Cultural Appropriation

April 12, 2018

Cultural Appropriation

Some of you may have heard the expression "cultural appropriation", a controversial topic that is pretty much in the spotlight at the moment. The majority of people either never heard about it or remain confused about what the term actually means. Let me break it down for you, Cultural Appropriation is a concept in sociology dealing with the adoption of elements of a minority culture by members of a dominant culture. Cultural elements which may have a deep meaning to the original culture may be reduced to "exotic" fashion or toys by those from the dominant culture.

Let me make it simple for you:

Culture: The beliefs, ideas, traditions, speech and material objects associated with a particular group of people.

Appropriation: The illegal, unfair, or unjust taking of something that doesn't belong to you.

Is this starting to make sense? Good, let's carry on.

It is custom here in Portugal to dress up during the Carnival holiday like Indians(Native Americans), cowboys, Chinese people, Indians and people also paint their faces black or brown.Everybody laughs and have a good time. I myself done that many years ago, I know better now. To be honest, I didn't have a clue what culture appropriation was. Some people defend themselves by claiming its just a bit of fun. There is nothing wrong with that! I am not racist!

Well, here is the thing, it is disrespectful even if you didn't mean it, because the wounds are still fresh and open. Plus claiming ignorance it's not a good excuse once you know better, do better.

There is much more to talk about this subject, but for now, this is all I have to say. Please leave a comment and let's open up a conversation on this matter, it is okay not to know certain things, but it is wonderful to want to learn. Even if the subject makes us feel uncomfortable and vulnerable.

Thank you for reading.

THREE WAYS TO WEAR A DRESS

1. As a tunic over a simple white t-shirt and jeans.

2. As a dress over jeans.

3. As a simple button down dress