By Nicole Holman

Contributor 

Cultural appropriation is the process by which a member of a dominant culture takes or uses aspects of another culture (often a colonized culture) without any understanding of the deeper, cultural meanings behind the appropriated item.

It is often disrespectful and racist. Appropriating other cultures is not harmless. It often contributes to negative stereotypes of the culture being parodied.

The reason appropriation can be harmful is that rituals and history that have a strong meaning to the original culture are often be treated by outsiders as “just for fun.” Then, the ritual or history is treated in a way that is disrespectful and offensive to someone who holds it as a very deep part of their culture.

Now, none of this is to say that if you’re not Chinese you cannot eat that lo mein you bought for dinner. Eating a culture’s foods, enjoying its music and learning the language can all be enriching ways to show your appreciation for a culture. Cultural exchange and learning about others’ backgrounds can help create understanding and friendship around the world. But wearing a cartoon-like sombrero, poncho and heinous mustache isn’t showing respect; it’s downright rude.

It is important to learn why it’s not okay for members of a dominant culture to appropriate others. “Ethnic” clothes and hairstyles are still stigmatized as unprofessional, “cultural” foods are treated as exotic past times, and the vernacular of people of color is ridiculed and demeaned. People of color are stripped of their ability to express their cultural identities on a daily basis, but when white people do it it’s often seen as self-expression. This is a privilege granted only to those of the dominant culture. Fortunately, we as a society can learn about these issues and work to become more sensitive to other people’s cultures.

With all of this in mind, please think before buying that “Native American war bonnet” from Urban Outfitters or dressing as a “sexy Dia de Los Muertos sugar skull.” These are real people, real cultures and real histories, not fashion accessories.