This is a tough post to write. As a white woman, still learning the intricacies of cultural appropriation and how to actively be anti-racist, I often find myself wondering what more, or in some cases, what less I can do to help make lasting change. Am I offending someone if I wear a t-shirt with a yin yang on it? Am I disrespecting an entire body of people by hanging a dreamcatcher in my bedroom? Is it acceptable to get a henna tattoo? It depends, and here is why.
Although the definition of cultural appropriation is quite ambiguous, it boils down to “the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that doesn't respect their original meaning, give credit to their source, or reinforces stereotypes or contributes to oppression” according to Verywell Mind. Due to the vague nature of this term, many, including myself, have difficulty identifying whether or not they are culturally appropriating in a given context.
For instance, when I was recently visiting a few family members, I noticed their expansive collection of bohemian rugs. They were stunning, covering the floor with their rich colors and complex patterns. Paralyzed by their unique beauty, I began researching where I could acquire such rugs. Instead of clicking on the link that would lead me to various “tribal rugs” for sale (this is literally how Target advertises them… only adding to their tradition of cultural appropriation… I mean they are seriously calling moccasins ‘comfy suede slippers’...smh), I clicked on an article titled “When a Rug Isn’t Just a Rug: The Hidden Context Behind Popular Home Decor” by Mekita Rivas of the publication, Apartment Therapy. I soon learned how inspiration can become appropriation, helping me understand that the bohemian rugs I was admiring, were, in fact, cultural appropriation.
Although my family liked the style and aesthetic that these rugs emitted, the history of bohemian rugs, traditionally known as Moroccan Berber rugs, involves indigenous weavers of the snowy Atlas mountains crafting these rugs for warmth. The Moroccan women would weave the rugs extra thick to use as bed coverings, sleeping mats, burial shrouds, and self-adornment. Since my family did not purchase these rugs directly from the source of Morocco or Moroccan weavers, meaning the original source won’t make a profit and Home Goods will, and is not using them for their intended purposes, we are essentially stealing from another culture (culturally appropriating). Was my family trying to adopt this aspect of Moroccan culture into their home to claim as theirs? No. However, impact over intention will always come first and our designing could be taken as disrespectful or offensive. Despite our actions being completely unintentional, it is still cultural appropriation.
These same rules apply when decorating with pineapples, a prominent symbol in Hawaiian culture that is often regarded as “trendy” or “cute” when in reality, “the pineapple industry started on the heels of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom,” as Jalene Kanani Bell, a Native Hawaiian textile and product designer, explains. The popularity of the pineapple in Hawaiian culture gives the impression that permission has been given to those who wish to decorate or wear the pineapple symbol, but this is simply untrue. Shamika Mitchell, an associate professor of English at Rockland Community College, extends this explanation but in regards to Chinese culture. She says that using Feng Shui, a traditional practice in ancient China used to incorporate humans with their living environment in a harmonizing way, is available to anyone, but using Feng Shui mindlessly and purchasing Chinese-inspired decor without having a connection to them is an act of cultural appropriation. Wearing or decorating with Buddhas without being a practicing Buddhist can also be cultural appropriation and even radiate negative energy as its distinct meaning is not being acknowledged and/or respected.
As I mentioned, I am still learning, and through my efforts to educate myself and my audience, I have learned that being culturally inspired is a form of acknowledgment and appreciation. But, with that comes the critical need to maintain respect for the culture’s history. Furthermore, it is essential to educate yourself on the popular symbols of specific cultures before implementing them into your lifestyle. As we navigate this together, ask yourself if your display of a particular cultural aspect such as home decor, clothing, or even tattoos would offend a member of that culture. If the answer is “yes,” you’re likely culturally appropriating and should educate yourself about the offensive nature of your actions. Aim to buy cultural items from trusted Fair Trade organizations such as Ten Thousand Villages. In short, give credit where credit is awaited.