Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation | CBC Radio | CBC

Summary

In this video, Rosanna from *Unreserved* addresses the issue of cultural appropriation in Halloween costumes, particularly those that trivialize indigenous cultures. She explains the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation, emphasizing that while appropriation reduces sacred cultural symbols to stereotypes, appreciation involves respectful learning and engagement. Rosanna urges viewers to understand the significance of indigenous history and cultures, advocating for an appreciation rooted in consent, participation, and mutual respect. She encourages a thoughtful and respectful approach to cultural symbols, especially during Halloween, and wishes everyone a more mindful celebration.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cultural appropriation is when elements of another culture are used in a trivializing or disrespectful way, reducing them to mere trends or stereotypes.
• 🎃 Halloween costumes that stereotype Indigenous peoples (e.g., 'sexy buck' or 'Cherokee warrior') are examples of cultural appropriation.
• 💔 Cultural appropriation perpetuates harmful stereotypes that stem from centuries of racism, genocide, and oppression.
• 🎩 Headdresses are sacred items in Indigenous cultures, earned through years of ceremony, and should not be reduced to costume accessories.
• 🛑 Cultural appropriation treats marginalized cultures as commodities to be taken without understanding or consent.
• 🙏 Cultural appreciation is about respecting and understanding a culture by learning its history and engaging with it meaningfully.
• 🤝 True cultural appreciation involves mutual respect, participation, and consent from the culture being appreciated.
• 📚 Learning the history of Indigenous peoples is essential to understanding and appreciating their culture in a respectful way.
• ❌ If something is about a culture, it must involve that culture directly—otherwise, it risks appropriation.
• 👍 This Halloween, choose cultural appreciation over appropriation by learning about the cultures you admire and engaging with them respectfully.
• 👻 Cultural appropriation is not harmless fun—it harms the culture being appropriated by reducing it to a stereotype or fashion statement.

Q & A

What is cultural appropriation, according to the script?

Cultural appropriation is when someone takes elements from a culture that is not their own and reduces them into superficial, often meaningless pop culture items, such as using sacred symbols or practices as costumes or trends without understanding their significance.

How does the script differentiate between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation?

Cultural appropriation is harmful because it commodifies and disrespects cultural elements, while cultural appreciation involves a deeper understanding and respectful engagement with a culture, emphasizing consent and participation from the culture being appreciated.

What specific example of cultural appropriation does Rosanna mention in the script?

Rosanna mentions the stereotypical Halloween costumes such as the 'Brave Cherokee Warrior' with a plastic tomahawk, which reduce indigenous cultures to caricatures and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Why is wearing a headdress considered cultural appropriation?

A headdress is traditionally a sacred item earned through years of leadership and ceremonies, and it holds deep cultural significance. Using it as a costume reduces its meaning and disrespects the sacred nature of this cultural symbol.

What harm does cultural appropriation cause to marginalized cultures?

Cultural appropriation is an extension of historical racism, genocide, and oppression. It trivializes the struggles and traditions of marginalized groups and reduces their cultural symbols to items for entertainment or consumption.

What is the significance of consent and participation in cultural appreciation?

Consent and participation are essential in cultural appreciation because they ensure that the culture being celebrated is involved in the process. This means engaging with the culture in a way that is respectful, informed, and mindful of its significance.

How can people truly appreciate indigenous cultures, according to Rosanna?

People can appreciate indigenous cultures by taking the time to learn about their history, understanding where cultures come from, and participating in cultural exchanges that involve mutual respect and consent.

Why does Rosanna feel uneasy about Halloween costumes in October?

Rosanna feels uneasy because Halloween costumes often involve cultural appropriation, such as costumes that reduce indigenous cultures to stereotypes, and she wants to raise awareness about the harm caused by these kinds of costumes.

What does Rosanna mean by 'Remember appreciation good, appropriation bad'?

This phrase is a simple way to distinguish between the two concepts. 'Appreciation good' emphasizes understanding and respecting cultures, while 'appropriation bad' refers to the disrespectful use of cultural symbols and traditions for entertainment or fashion.

What is the main takeaway Rosanna wants viewers to have for Halloween this year?

Rosanna urges viewers to be mindful of cultural appropriation when choosing Halloween costumes and to engage in cultural appreciation by understanding and respecting indigenous cultures and their history.