The word culture means "customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group." Black Americans have customs, beliefs, and social practices that distinguish them from other groups in this country. For example, Black English Vernacular, hip hop music (which came from Jazz, a form of music that developed from the Negro spirituals), dance, cuisine, etc. So, while no one is claiming "ownership" over any of these traits, they do clearly come from the black community as a result of a shared history and shared experiences. If someone borrows any of these traits, that person must give respect and proper attribution to the original source by acknowledging the history and experiences of the people within that culture.
+Redd Vlogs I think Ross was pointing to "intention," which is sometimes difficult to ascertain. It is up to the individual to look inside and figure out whether his/her interest in another culture is genuine or mockery. However, under certain circumstances, imitation of any kind can be offensive. For instance, I have great respect and admiration for Native American cultures, but I would never don a feather headdress, unless I was at a pow-wow. It would feel disrespectful.
+Dawoud Khalifa A culture is "customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, national, or social group." Different groups have different ways of viewing the world; however, this does not negate the idea of equality. There are many different cultures around the world, and in America, there are many more cultures depending on religious denomination, region, education, and skin color.
I think what Ross said about how the culture isn't appreciated until a white person does it is exactly it and a great way to explain why appropriation is wrong and frustrating. When white people are the majority, they are the ones that control what goes mainstream and they spend their money on the people that look like them and who they relate to. Which is why you see people like Iggy or Macklemore skyrocket to fame. I also relate to appropriation when something from a culture is taken and used without knowing its significance and using it in a way other than its intended meaning. As an Indian American I see my culture used as a prop all the time. Don't get me wrong I LOVE seeing my culture exposed and having the dress/music/dance loved by others. But when that becomes a stereotype or something very surface level becomes all that is known about us, that's what makes me feel appropriated rather than appreciated
+B1GS1V The word culture means "customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group." Black Americans have customs, beliefs, and social practices that distinguish them from other groups in this country. For example, Black English Vernacular, hip hop music (which came from Jazz, a form of music that developed from the Negro spirituals), dance, cuisine, etc. So, while no one is claiming "ownership" over any of these traits, they do clearly come from the black community as a result of a shared history and shared experiences. If someone borrows any of these traits, that person must give respect and proper attribution to the original source by acknowledging the history and experiences of the people within that culture.
