This post highlights the work required of my SA 202: Introduction to Anthropology students. Students were given the opportunity to research and identify an example of cultural appropriation and explain how the cultural elements could be appreciated instead. Several students were given the opportunity to have their exemplary work featured on the blog, and the students who provided permission have their work featured here in this and the following blog posts. Please show your appreciation for their work through the comments.
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| Selena Gomez donning a bindi at the MTV Music Awards (Photo Credit: Jordan Strauss) |
By Denita Jackson
When someone from one culture appropriates or uses aspects of another, particularly when they do not recognize or appreciate the value of those features, it is known as cultural appropriation. Language, art, symbols, attire, and other forms of cultural expression can all fall under this category. Frequently, more dominant cultures will adopt these components out of context, which can result in the exploitation and trivialization of the customs and values of the originating culture. An example of cultural appropriation not provided in the Chapter 2 lecture notes, or the textbook is the use of the bindi by non-South Asian individuals as a fashion accessory. The bindi is a traditional mark worn on the forehead in South Asian cultures, often signifying religious or cultural significance. A specific instance of this occurred when pop singer Selena Gomez wore a bindi during her performance at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards. This act was criticized because the bindi holds deep spiritual meaning in Hindu culture, and its use as a mere fashion statement by someone outside of that culture was seen as disrespectful. Hindu leader Rajan Zed told reporters ‘’that the bindi on the forehead has religious significance and is an ancient Hindu ritual’’. ‘’It is also known as the flame and the third eye, and it is a fortunate religious and spiritual emblem. It is not intended for casual use as a fashion accessory or for sexy effects that appeal to commercial greed. Selena ought to express regret before learning the fundamentals of other religions’’.
Why is this cultural appropriation
In South Asian traditions, especially Hinduism, the bindi is a symbol of profound cultural and religious importance, making it a case of cultural appropriation. When someone from outside that culture wears it as a fashion accessory without knowing or appreciating its significance, it may be interpreted as trivializing or taking advantage of. When Selena Gomez used the bindi in a performance, it was considered cultural appropriation because she did not recognize the bindi's cultural and religious significance and only exploited it for aesthetic purposes. It can be upsetting and disrespectful to people who appreciate and follow the bindi traditions. And it should not be worn for fashion or aesthetic purposes.
How can someone appreciate the culture without appropriating it?
Speaking with people who are part of a culture to understand its customs, history, and significance is one approach to respecting it without appropriating it. One way to prove sincere gratitude is to interact with the community, take part in cultural events, and respectfully support artists and innovators from that culture. Approaching cultural customs with empathy, deference, and a readiness to hear and absorb knowledge from others who are part of that culture is crucial. Also, before using cultural symbols or customs, get permission. This is another approach to respect a culture without stealing it. Respect and recognition of the importance of those components are proven by this. Furthermore, discussing those actions with others while providing context and meaning can promote appreciation and understanding rather than appropriation.
References
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, December 7). What Is Cultural Appropriation?. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/what-is-cultural-appropriation
Kaufmann, D. (2013, April 17). Should Selena Gomez apologize for wearing a bindi at the MTV Movie Awards? Today. https://www.today.com/popculture/selena-gomez-causes-controversy-wearing-bindi-mtv-movie-awards-i533548
Saad, N. (2013, April 16). Selena Gomez bindi at MTV Movie Awards offends Hindu group. The Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2013-apr-16-la-et-mg-selena-gomez-bindi-mtv-brad-pitt-ellen-20130416-story.html
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| Image of a Bangladeshi boy wearing a lungi (Source: Creative Commons) |
By: Bianca Ekholm
An example of cultural appropriation is the brand Zara selling a skirt that is merely a replica of the traditional lungi, a garment worn by men in South and Southeast Asia, East Africa, and the Arab world. Traditional lungis are usually very affordable and are worn as a lounge/comfort item, however, Zara is selling their version of a lungi as a trendy mini skirt for $89.90, making large profits without acknowledging the cultural origins of the product. This situation specifically is one of many instances of large companies profiting off of clothing/items with great cultural significance, while failing to give any credit to its cultural origins.
Cultural appropriation is something that takes place when a piece or pieces of a culture are stolen, modified, and/or then benefited from (without proper acknowledgement or recognition), often from a wealthy and powerful group or company. For the specific Zara example, cultural appropriation takes place because the lungi was changed into a trendy mini skirt and then sold at a very high price with no reference or respect to the lungis origins. There are many ways to appreciate elements of a culture without appropriating it, including becoming educated on the cultural significance of certain items, avoiding leaning into stereotypes about cultures or cultural items, and acknowledging cultural roots when wearing or displaying an item or idea rooted in another culture. In the Zara instance, the brand could have credited the South and Southeast Asian, East African, and Arab cultures to provide respect. Zara could also have collaborated with South Asian designers to demonstrate their knowledge of lungis history. Customers could show their cultural appreciation by purchasing an authentic lungi to support those who traditionally make and wear the item rather than treating it as a fashion trend.
Work Cited:
Kuruvilla, Carol. “Zara Is Selling This Lungi Look-Alike for $90, and Brown Twitter Is Cackling.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 8 Feb. 2018, www.huffpost.com/entry/zara-lungi-twitter-asian-dads_n_5a7cac69e4b044b3821add03.
