Don’t get me wrong, there is a clear difference between appreciating a culture and disrespecting one. But have we as a society veered too much to the side of caution?
Buzzwords like ‘cultural appropriation’ have created an atmosphere of fear, leading many to shy away from learning about others and their identities. Coming from an international city like Hong Kong, I was taken aback by how little students at Colgate know about each other’s cultures and identities. Even more surprising is the fear of asking questions, lest the questioner be labeled as ‘offensive’ and face backlash or ‘cancelation.’ Are we inadvertently avoiding a more inclusive and understanding community by being scared to learn about each other?
In our increasingly interconnected world, culture should be a bridge, not a barrier. Yet, when I scroll on social media, I often see individuals dressed in another culture’s traditional attire like sarees, qipaos or hanboks being called out for disrespecting that community. Sure, if they are dressed like that to mock the culture, they deserve to be held accountable. But there is a difference between appropriation and appreciation, and if they are dressing to appreciate the culture, should they be held at fault for appropriation? Appreciation leads to education, and education is something we need more of. I believe that the fear of cultural appropriation has led to a reluctance to ask questions and engage with others from different backgrounds.
Reflecting on my own experience, when I attended primary school, students from all backgrounds were encouraged to wear traditional attire for cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year and Diwali. Students looked forward to learning about holidays and festivals, and the experience fostered a sense of community and mutual respect. The act of dressing up led to broader discussions about the significance of clothes, festivals, the food associated with them and the values the celebrations and their elements represented.
When traveling around the world to different places, there are often options for tourists to dress in the country’s traditional attire for souvenir photos. If tourists dress respectfully and the host culture is willing to share a part of their traditions, can this not be seen as an act of appreciation rather than appropriation? When travelers choose to wear traditional clothing, I believe it can signify their respect and admiration for the host country’s culture. As long as the clothes worn are accurate and respectful, I feel it is acceptable to dress in other culture’s traditional attire for specific occasions.
Ultimately, I think it’s important to listen to the cultures involved. Engaging with individuals from different cultures and asking if it is appropriate to participate in certain practices can help avoid cultural misunderstandings. This dialogue is essential for connection and creating a harmonious community where different cultures can coexist and thrive. Paying attention to context clues, like why people are dressed in a certain manner if they are attending an event where it is respectful to wear traditional attire, is important. We as a society should stop jumping on any hint of cancelation potential without even giving the offender a chance to explain their choices.
By fostering dialogue, we can create a more inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express their identity and learn about others. Listening to the perspectives of others allows us to navigate the fine line between appreciation and appropriation, ensuring that cultural exchanges are respectful and enriching for all.
While it is important to acknowledge the complex subjects of cultural appreciation and appropriation, we should not allow fear to prevent healthy curiosity and desire to learn about one another. Instead of shying away from cultural interactions, we should encourage open dialogue and respectful engagement. By appreciating and understanding each other’s backgrounds, we can build a community that celebrates diversity, fosters learning and is ultimately that much more interconnected. Let us embrace our differences and learn from each other rather than allowing the fear of getting canceled to keep us apart.