Where is the Line?
Everyday Feminism Blogger Jarune Uwujaren says she doesn't know if there a distinguishable line between what is appropriate and what isn't.
Native American activist Kim Tallbear acknowledges the difference between inspiration and appropriation is a hard call to make sometimes. Fashion critic and social activist blogger garçonnière says the biggest problem with cultural appropriation is a lack any explicit black and white rules for people to follow University of Massachusetts Professor James Young advises not to generalize about the morality of appropriation. Although it is widely agreed upon that the line is unclear, one thing is clear in all the writing on mindful forms of cultural appropriation: there needs to be an element of mutual understanding and respect in order for it to be rightful exchange. Power politics and history must be taken into consideration, and appropriation of any kind cannot be divorced from these issues. For everyone-- but especially for a person of privilege, its important to think carefully about the symbols and designs you're using and why you're using them. In order to gain a sense of the acceptable and the unacceptable, I've examined the methods of three different fashion companies that participate in the sale of Native American or "Native American Inspired" clothing. Urban Outfitters.............................................................Pendleton...............................................................Beyond Buckskin |