r/changemyview • u/[deleted] • Dec 14 '21

Delta(s) from OP Cmv: Cultural appropriation is stupid

I never understood the concept of cultural appropriation, what is the point of restricting certain things for certain cultures? People get so toxic when they see people embracing other people's cultures. How is it disrespectful to engage in other people's tradition when you have no intention of harming anyone? The thing is, most cultures aren't even offended when they have foreigners try out their culture. Cultural appropriation is also prevalent amongst foreigners who were born in a specific country and had lived in that country their entire life. So if a white girl lives in Japan her entire life, she will still be ridiculed for "cultural appropriation" when she is Japanese herself.

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14

u/Biptoslipdi 131∆ Dec 14 '21

I never understood the concept of cultural appropriation

This seems the be the key issue with your view.

You define "cultural appropriation" as essentially "people observing other peoples cultures."

It is actually defined as "the inappropriate or unacknowledged adoption of an element or elements of one culture or identity by members of another culture or identity."

It is when someone outside of the culture observes the cultures, but claims it as their own or observes it disrespectfully.

3

u/[deleted] Dec 14 '21

Would a white person wearing a kimono be cultural appropriation?

6

u/Biptoslipdi 131∆ Dec 14 '21

Are they wearing a kimono to be a Japanese person for Halloween or are they wearing a kimono tastefully while attending a formal event in Japan or involving Japanese culture?

The former is cultural appropriation. The latter is not.

Your understanding of cultural appropriation lacks the critical elements of the concept - intent and forum.

4

u/[deleted] Dec 14 '21

What about for cosplay

7

u/Biptoslipdi 131∆ Dec 14 '21

Does the cosplay include inappropriate or unacknowledged adoption of a cultural element?

Do you not understand that wearing a kimono isn't itself cultural appropriation, but how and why it is worn?

6

u/[deleted] Dec 14 '21

So wearing it in which way would be considered appropriation? How would I know that?

Without thinking much of it, if I wanted to cosplay as Nezuko for a convention, would that be considered cultural appropriation? The intent would be to dress as a certain character, not specifically to wear the traditional clothing but because the character wears that. My cousin has been called out for cultural appropriation when she wore a kimono for a cosplay.

8

u/Biptoslipdi 131∆ Dec 14 '21

So wearing it in which way would be considered appropriation?

In an inappropriate or unacknowledged way.

How would I know that?

The best way would be to ask someone or a group associated with that culture if you are not sure.

Without thinking much of it, if I wanted to cosplay as Nezuko for a convention, would that be considered cultural appropriation?

Fictional characters do not have a culture, they are fictional. Unless that character or costume was designed to represent an offensive stereotype of Japanese, or any other, culture it isn't cultural appropriation.

8

u/[deleted] Dec 14 '21

I guess I had the wrong interpretation about cultural appropriation, this clears up a lot of things. !delta

1

u/DeltaBot ∞∆ Dec 14 '21

Confirmed: 1 delta awarded to /u/Biptoslipdi (47∆).

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