Cultural appropriation is harmful from "summary" of So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Cultural appropriation is harmful because it perpetuates power imbalances and erases the lived experiences of marginalized communities. When dominant groups adopt elements of a marginalized culture without understanding or respecting its significance, they are essentially taking what they want and leaving behind the struggles and history that come with it. This act of cherry-picking aspects of a culture while ignoring the oppression faced by its people is not only disrespectful but also reinforces stereotypes and exoticizes the culture in question. This can lead to further marginalization and discrimination of the group whose culture is being appropriated, as their identities are reduced to mere fashion statements or trends. Furthermore, cultural appropriation often involves profiting off of the cultural products or practices of marginalized communities without giving credit or compensation to the original creators. This exploitation adds insult to injury, as it reinforces the economic disparities that already exist between dominant and marginalized groups. In addition, cultural appropriation can also lead to the dilution or distortion of the original cultural practices, as they are often taken out of context and stripped of their cultural significance. This not only undermines the integrity of the culture but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misunderstandings. By engaging in cultural appropriation, individuals and institutions are not only disrespecting the cultures they claim to admire but also contributing to the erasure of marginalized voices and histories. It is important to be mindful of the power dynamics at play and to approach cultural exchange with humility, respect, and a willingness to listen and learn from those whose culture we are engaging with.
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