Appreciation or Appropriation?
Topic:
Where is the line between appreciation and appropriation? What are the damaging effects of cultural appropriation? This discussion will look at issues surrounding the Yale Halloween costume controversy, World Hijab Day, and appropriation of Hip-Hop/Rap.
Readings:
The Dos and Don’ts of Cultural Appropriation: Link to Reading
To the new culture cops, everything is appropriation: Link to Reading
Yale Student Explains Why Students Were Offended By Halloween Costumes Email:Link to Reading
Yale’s Halloween Advice Stokes a Racially Charged Debate: Link to Reading
Background on World Hijab Day: Link to Reading
FAWAZ AND LATIF: Why World Hijab Day matters: Link to Reading
Why I co-created the #NoToHijabAppropriation hashtag in response to World Hijab Day: Link to Reading
Macklemore's : Link to Reading
Modern Blackface: The Cultural Appropriation of Rap: Link to Reading
Amandla Stenberg: Don't Cash Crop On My Cornrows: Link to Reading
University yoga class canceled because of ‘oppression, cultural genocide’: Link to Reading
The New Intolerance of Student Activism: Link to Reading
Discussion Questions:
What is cultural appropriation and why do you think it is inappropriate (or not)?
Have you witnessed instances of cultural appropriation during your time at UVa? If so, what was your reaction to it?
Where is the line between appropriation and appreciation?
With regard to the Halloween controversy at Yale, do you think the initial University statement was warranted? What about the response by sociology professor Erika Christakis? Did her response merit calls by students for her resignation?
Is “World Hijab Day” an effective way to combat Islamophobia? Would an event promoting religious tolerance toward Sikhs asking men to wear turbans for a day be appropriation or appreciation?
Do a person’s intentions matter when borrowing/stealing from another culture?
Is Macklemore justified in “calling out” Miley Cyrus and Iggy Azalea for cultural appropriation, especially considering that his has be accused of the same?
