What do you think of when you hear the term “cultural appropriation”? Does it even really exist? What can be gained, or lost, from the act of cultural appropriation? All these answers and more to give you the best Halloween experience ever! Cultural appropriation is the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society. The first thing to unpack, is yes, cultural appropriation is real. Sometimes it’s intentionally and others unintentionally but it is real. When being done intentionally, it is targeted towards a specific group of marginalized people. And when unintentional, people may not realize they’re even appropriating. The biggest, and one of the first, examples are the “Bo Derek Braids.” Bo Derek starred in a romance/comedy movie in 1979 called 10 where her hair was styled in cornrows. It’s important to note that black women have been braiding their hair for centuries. You could tell a woman’s tribe, marital status, age, and so much more just from how she wore her braids. The concept of braids didn’t become a mainstream fashion trend among the majority until the “Bo Derek Braids.” This isn’t the only incident either and with Halloween around the corner the DPE’s have your back with some simple Do’s and Don’ts of Halloween.
Don’t use jewelry that imitates sacred accessories for other cultures. Such as a feather headdress fashioned for native americans. Something as extravagant as a headdress might just have a serious meaning for someone else, so if you’re not 110% sure it’s best to avoid adding it to your costume. Do ask your friends about things you’re unsure of. And if all else fails, research, research, research! If you don’t know about something, you Google it. So why should the aspects of your outfit be any different? Don’t forget to give credit where credit is due! Treat what you were as if it has a MLA format with a work’s cited page! If you understand what your costume may mean for another culture or community, give them the credit. Don’t sell it off as your own idea. Do talk with your friends and family about what is and isn’t okay for Halloween. We can tell you things all day long, but it won’t really stick until you have the conversation yourself. So don’t be afraid to talk with your friends about it, they might be grateful for it. The most important thing to remember about cultural appropriation, is that there can be appreciation too. Having a true respect and understanding for what you wear can go a long way in the eyes of someone who could possibly take offense. Make sure you have the conversation and let people know where your outfit came from and have an interest in its origins. When you’re out having fun all we ask is that you be conscious of what you wear and who’s culture you might be appropriating. "If you want to enjoy our culture and our lifestyle … then you should also want to know what affects us, what is bothering us, what we feel is unfair to us.” - Nicki Minaj What more needs to be said? Have a great Halloween!
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Diondra FranklinThis DPE will be keeping it 100 every time she takes pen to page, or really fingers to keyboard. Be on the look out every other Saturday for the tea of the week! Archives
February 2020
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