Cultural Appropriation: Where Do We Draw the Line?

Ever rocked box braids or devoured a plate of jerk chicken with extra spice? You’ve been brushing shoulders with African diasporic culture! But hold on, there’s a fine line between appreciating another culture and disrespectfully appropriating it

Cultural appropriation boils down to this: borrowing cultural elements without understanding or respecting their context. It’s like taking a piece of someone’s story and using it as your trendy accessory. 

Cultures are vibrant and ever-changing, sure, but that doesn’t mean we get a free pass to grab whatever’s shiny.

Advertisement

Examples of Cultural Appropriation 

Let’s get specific with some African diaspora examples:

The Dashiki Debate

Imagine this – a vibrant dashiki with geometric patterns, traditionally worn by men in West Africa for important ceremonies. Now picture someone sporting it at a music festival solely for the “ethnic vibe.” 

That’s where appreciation goes astray. Wearing a dashiki to understand its significance? Awesome! Treating it like a disposable fashion statement? Not so much.

Hairitage, Not Just Hair

Cornrows, with their intricate braiding techniques, originated in various parts of Africa. They can symbolize social status, spiritual connection, or even resistance against forced assimilation. 

Now, fast forward to cornrows becoming a fleeting fashion trend, often mocked or deemed unprofessional. That’s cultural appropriation in action. It disrespects the history and struggles Black people have faced for wearing their hair in these styles.

Jollof Wars? No Thanks

Jollof rice! Packed with flavor and a staple across West Africa, it’s a culinary celebration. But imagine a restaurant renaming it “Spicy Tomato Rice” and altering the recipe to exclude key spices. That’s appropriation erasing cultural significance.

African Spirituality and Symbols

The Ankh, a symbol of life in ancient Egypt, is worn as a fashion statement without understanding its significance. Similarly, sacred African spiritual practices like Ifá and Vodou are reduced to trendy hashtags and Instagram posts.

Cultural Appropriation: Where Do We Draw the Line?

Where do we draw the line? It’s not about being “PC” or “canceling” people; it’s about respecting cultures and communities. Here are some tips:

• Educate yourself: Learn about the cultures you’re interested in, and understand the historical context.

• Ask permission: If you want to use someone’s cultural practices or symbols, ask permission and be prepared to listen and learn.

• Give credit: Acknowledge the origins and creators of cultural elements you use.

• Support marginalized communities: Amplify and compensate African artists, designers, and musicians.

• Be mindful: Remember that cultural exchange is a two-way street; be respectful and considerate.

The Golden Ticket? Respect and Understanding

When engaging with African diasporic culture, ask yourself:

• Is this a costume for a night, or a cultural expression with a rich history?

• Am I making a mockery of this culture’s traditions?

• Does my appreciation somehow benefit or celebrate the original community?

Conclusion: Appreciation not Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation isn’t about shutting down fun. It’s about fostering genuine appreciation. So, the next time you’re vibing to Afrobeats or trying a new Senegalese dish, do some research! Learn about the origins, and the stories behind the traditions. You might even discover a new word or two!

Appreciation is a beautiful exchange. Let’s celebrate the richness of African diasporic cultures while honoring the traditions that make them unique.

READ: Why ‘Family First’ Can Sometimes Be a Dangerous Mantra

What happens when “Family First” starts to feel more like a cage than a warm embrace?

Let’s delve deeper with some concrete examples familiar to many high-achieving Africans abroad.