Why Cultural Appropriation is VERY Real, and 3 Ways to Fight It

Mayamoon02

It took me a very long time - as an open-minded white person to understand the anger and resentment - but it finally dawned on me like a brilliant revelation.


Why Cultural Appropriation is VERY Real, and 3 Ways to Fight It

My heritage is mixed (Italian/Japanese/English) so I never had any problems being culturally fluid.



But everything changed for me the moment I started dating an African man (Gambian) and I started to notice more than ever the daily inner conflicts of being black.



I always believed and appreciated black beauty; as an artist I found myself compelled to make it timeless in colorful portraits on paper. In many ways I was doing what the media should be doing.


I had had already passed the first test:



1. Love, Respect and Appreciate with an educated mind



It all begins with a natural sense of love for diversity and beauty. One that cannot be explained in words.



The majority in the West won't understand you; say you have a fetish or a preference because you don't follow what the media or what society tells you to.



Your new love life (or friendship) is filled with endless wonder. You learn about a culture from someone close to you and it becomes part of your own developmental process.


You understand how important and significant traditions are whilst sharing your own.


Trading knowledge with each other is priceless.



Daily life example: He teaches me how to brush his hair and cook his family recipes. I teach him how to meditate and drink matcha tea.



My partner wasn't exempt from cultural appropriation just because he was black or part of a minority group.



He joined a hip hop dance crew and only wore street clothing after becoming an amazing dancer so he could represent appropriately.


Why Cultural Appropriation is VERY Real, and 3 Ways to Fight It

2. You EARN the right to wear and represent another culture's tradition



It never felt right to braid my hair or wear Gambian clothing at first just because I liked it.


It was becoming "trendy" to imitate and mix cultures in fashion. It was cool and made you look worldly. But to the educated person - it made you look foolish and respectful.



It was only after I traveled all the way to his homeland to meet his family that his grandmother recognized my efforts. I was so honored to be given traditional clothing/jewelry and have my hair braided because I earned it by travelling so far just to meet and adapt to their traditions.


To listen to them explain what each jewel meant. To appreciate the significance and the struggle his family went through to gain what they have. The history beyond the bright colors of the cloth.



This includes explaining to members of the other cultures about your own.



A little Gambian child asking if my straight long hair is real and if he could touch it comes to mind. Never expect an innocent mind to understand everything they see. So if you get the chance - teach correctly and with warmth.



(excuse the GTO reference lol)



Why Cultural Appropriation is VERY Real, and 3 Ways to Fight It

3. CULTURE IS MORE THAN A FASHION STATEMENT



After what I experienced I can finally see the errors that Westerners have made. Turning spiritually significant pieces is equal to turning ghetto fashion into a 'trend'.



Hugely disrespectful.



People wore this uniform with bravery and pride - whilst the media and people constantly shamed and mocked.



Now people who never cared to appreciate, learn the history or to listen; parade around feeling like 'INSTAGRAM BADDIES'.



How rebellious of them. How educated. How deserving.



If the people tell you its not appropriate - Then please listen as to why.


Why Cultural Appropriation is VERY Real, and 3 Ways to Fight It

Wear dreadlocks if you have a spiritual connection. Wear a kimono if you love and understand the true depth of Japanese culture. I could go on with examples.



But first find yourself in who you truly are so you can learn to understand those who hold their culture dear.



Here's to the future where there are no cultural divides. But love first comes with respect.


Not ignorance.



I hope I have explained this well in my own words - I am always constantly learning.



Thank you

Why Cultural Appropriation is VERY Real, and 3 Ways to Fight It
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