Accusations Of 'cultural Appropriation' - Fosters Racism?

[Booldawg]

Recently been in the news with Justin Bieber been accused of 'Cultural Appropriation' by having dreadlocks.

Are accusations of Cultural appropriation detrimental to a multi-cultural society?

[jim360]

Yes, they are -- although I think such accusations get more coverage than they really deserve.

[Old_Geezer]

Culture should willing be shared to those who want to adopt it; it should not be insisted upon in someone else's native country by those who wish to live in it.

Such accusations are just foolish, as if someone has a copyright on a particulate hairstyle, for example. It is that attitude that is detrimental.

[wildwood]

It is the funny society we presently live in. The most ludicrous happenings get media coverage but newsworthy things are ignored. Who really cares if Bieber makes himself look even more ridiculous. The fans like it, so it works for him.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if the Cultural appropriateness accusations have been started by the Bieber PR crew.
There are after all, heaps of people who have dreadlocks without having Rastafarian roots.

[Orderlimit]

"cultural Appropriation" ?

Sounds like another term created by fascist and used by cowards to manipulate morons :)

[jourdain2]

I generally grew up with the idea that it was polite to be interested in those of other cultures and multi-cultural and appropriate to adopt their dress etc. occasionally, in the interests of all learning about each other and generally getting along. I did all that for years, went to the 'Mela' etc.. Dawned on me that it was a bit one-sided.

Now, apparently, if I do something like that I'm in trouble. What do I do with my lovely, bright African-print T-shirts etc.? Am I risk if I wear them outside the garden? Yup! Such accusations are detrimental to appreciation of other cultures in a society.

[CrapAtCryptics]

I`d have thought looking like a plonker like the person in question is more of a discouragement.

[Orderlimit]

http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2015/11/this-obsession-with-cultural-appropriation-is-leading-us-down-a-very-dark-path/

'The irony being that it’s hard to think of anything more racist, or at least racially divisive, than the ideology of cultural appropriation: its obsession with cultural purity echoes some of the darkest political movements of the twentieth century.'

[Zacs-Master]

Yes indeed Orderlimit. The OP is 'oxymoronical' as accusing someone of cultural appropriation is just stereotyping appearances which in itself could be said to be racist.

[naomi24]

Divebuddy, //What do they want. A return to segregation.//

When arguments like this, or those revolving around colour arise, it strikes me that the complainers, contrary to popular belief, are determined to retain a degree of segregation.

[douglas9401]

I think Jim Royle said it best. Cultural my aaaarse.

[ChillDoubt]

I was always told that imitation was the sincerest form of flattery.......

But in every social or ethnic group you will always have a minority who are perpetually offended.

[jim360]

I think it's important to be mindful about the intent behind the decision to adopt features of other cultures, though. Firstly, when aspects that are important to our culture are used or abused, we care about that and sometimes kick up a fuss, so it's not unreasonable when going the other way to respect that other people might be bothered if we do something similar with respect to *their* cultural icons.

Separately, one part of the "cultural appropriation" argument is related to intellectual property rights (particularly with relation to musical culture). I think this can be overdone too, but still it's not too unreasonable to be upfront about your sources and influences.

As long as the intent is respectful, there shouldn't be a problem except for those determined to find one. Still, it doesn't hurt to be more thoughtful about how and why we adopt habits and features of other cultures.

[naomi24]

Eggshells everywhere! It's a load of baloney!

[jomifl]

sun tans next.

[retrocop]

//Still, it doesn't hurt to be more thoughtful about how and why we adopt habits and features of other cultures.//

What would that be then. Taking up ganja perhaps? :-)

[Khandro]

//Are accusations of Cultural appropriation detrimental to a multi-cultural society? //

There is no such thing. There are 'multi-racial' societies but no 'multi-cultural' ones, - not in this world.

[jim360]

Hardly eggshells. It's just simple respect and common sense, right?

[naomi24]

//Still, it doesn't hurt to be more thoughtful about how and why we adopt habits and features of other cultures.//

Our ‘thoughtfulness’ encourages the permanently offended to continue on their relentless quest to take offence, and our 'thoughtfulness' is what’s allowing all this nonsense to continue.

[jim360]

No. People would be offended no matter what we do. That's no excuse for not doing the right thing -- which is to show respect.