of the elements of an oppressed culture by their oppressors. However, the moral implications of cultural appropriation depend on the context and particular instance. The term describes any time a culture takes from another culture, and it can be done with the correct permissions. Therefore, it is important not to generalize about the morality of appropriation, to neither demonize it nor romanticize it. Some forms are more acceptable than others. The more specific term "misappropriation" should be used to describe acts of harmful cultural appropriation.
Above is a moccasin for sale on the Manitobah website. They are an aboriginal owned and operated shoe company. Although buying and wearing a pair of their moccasins is an act of cultural appropriation, buying from a company that supports native communities is widely considered an acceptable form of cultural exchange. Moccasins are not a restricted object or symbol, and they are therefore available for trade and mindful appropriation. |
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