http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_appropriation

Do you think it's racist?
Are people reaching when they say it's racist?


Discuss and keep it cute.

It's not racist.

It can be good or bad. If a person takes an image of a foreign culture in a positive light then it's okay. If a person however does black face or slant their eyes then it's wrong.

Honestly, its just something that happens, always has and always will. I actually don't think its inherently bad although it can be used to an offensive effect.

The idea of taking inspiration and having respect and admiration for another culture is a great thing.

Some people are callous about it, but honestly, pop culture and the world is built around copying things and adding different spins on them.

I think as long as its done smartly and with good intent it should be fine.

I'm not here for everyone trying to be accepting and appreciative of everyone, whilst simultaneously putting limits on everything.

No. I mean if that's how you choose to express yourself, and it's not done negatively, then there really isn't a problem. There are some aspects of cultures that look and sound nice, incorporating them in your art and style shouldn't be seen wrong if it's not being used poorly.

Exactly.

It's pretty easy to tell when something has crossed the line into being offensive/hurtful.

It's ignorant and tacky, and more often then not, racist (but not always).

Again, racism is not based on intention, it's how it's perceived.

Depends.

I agree with what all of you are saying. There's a difference between appreciation and mocking them. I personally, do not find cultural appropriation racist, unless they're making fun of the culture.

If people want to pay homage to a certain culture because they respect it, how does that make them a racist? The word "racist" gets thrown around too much.

Right. If it's offensive or hurtful or perpetuates an ignorant way of thinking, it's appropriation.

If it isn't and doesn't, I call it cultural appreciation.

I think the line between appreciation and appropriation is understanding and intent.

Taking an important/significant part of one's culture or history that you don't really care about or understand, and just using it for fun or to look cool = HORIBOL THANGZ!

But if you seek to pay homage or to learn or to participate benignly (that should be everyone's attitude when going into another's culture), then it's all good.

As someone already said using a kimono or a hijab/burqa just for fashion and entertainment and 'looking glam' is just wrong. But so many 'musicians' are still doing it probably without really thinking about the tradition of it. The celebrity will wear the cultural piece only one time for the performance and after that they took it off. When in reality the person whos wearing a burqa or a kimono everyday has to deal with the problems (for example prejudices.)

If you want to appreciate a culture you better show the real 'face' of it , the good and the negative sides and don't use it for fashion. Thats just ignorant.

Exactly.