Cultural appropriation, once a term confined to academic discussions, has morphed into a globally debated concept in the 21st century. It involves the adoption or use of elements from one culture by members of another, often in ways that are seen as disrespectful, exploitative, or shallow. As the world has become increasingly interconnected through globalization, social media, and the rise of cultural awareness, discussions surrounding cultural appropriation have expanded beyond niche circles into mainstream discourse. In this article, we will explore how cultural appropriation has evolved over the past two decades, how it manifests in various industries, and how the conversation around it is shifting in our increasingly globalized world.
What is Cultural Appropriation?
Before diving into the evolution of cultural appropriation, it’s important to clarify what it entails. Cultural appropriation can be defined as the act of taking elements of one culture, often a marginalized or minority culture, and using them in a superficial or commercial manner. This may include things like adopting traditional clothing, hairstyles, music, food, or religious symbols without a genuine understanding or respect for their cultural significance.
The controversy surrounding cultural appropriation arises from the power dynamics at play. Typically, the dominant or mainstream culture is the one that appropriates elements from marginalized cultures, often without acknowledging their historical, political, and social context. This can lead to a sense of exploitation, as these cultural elements are commodified, trivialized, or disrespected in the process.
The Rise of Social Media: Amplifying Voices and Conversations
The rapid growth of social media platforms in the 21st century has drastically changed how cultural appropriation is discussed and addressed. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have allowed marginalized groups to voice their concerns and experiences in real-time, providing a platform for those who were once silenced or ignored. Conversations that once took place in academia or niche circles are now happening on a global scale.
Take, for example, the rise of hashtags like #CulturalAppropriation or #MyCultureIsNotYourCostume. These hashtags have served as a way for people to share their personal stories, educate others, and raise awareness about cultural appropriation in various contexts. From celebrities to fashion brands, social media has brought increased scrutiny to how cultural elements are used, and the public response is often swift and unforgiving.
The Fashion Industry: From Runway to Resistance
One of the most visible areas where cultural appropriation has become a point of contention is in the fashion industry. Designers and brands have frequently been called out for incorporating cultural symbols and garments into their collections without a true understanding of their significance. The fashion industry, notorious for its trend-driven nature, often borrows elements from Indigenous, African, and Asian cultures to create a “bohemian” aesthetic, or to give a sense of exoticism and allure.
However, the rise of social media has made these practices more visible and subject to immediate backlash. In 2018, high-profile incidents such as the controversy surrounding Gucci’s “blackface” sweater and Dior’s “sweatshirt” that used Islamic symbols ignited widespread protests. While some of these incidents were due to ignorance or lack of cultural sensitivity, others appeared to be more deliberate forms of appropriation that sought to commodify serious cultural and religious symbols.
In response to these criticisms, the fashion industry has begun to adapt. Some designers and brands have started to collaborate with cultural consultants or hire people from marginalized communities to ensure their work is more culturally informed and respectful. However, these efforts are still few and far between, and many argue that the industry still struggles with tokenism and performative allyship.
Music and Pop Culture: Appropriation or Appreciation?
The entertainment and music industries have long been a space where cultural appropriation takes center stage. From Elvis Presley’s appropriation of African American blues and gospel music to the more recent controversies surrounding artists like Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, and Iggy Azalea, popular culture has frequently been accused of appropriating Black culture, hip-hop, and other marginalized genres for profit.
The concept of “cultural appreciation” is often brought into these debates, with the distinction between appropriation and genuine cultural exchange sometimes becoming blurred. For instance, when a white artist like Miley Cyrus adopts hip-hop aesthetics and language, critics argue whether it’s a sincere attempt to understand the culture or a superficial trend that exploits it. Often, the line between appreciation and appropriation lies in the power dynamics and whether the culture in question has been commodified for the artist’s personal gain without offering due recognition to the people from which it originates.
In recent years, there has been growing awareness in the music industry about cultural appropriation. Artists like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino have deliberately drawn on their Black heritage, incorporating African and African American cultural references in their music videos and performances. They use their platforms to celebrate and elevate their culture, rather than exploiting it. In contrast, artists who have been accused of cultural appropriation often face public backlash, which has forced many to reconsider how they engage with and represent other cultures.
Food Culture: The Fusion or Fiasco?
Food is another area where cultural appropriation has sparked debates. As global migration increases and multiculturalism becomes the norm, food has become a way for people to experience and appreciate other cultures. However, the line between celebrating a culture’s cuisine and appropriating it can be razor-thin.
The concept of “fusion” cuisine, where chefs combine elements from different culinary traditions, has become wildly popular in the 21st century. While some chefs strive to honor the authenticity of the dishes they fuse, others have been accused of misrepresenting or distorting traditional foods for the sake of novelty or profit. For example, “sushi burritos” or “taco bowls” are often critiqued for being inauthentic or for stripping the cultural significance from the dishes they are based on.
One high-profile example is the controversy surrounding the “ethnic food trend” in the West. While food trucks, restaurants, and celebrity chefs like Anthony Bourdain brought diverse cuisines into the spotlight, the commercialization of ethnic foods has often ignored the socio-political context behind them. For many marginalized groups, food is tied to history, survival, and community, and when it is appropriated without acknowledgment of these factors, it can feel like another form of cultural erasure.
The Digital Age and Globalization: The Blurred Boundaries
The globalization of culture through the internet and social media has created a paradox when it comes to cultural appropriation. On one hand, the global flow of ideas, images, and traditions has made it easier to share and appreciate cultures from all over the world. On the other hand, it has made it easier for dominant cultures to appropriate, commodify, and commercialize these same cultures in ways that often lack nuance and respect.
In the past, a dominant culture could appropriate aspects of a marginalized culture without much scrutiny. Today, however, the internet ensures that these actions are more likely to be noticed and criticized. This has led to the rise of a new wave of “cultural gatekeepers” who are more attuned to the nuances of cultural exchange and demand a more ethical approach to cultural appropriation.
At the same time, globalization has led to the blurring of boundaries between cultures. The widespread consumption of “global” media, fashion, music, and art has created a space where people are more likely to adopt elements from other cultures out of genuine interest or admiration. This raises the question: can cultural appropriation ever be fully avoided in an increasingly interconnected world, or should we focus more on the intent and context behind cultural exchanges?
The Changing Conversation: From Condemnation to Constructive Dialogue
One of the most significant shifts in the conversation about cultural appropriation in the 21st century has been the move from outright condemnation to a more nuanced and constructive dialogue. In the past, discussions about cultural appropriation were often polarized, with one side accusing others of being overly sensitive and the other side accusing people of being ignorant or disrespectful.
Today, the conversation has evolved to include discussions about cultural exchange, collaboration, and respect. Many people are beginning to realize that cultural appropriation is not a binary issue, but rather something that depends on context, power dynamics, and intent. Cultural appropriation can be avoided by being mindful of the history and significance behind cultural symbols and practices, and by approaching other cultures with humility, respect, and a willingness to learn.
Moreover, some people argue that the concept of “cultural appropriation” should be broadened to encompass the appropriation of cultural narratives and identities, not just aesthetic elements. This includes the appropriation of history, language, and heritage, which can be equally harmful if done in a way that distorts or commodifies these aspects of culture.
Conclusion: A Continued Evolution
Cultural appropriation is an evolving concept, and its definition and implications continue to shift in the 21st century. As globalization, social media, and greater cultural awareness reshape the way we interact with other cultures, the line between cultural exchange and cultural appropriation is becoming increasingly complex. What is clear, however, is that as a society, we are more attuned to the impact of cultural appropriation than ever before, and the conversation around it is far from over.
To move forward in a positive direction, it is crucial to foster a climate of mutual respect and understanding. This requires ongoing dialogue, education, and an openness to critique. Only then can we ensure that cultural appropriation gives way to cultural appreciation—an appreciation rooted in respect, knowledge, and shared experiences.
