Is it offensive for foreigners to wear Indian clothing?

[Anonymous]

We're Korean-Filipino.

My brother got transferred to India in his line of work about 5 years ago, and now he's engaged to a woman there and they're getting married next year. (No exact date due to COVID).

I've never been to India but I've met my future SIL's family (parents and siblings) via video call and they seem like really nice people. I get along with her youngest sister very well, who suggested we shop for sarees together when I arrive.

I'm excited but also kinda nervous at the same time about offending people there primarily because I see a lot of people getting hate on social media for wearing cultural clothes that's not their own culture.

Is it okay? Or should I stick to western gowns instead?

[Smoke-n-Growls]

Talk to your SIL, ask her if she would like for you to wear traditional Indian clothing or not.

My south Indian friend and her mother gifted me a full traditional outfit. I'm Filipino-Canadian. We met in university and just got really close.

There's no offence or appropriation if you're being respectful and genuinely connecting with the culture. You're not trying to profit from, misrepresent, or mock the culture. You're attempting to connect to the culture your brother is marrying into, to integrate yourself as much as you can, to learn, and to be respectful - I assume.

Ignore idiots on social media who cry "appropriation" about everything.

I remember this one post well: a woman posts a picture of a (white) young girl dressed in a kimono, smiling. Some Tumblrina SJW barges in, berating both the poster and the young girl (?) for "appropriating Japanese culture". Well, turns out the woman who took the picture is Japanese, the young girl is her daughter's best friend, and it was the Japanese-American daughter's idea to share her Japanese heritage with her American best friend.

Don't let hyper-sensitive social media fucks get in the way of genuine cultural exchange and appreciation.

There is a difference between appreciation and appropriation.

So. Ask your SIL - and if you would very much like to wear a traditional outfit, ask if it would be okay. If your SIL (or, if she's too stressed about the wedding, her mum) has the time, maybe ask about the significance and history of parts of the outfit.

Genuine respect, enthusiasm, and appreciation of a culture are something to be encouraged.

[Warmapplecrumble]

It's okay and I think people would appreciate it rather than be upset.

[Marilynjuana]

I think it should be totally okay too, but it’s surprising how many people get downright offended when you dare to wear something from “their culture”. It’s quite sad.

[Warmapplecrumble]

@Marilynjuana I didn't even know people get offended 😂 I thought it's something that'd make people happy for appreciating and accepting their culture

[wankiam]

this is where cultural missapropriation and basic fashion get mixed up... personally i dont think it matters what you wear... its just clothes afterall

[Anonymous]

Social media is an outrage mob looking for an outrage. If you are too worried about it why not ask your brother's fiancee about it?

[Anonymous]

Yes, that's cultural appropriation

[Iron_Man]

I think so

[AkshiJanjua]

No we Indians are not that snowflakes

[Avicenna]

No, not at all