Someone else’s culture is not your costume
June 4, 2021
Culture appropriation is when one or a group of people exploit another culture for personal gain or simply because they are ignorant of the culture. This could include wearing hairstyles that are a part of another culture, reinforcing negative stereotypes, and taking credit for one’s culture. You also see cultural appropriation in the media and you may not even notice it. For example, the Kardashians and Jenners. You’ll often see them wearing braids which are a part of African American culture. Culture appropriation is not something to be taken lightly due to the fact that culture is what helped many groups through harder times.
This is also something we see in school festivities almost every year. For example, Tropical Day. It’s a day where you often see people wearing plastic Leis, grass skirts, and “Hawaiian” shirts. In Hawaii, a Lei is a symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor, or greeting. Lei making is a very significant process and for people who are not Hawaiin to go out and buy plastic leis actively disrespects the time and effort that goes into making a lei. When you go to a store and see a Lei they might often only come in flower form. Yet in Hawaiin culture, Lei’s can be made from leaves, seashells, nuts, and feathers.
Now, let’s talk about the misuse and miseducation of grass skirts. The ones you might see in stores are made from fake plastic grass. While hula skirts in Hawaii are made from Ti Leaves. Ti Leaves are from a plant that is often found in semi-shaded areas in wet valleys. To make a Hawaiian Ti leaf skirt, take 50 Ti leaves and individually tie each of them onto a string.
Hawaiin culture is often overlooked because of the constant colonization of their practices and rituals. When you don’t experience what a certain group experiences it’s important not to take their culture along with you without educating yourself on it first. If you’re not Hawaiian, respect and appreciate their culture, don’t appropriate it.
Mrs. Thomas • Jun 8, 2021 at 8:14 am
Caitlin,
This was very well written, and it was eye-opening as well. I never considered tropical day as culture appropriation. However, after reading your article, I realized that you are absolutely right. We really need to rethink some of our actions. Just because it’s something that has always been done, doesn’t mean that it’s acceptable to continue to do.
Thank you again, for the a-ha moment. 🙂
Caitlin Alexander • Jun 8, 2021 at 10:23 am
I’m so glad you were able to get something from the article, Mrs.Thomas!
Leonard • Jun 4, 2021 at 2:30 pm
I think that this article is spot on. It is so so easy to disrespect a culture without intention of doing so that’s why it does not hurt to learn about one another so that we can learn how and when celebrate with that culture or community .
Awesome job Caitlin. We are so proud of you! Continue to express and learn! You are awesome we love you ❤️ Papa & Nana
Caitlin Alexander • Jun 8, 2021 at 10:23 am
Thank you so much!!