Culture Mix - Class Related Response

We finally did something that I actually enjoyed in Ms. Hegeman’s class. The AP English class completed action projects in which we had to identify an issue or problem and find a creative way to address it. Many of us tackled our problems by simply spreading awareness. Completing the project helped me open my eyes on an issue that I have never looked into so closely before. My issue was cultural appropriation. The text book definition of cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of one culture by members of a different cultural group, especially if the adoption is of an oppressed people's cultural elements by members of the dominant culture. In lay men’s terms cultural appropriation is using and abusing a culture for profit  or comedy. Cultural appropriation can also be done by someone who is not intentionally trying to cause harm. Many celebrities appropriate cultures to popularize a certain look or style. A lot of commoners also appropriate Native American, and Indian culture. If you've ever wore a headdress, or wore a bindi ( the red dot that many woman wear) And you’re not Native American or Indian, you have appropriated that culture. And while you may not have caused any harm, many people who identify with those cultures find it very disrespectful. Both Headdresses and Bindis are simple of honor and pride, not the latest fashion statement. Some people argue that cultural appropriation a big deal, cultures should blend anyway. Others believe that cultures will never be able to blend, because some are less accepted and underrepresented.