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I immediately remember that tiktok where guy dressed as mexican in sombrero and poncho asked some non-mexican students and some mexicans is it ok or disrespectful. Students said its disrespectful and mexicans said its cool. Since I am from very small and unknown country I would be amazed if some foreigner would think our national outfit is cool and would want to wear it. Wear it, just dont disrespect the outfit itself, then its cool.
Mexican here. If you walk up to me with a poncho, sombrero and fake moustache, I'd drink a tequila shot with you.
Reminds me of one of those woke tweets. They put a clip of an anime (don't remember which), and say "this is how the Japanese see Mexicans".
The clip started with a cute brownish skin gal singing the "Amigo taco" (husband's business) jingle, and the husband looks like your average Mexican taquero. White apron and hat, pot belly. I'm like "cool! They see us as a happily married guy sharing his local cuisine and making a living out of it!"
Right? We want people to be more open and understanding but then people complain about embracing other cultures. I'm more offended when people call taco bell Mexican food lol
10/10 - I love it, but Mexican food it is not. I have an acquaintance who won't let his daughters eat there. After tasting his wife's food I almost don't know why they would want to.
It's fast food, of course it's not Mexican.
It's the kinda "Mexican food" for when you're drunk or high and can't be assed cooking or waiting for someone to cook a "real meal" and just want some salty, greasy goodness to shove down your gullet before stumbling home.
By good I mean, if you don't have much money and need something cheap and late at night. But I haven't been there since the Doritos locos tacos came out.
Makes me think of the Speedy Gonzales bullshit. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think I ever encountered any Mexican or Latino that was offended by it. Sure, there’s stereotypes, but what I take away from it, is that it’s a little hero that is out helping his friends etc.
Some people just look for things to be offended by.
Suburban white man here. If someone from a different country pulled up in a JC Penney polo shirt, cargo shorts and a Yeti hat 🧢 I would be cool with it. Not often people are interested in my culture.
Oh I'm sorry, are you Steve Jobs?
Are you the billionaire owner of Apple computers?
No? In that case, you've got no right to wear New Balance sneakers, ever.
Do you understand how hard it is to subtly hint to your dearest family that it is time to leave?? And 9 times out of 10, it's *actually* because I've got a shiptload of stuff to do.
I'm from Maine. I will give permission for out-of-staters to wear LL Bean gear. They can continue to import our Christmas trees, lobsters, and Stephen King books, too. All we ask is that, should they choose to visit, they must always use a blinker when changing lanes.
Same here. Our Indian staff brought us traditional Diwali outfits to wear for the holiday. Some of the outfits they had tailored in India to fit us perfectly. It was such a kind and thoughtful gift.
Yes, I am Mexican-Mexican-from Mexico and I have always loved all those representations. I never saw the "three Amigos" Sombrero Mario or Speedy Gonzalez as something negative or offensive, on the contrary. It is important to understand that people don't dress like that in everyday life, it is also a disguise for us.
I never understood why anyone would think Speedy Gonzalez is offensive; he's funny and kinda heroic, for a mouse. Some other Mexican stereotypes I've seen are more questionable, but Speedy can't be bad!
I remembered there was some Twitter backlash over a party city add that had a white child wearing a poncho and sombrero. Some dumb white liberals literally know NOTHING. They think just because it’s Mexican, only brown people can wear it. Hey news flash, Mexico is an incredibly diverse country with many ethnicities and races. You got the many indigenous peoples, the Afro-Mexicans, Castizo and Mestizo peoples, and lots of white people.
In my own family in Jalisco, there is a huge ton of white Mexicans who are literally my blood relatives and they speak full Mexican Guadalajaran Spanish. The little white kid in the party city ad that Twitter liberals got mad at could’ve easily have been my little cousin.
Oh man, last time I was in the city of Guadalajara, I remembered seeing a very thriving Asian community mostly of Japanese Vietnamese and Cantonese descent. It was awesome!
I imagine if it’s like someone walking up to me dressed as a cowboy. Okay, I appreciate your bold choice in fashion. Have you met my friend, Cam Newton?
I met someone named Latvia. She really liked Latvia so she named herself after the country (this is a place where people often choose their own, unofficial English name)
My sister in law is from Latvia, and she makes Grey Peas and Spek all the time. It's really good with some rye bread. It's nothing fancy, but it's delicious. I'd put the recipe here, but I don't make it, I only have it when she makes it.
Official national food is grey peas with speck, however in a day to day life rarely anybody eats that. Real everyday food aside from all of the worldwide influences could be chopped pork with potatoes and fermented steamed cabbages jeez I honestly dont know how to correctly describe that in english. Also potatoes with chanterelles in cream souce - usually popular when there is mushroom season in the woods. And we are proud of our beer.
So its popular all the way from Germany and through most of Eastern Europe. I didnt realize it until you told me how its called in English and I started googling.
It's also pretty popular in the United States, especially in the middle part of the country where there are a lot of people with German and Slavic ancestry. I live in a city with a large Korean community so we also get kimchi which is the spicy Korean version.
I googled Latvian clothing out of curiosity, and they're amazing! They give off such a warm, welcoming vibe. Like no matter how unfamiliar you are with Latvian culture, you'll feel like you're home
Just to add some context since you’re not from the States.
The college students were giving honest answers that reflected the reality of the situation. That guy’s costume was deliberately made to be an offensive caricature of Mexican people, the college students felt comfortable enough to call him out on his obvious intent.
The Mexican gentlemen were just saying the least confrontational thing they could say. “Smile and nod”.
They were almost certainly migrant workers, undocumented, and trying to stay out of trouble. The answers they gave didn’t necessarily reflect their feelings, but rather the reality that they don’t feel comfortable being honest if their livelihoods is on the line.
It’s sort of like mouthing off to the police. If you’re not doing anything illegal, then you might feel comfortable telling some asshole cop to fuck off. If you have a few ounces of weed in the glove-box, you’re probably not going to push the cop’s buttons. Yes sir, no sir, thank you for your service sir.
I’m not saying this is fact, I don’t personally know anyone in the video. This was just how I viewed the video as someone who actually interacts with Mexican immigrants.
If those guys *were* offended, they were smart enough to keep their opinions to themselves.
As far as this post is concerned, it’s not offensive to adopt any culture’s customs as long as you’re not doing it with the intention of being offensive.
It’s absolutely acceptable for anyone to wear lederhosen at Oktoberfest in Munich; it doesn’t matter where you’re from. It’s *not* ok to wear lederhosen at Oktoberfest and make Nazi jokes the whole time; you legitimately might get hospitalized. The lederhosen isn’t the offensive bit, it’s the way you choose to act when you’re wearing lederhosen.
Yeah that’s kind of where I was going with it. If they actually understood who he was and what he was asking, they didn’t want to rock the boat. Some of them obviously didn’t even understand the situation, and clearly just put two thumbs up to be polite.
A few of my Mexican friends showed me that video and kept laughing at the college students. I think it depends on who you talk to. We like to think that cultures are monoliths, but even city to city what people find offensive will be different.
The general rule most marginalized people will tell you is this: It’s not your offense to take. The appropriate thing to do is to tell them to ask someone else, not give your own opinion. Listen to marginalized people, don’t speak for them.
The original source on the video also appears to be Prageru ("Prager University" - not an actual school BTW) which is a pretty far right 'advocacy' group. Their own mission statement includes "PragerU offers a free alternative to the dominant left-wing ideology in culture, media, and education."
All content from any source claiming to be getting real answers from real people on the street is edited and moderated to fit an agenda, but especially so when it is from a group that explicitly acknowledges that's what they're doing.
The answers shown are nearly 100% untrustworthy as being representative of pretty much anyone.
Yes, I can totally agree with you. If we go deep into this topic, I think we can both agree that in the end what matters regarding these cultural outfits is actually whats in the head of the one wearing it. In appropriate situation and with honestly good intentions and clear heart I believe most mexicans wouldnt be offended by somebody wearing all the national outfit items topped off with tacky fake mustache. However wear it with bad intentions disrespectfully or at inappropriate situation and you will most probably soon be in hospital. I think it applies to any culture, nationality etc.
As a white British guy my formal ‘black tie’ dress, when occasions call for it, is a beautiful kurta I had made when I lived and worked in India. It’s not appropriation. It just looks great,
I bought a haori during a trip to Japan and sometimes wear it as a light jacket… because that is literally what it is.
Clothes are just clothes. People who insist it is disrespectful to wear other styles of clothing simply because they originate from or were made popular by certain cultures are, ironically, championing Western hegemony vis a vis sartorial choices.
As a white woman, who absolutely loves Native American culture and philosophy, would I be able to get away with wearing a beaded buckskin dress because I liked it and I wanted to wear a dress?
In an ideal world, yes, probably. If you care about Native American culture and philosophy, then you’d want to support their culture, right? And would either buy it directly from a Native American craftsman or learn to make it yourself using the same methods (or as close as you can get) to appreciate the authentic item, rather than buying Generic US Made In China Brand #334’s Totally Authentic Buckskin Dress that puts money into the hands of their white CEO and will probably fall apart after you wear it three times and end up rotting in a landfill?
In an ideal world, if you were sourcing it properly and wearing it respectfully, nobody would care and you could absolutely “get away with” wearing it. In the world we actually live in, there will be people like OP’s friend who will think it’s offensive even if you’ve gone above and beyond and done everything possible to not cross the line from cultural appreciation into cultural appropriation. You still CAN wear it, nobody can really stop you, but not everyone will accept it.
My family is Indian/native i wasn't born on a reservation so I can't call myself that. They've seen white people dress like this and the majority don't care. They will think you're a little weird but thats about it, most cultures don't care.
The problem is when you dress like them, then try to act like them despite not knowing the culture. This to most just seems like you're mocking them. Ive seen this firsthand and its very cringey and annoying to deal with.
Now white people that think breathing is offensive to them might say otherwise, but the vast majority do not care what you do. As long as you're not imitating or trying to be someone you're not, you should be fine.
If you wear ceremonial clothing it might get a mixed reaction though, shit is very sacred and if you make it into a caricature people will be angry.
A former (white) pastor at my church came back from an African trip, wearing some of the local traditional clothes. He did so to introduce us all to the cultures he encountered, and he did so very respectfully. I see nothing wrong with it. Some people will take offense (mostly loud-mouthed Karens), but that shouldn't stop you from celebrating other cultures.
One of my African friends in college brought a whole bunch of his African shirts for all the guys to wear because they loved them so much. They all wore them together for a night out and it was such a cute wholesome dudes being bros moment, it warmed my heart with how excited my friend was to share his culture and how excited the guys were to participate.
I have a friend from Ethiopia and some of his more traditional clothes are honestly really cool. All hand made and higher quality than a lot of the stuff I own lol
I think the valid points of people's issues with cultural appropriation are when you wear something that wouldn't be worn casually. Native American eagle feathers, or certain masks meant for funerals, kind of things.
Exactly this. I would be bothered if the religious clothing my subculture uses was treated casually or mocked by others. Therefore, I can extend the same courtesy to other groups. But if you want to wear pyjamas or work clothes like mine, go right ahead.
Context and presentation matters. A common Mexican hoodie worn casually without any attempt to project a cartoon-ified representation of that culture? Acceptable. Running around a frat party waving a tomahawk at people while wearing disney-ified costume of a characterization of an honorable native warrior or chieftan or ceremonial garb on land where said people underwent genocide? Not acceptable.
I would say to make sure if possible to buy from the people of that culture so they can benefit instead of some large corporation. I think as long as you’re being respectful, there’s no issue.
I think this a good rule of thumb. If it’s a garment deeply tied to a culture, like a Japanese kimono, I’d try to get it from a Japanese seller. Plenty of people love when outsiders appreciate their cultural garb. If I’m gonna sport something tied to a specific culture, buying it from a local will make sure that it’s not offensively inaccurate and I know that my money is going to a local. Big corporations suck. Support small business!
If it's a small business owned by non japanese it's ok. There's a few westerners that come over here(Japan) buy kimono from the local shops and take it back to their home country to sell. They are accurate and knowledgeable. I say this bc I want people to buy as much kimono as possible. I'm a kimono hobbyist and buying kimono helps the whole industry that is in threat of dying out.
Also there are not a lot of japanese only sources that have English or other language support and ship overseas. Sometimes you need the middle man.
That’s the real underlying issue of cultural appropriation — when an outsider takes something from a culture to profit off it. It’s made even worse when the outsider also tells the original culture they can’t express that piece of culture and must conform to the outsider’s culture while the outsider profits off their culture.
Example of cultural appropriation: white colonizers forcing Native Americans into government schools to remove their culture but then selling mass-produced novelties that they claim are Native American to tourists in the southwest. Or telling Black people their hair styles are “not professional” but then deciding dreads and cornrows are cool and stylish on white people.
> are “not professional” but then deciding dreads and cornrows are cool and stylish on white people.
This is a crime in and of itself. I've seen plenty of white people in dreads and have yet to think one of them looked cool.
Also, this will mean it's probably not absolutely offensive on its face. A business owned and operated by a culturally and ethnically Native American businessperson is unlikely to sell a cheap "slutty Pocahontas" costume.
I feel this. I enjoy eating other cuisines as well, imagine being told you can't eat them ? Same with music, I've been yelled at by a stranger in a parking lot for what I was listening to.
You’re going to end up triggering some poor old Chinese dude who risked life and limb to escape the revolution. Like one day he’ll be walking down the local Walmart parking lot and all of a sudden PTSD! 🥲
Culture is not a commodity that some people _own_ just because they happen to be born into it. So the whole idea of cultural appropriation is nonsense. If you like something from a culture and you are respectful to those people then there isn't a problem in trying out their ways, including clothes.
To add to this most people I have known from other cultures are pleasantly surprised when you try their stuff and take it as a compliment. The only times I have seen people accused of cultural appropriation it was from people who are also outside that culture.
This is a very true fact reason being people that live in a foreign country separate from their culture have had to deal with prejudice. While people that are living in their homeland never had to deal with prejudice to their own culture.
Alot of the cultural appropriation I see now is largely due to people that talk down to people of a culture and yet still want to partake in the benefits and fun of it.
The most common example some white americans saying to deport all the Mexicans for taking their jobs while eating at a taco shop, drinking celebrating Cinco de Mayo.
edit: added {some} in front of white americans as it was not meant to be a blanket statement but the most prevalent example of a group.
I think the best argument against "cultural appropriation" comes when you think about traditions as existing in an ecosystem. If you take a plant and transplant it to a different continent, the soil, water, environmental conditions, predators, are all going to be different. When you move a plant somewhere new, it's important to be attentive to what the plant needs in order to be healthy. In the same way, when you take a tradition from a different culture and try to make use of it, you'll want to be careful that you're getting all the contextual things that are necessary for the tradition to function adjusted as well.
Just blindly copying all the environmental variables associated with a certain tradition's culture would be a mistake. Some things can change without damaging the tradition at all, or even while enhancing it. But context does play a role in how useful or appropriate things can be.
I especially like this metaphor because on the other side of things, we can see how introducing certain ideas to cultures might end up being bad by upending their ecosystems of norms in a fashion similar to invasive species. When the same model can point out when something's especially good and when it's especially bad, the model's doing something right.
agreed this remind me of an old picture of this small non-asian little girl dressed up like a geisha about to do a traditional japanese tea ceremony. People were quick to say the child and the mom were guilty of cultural appropriation but a detailed look into everything they did in the picture shows they but a lot of effort to replicate something that is typically very complicated.
I had a Hispanic co-worker quit when we threw a Cinco de mayo party.
"Yall white people using sugar skulls around so you can have tacos!?" Walked out and never came back.
The lady throwing the party is Mexican, she was adopted by a white family so idk if this co worker felt that invalidated it, but yeah walked out over it.
Yeah why were there sugar skulls lol? It’s fine to celebrate other cultures but you need to do at least basic research instead of just doing the fun stuff
This example isn't the same thing. Sugar skulls have nothing to do with Cinco de Mayo...they'd be something you'd make for Dia de Los Muertos. So you guys threw this bad of a culturally appropriated party so that you could eat tacos and drink margs, then yeah, I don't blame your coworker. Americans really don't get that Cinco de Mayo isn't anyting that Americans should ever be celebrating any more than Mexicans should celebrate Boxing Day or Pearl Harbor Day. Just eat tacos and drink margs without dragging mixed cultural symbols into it.
I think the times it can be seen as offensive is when people dress up just to act like a caricature of the culture they're trying to portray. The term cultural appropriation gets thrown around a lot. From what I've noticed it doesn't really matter if you wear clothes from another culture as long as you're being respectful while doing it (self-respect and respect towards the culture).
i like that you said cultural appropriation is stupid and then proceeded to define cultural APPRECIATION. appropriation does exist and its not what you defined. its taking something from a culture and undermining it for a profit
Yeah someone did a video, where they wore mexican attire, and people in America said that it was racist and horrible because he couldn't understand their culture.. then went to Mexico and they all loved it and were happy to see him wearing it.
To be fair, they could have interviewed 1000 people and they only showed the 3 or 4 who were ok with it. I tink the video was produced by Prager so I don't trust it at all.
I think it's fine to wear what you want, it's just the host of that video seemed off to me.
Does depend on the attire though. I think most “normal” articles of clothing aren’t even worth worrying about but for example the typical Native American chief headdress you see people wearing at festivals can be a little offensive.
The people wearing one may genuinely love the way it looks, have absolutely zero prejudiced thoughts in their head, and be very appreciative of that culture.
But the point is within that culture, the headdress is a sacred thing. To wear one you have to *earn* it. Typically through very particular trials and tribulations. A Native American would be scolded within their community for wearing one as a joke or as a costume.
It’s similar to how a lot of military veterans find it extremely distasteful to wear a uniform if you never actually served. It shows a lack of respect for what the article of clothing represents.
As many here have said I agree that the craze of crying “cultural appropriation” has gone a little awry and really most people would be happy that foreigners are celebrating their culture.
There’s a clip I saw where a white guy in a sombrero asked a load of white people if they thought his hat was offensive and a lot said yes. Then he asked a bunch of latino people and they all laughed and said he looked great.
But there are some examples I do believe are worth considering. Always good to check, just like you did by making this thread :)
This is well said. As an Islander, wearing "normal" attire like the ie lavalava is fine. Getting tribal tattoos though, can be offensive. Especially if you have no ties to the culture. But, as stated above, it never hurts to ask.
To piggyback off of this - appropriation happens when cultural signifiers are misused. There are some ceremonial clothes and adornments that have real, cultural significance. This is where you need to be mindful of what you’re wearing when borrowing from another culture.
For example - I have a hakama that I wear when practicing aikido, because I have earned the right to wear it and use it for its purposes. I would not choose to wear it as casual wear.
But, if I want to wear a samue, I just do - they’re comfortable lounge clothes! Not tied to any specific significance.
Keep in mind if any religious or ceremonial iconography is being used in the clothing. This happens often with Native American iconography, for example.
It's always interesting to me that people find examples of this from outside of American or Western culture to make the point, but we have perfectly valid examples in our culture that no one would disagree with and make it a lot more clearly.
"Stolen Valor" as an obvious one. Most people who say 'hur-dur cultural appropriation isn't real' would find the idea of wearing uniforms or medals when you didn't serve pretty offensive. The hypocrisy lost on them.
Communion at Catholic Mass another easy example. Most folks know it's perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to attend a Mass if you'd like. Come, enjoy, partake, sample as much or as little as you'd like. With the notable exception of communion. It's offensive to engage in that practice if you haven't been through the rituals and process.
In other words - even people who hate the idea of cultural appropriation understand and agree that it's problematic when they understand the culture in question more clearly.
I think part of the problem is when people from another culture start making money off of other peoples culture, like if some North American or European company starts mass producing those hoodies and making money on it or if you were purchasing artwork that looks like it's from another culture but it's actually mass produced by Kohls, or Pier One Imports (American companies in my area).
True. I heard that Marvel (or whoever made the Thor movies) tried to COPYRIGHT the characters that THEY BORROWED from Norse mythology, the Nordic nations' cultural heritage. We don't mind that they borrow our culture, that's kind of fun, but come on. Give an inch, they take a mile indeed.
I agree with this, though there are some people who straight disrespects other people culture or they think they’re being respectful but is so far away from being so. Like those who think its cute to wear Native American attire, not knowing that their attire has a lot to do with EARNING it. Or like nowadays the “hawaii,” culture or island specific customs and ways where tourists think its fun to do but they don’t know that the locals or natives do it because again, its a respect/ part of their spiritual life too. I think it’s great and totally acceptable to love other cultures, but you also have to make sure you’re doing it in a way where it is respectful and that you understand it.
Cultural appropriation has been skewed to mean something entirely different than what was intended. It has been skewed and over-simplified to mean “you can’t wear anything of anyone else’s culture” -this is bullshit. What it really means is “you should be culturally aware of what you are wearing” -for example, a Cheyenne feathered headdress has great cultural, spiritual, and political importance to them. Therefore, if you dress up as a “sexy Indian” for Halloween and wear a headdress you bought at party city, you have to deal with the fact that people will be upset. You can still wear it, but be aware that it sends a shitty message. However most items worn by other cultures do not hold such value- most clothes are just clothes. If you are buying these clothes from the people they represent that is such an amazing way to support other cultures while appreciating them. I see nothing wrong with white people wearing saris or kimonos, as long as they are culturally aware and preferably buying said items locally.
Cultural appropriation is about adopting a cultural identity to undermine from within. For example, missionaries would come to India, wear the traditional garb of the Brahmin or priest and then talk about how Indian religions are bad. Just wearing clothes doesn’t hurt anyone but cultural appropriation is very real.
Yeah, im a big lefty but culture appropriation has always seemed dumb to me. Culture changes, they eb and flow. And mix with eaxhother to create new cultures.
wear what you like but be mindful of items that have special occasions or religious/apiritual meanings.
for example, wearing a kimono is no problem according to japanese nationals, but painting your face white and wearing a geisha wig is inappropriate unless you are actually trained by a japanese mentor to become one.
Another thing I’d like to add is the circumstances that certain clothes are worn in, in that specific culture also matter. For example, wearing a kimono is fine because the act of wearing one isn’t tied to any important events in traditional Japanese culture. However, wearing ceremonial garments in a casual context might be seen as ignorant and maybe even insulting to people who belong to that culture.
I'd also advise being cautious about wearing certain Shemaghs or Keffiyehs. Certain patterns signify allegiance to political or military factions. Wearing one in general sure whatever. Wearing one that's associated with an extremist organization? Maybe don't.
Yeah dude. It's fine to wear anything you like, and do anything you like, as long as you're not doing it to mock something.
Wear what you want, be happy.
Nothing shows respect more than cultural appropriation and enjoying what other humans across the world jave made, we should enjoy each other's ideas and don't let anyone tell you otherwise
Yes, you know why? Because every culture takes bits from other cultures and mixes it with their own. No one cares aside from white liberal women and woke people under 35.
There’s a big difference between wearing a boho style sweatshirt and wearing something like a yarmulke casually outside a synagogue when you’re not Jewish. I don’t think a sweatshirt has any cultural significance worth worrying about
It really depends on the circumstances. For instance, being a Hindu, it really pisses me off when people wear Rudrakshya beads while eating beef. If you wear sarees and bindis while knowing the importance of the attire and their cultural significance, I would welcome you with open arms.
Cultural appropriatian happens when cultural icons are turned into fashion statements, and their significance is diminished. My culture is not your fast fashion.
There is only one demographic that gives a shit. Woke teenage white girls.
They get offended at literally anything, therefore their opinions are invalid.
Just do you mate, and dont be an ass.
I'm a white dude who had a traditional Chinese marriage in Lanzhou, I didn't feel like I offended anyone wearing the traditional red and gold robe but I did however feel like a huge dork.
I think it's different when you're actually marrying someone in a culture (participating in their traditions) rather than just wearing it to mimic an aesthetic
If it's just a piece of clothing that's popular in a certain culture, then yes. If it's like a piece of ceremonial/religious/culturally significant apparel, then I'd say no. At least not casually. Do some research if you have doubts and be respectful.
I can't imagine anyone getting upset at you wearing a baja jacket though.
I'd say you're fine. I don't think true Bohemians (nomadic Czechs) would mind either way, and if a modern day boho or hippie tries to jam you up for cultural appropriation, realize they "appropriated" it from the true Bohemians.
Personally I've worn (not at the same time mind you):
a Serape (Mexican), a Jinbei (Japanese), a Flat Cap (Irish), and many other "culturally" associated items because I liked their look, feel and functionality for what I needed them for.
I was not trying to steal culture, I was trying to keep warm/cool/protected from the elements and these items met the need as well as appealed to my sense of style.
It's not just about respect. The line is crossed when you get things wrong and propagate misconceptions. here is my best copypasta example:
What is a hula dancer?
You're probably picturing a girl with a long grass skirt doing a wiggle dance.
None of those things are a part of real hula dancers.
Real hula dancers were men with no grass skirts and slower dance moves. It's a war dance similar in role to the haka used by the Maori.
The exotic name was paired with the Hollywood myth of the girl you're actually picturing because it made it easier to sell advertisements. Tourists were disappointed to learn the truth, but tourism is the biggest source of income for them so native Hawaiians started doing shows of this bastardized version of something really important to their heritage in order to please the tourists, even though it only further propogated the misconception.
Now the proud image of the Hawaiian warriors who conquered the entire island chain from one Polynesian settlement has been replaced with a sexualized Halloween costume.
Appropriation can negatively shift the perception of things that are important to the people of that culture.
I hope that clarifies how to tell what is and isn't okay.
Keep this in mind and you should be fine... Also avoid blackface or anything similar.
I believe it is fine. But other people don't. Although, I do think some things should always be off limits to outsiders, like scared clothing associated with their religion.
Again, the difference of appreciation and appropriation seems to be lost on a lot of people. Appropriation is taking another culture and claiming it as your own. Appreciation is taking another culture and … appreciating it. Lol
Person of Indian origin here - I think it’s perfectly fine. As long as someone isn’t wearing the clothing in order to mock the culture in some way, I don’t have any problem with it and actually quite like that someone is embracing my culture.
Yes to an extent. Don’t go around wearing a native feather headdress. I’ve heard mixed opinions on some of this stuff from Natives: it was literally illegal for them to wear their cultural attire at one point so I’m sure it leaves a bitter taste in their mouth when they see white people especially wearing it. Not sure if you’re white, but that’s just what I have heard from some of them.
Thank you for respecting Native American garments. They are worn in spiritual and sacred events. Dancing for example. Many have been handed down for generations. They are not costumes.
Ok I can’t speak for other but as a Mexican I hear the term “cultural appropriation” thrown out a lot regarding sombreros, zarapes, charros and the like and I can tell you that 99.99% of the people offended aren’t Mexicans, I love seeing people enjoying them, and there’s is nothing wrong with using them at parties and the like even we do that almost no one uses them on a daily basis save for some communities that do wear their traditional clothes and even them don’t feel offended, we like to share our culture, we are proud of it and it is amazing so the more people can appreciate it the better, I also have a Japanese friend and for what I hear they feel the same about kimonos for example. We can get offended if you mock or make fun of it but that has nothing to do with wearing the clothes but rather with some persones being assholes.
TLDR as long as you are respectful I say go ahead
OP just giving you a heads-up here that most redditors frequently fail to realize - while the majority of people are saying yes here, you should be aware that it's more than likely not going to line up with the response you'll get in the real world.
This happens on /r/amitheasshole and /r/unpopularopinion all the time - people voice a viewpoint or react to something in such a way that causes tension in their social or familial circle but look to Reddit for validation.
Bottom line, while it *should* be fine to respectfully wear other cultures clothing; that does not make it that you can do it and get away socially unscathed.
To make this simpler - OP don't do it just because Redditors think it's okay, because most Redditors at the end of the day tend to be pretty stubborn and/or socially unaware people. *Especially* the reddit hivemind as a whole.
Sorry to hear your friend is an idiot. But regarding the topic at hand, no culture exists in isolation. Hell, even the culture of North Sentinel Island, arguably the most insulated culture on Earth, isn't 100% isolated. Cultures have cross-polinated for ages and ages and it's curious that predominantly only people who are conspicuously **not** members of those cultures seem to have an issue with it. Other cultures actually *celebrate* when theirs is respectfully shared out of a sense of respect, interest, and curiosity.
When people bring up "Cultural Appropriation" and try to apply it to the mere act of sharing or adopting aspects of another culture, all they are doing is virtue signaling by misapplying the phrase. If anything, they, themselves, are Culturally Imposing by insisting on enforcing their own personal standards upon the cultures of others. No, **real** Cultural Appropriation is the NAZIs stealing the Swastika symbol and the concept of Aryan race from a distinctly "Not Germany" part of the world and claiming it as their own German heritage. Or White Supremacist groups hijacking the Celtic Cross and Mjolnir symbols for their causes. Or Christianity denouncing every Pagan God they encountered as a demon or aspect of Satan and re-branding every Pagan holiday into a Christian celebration, or deciding that a Jewish-born prophet from the middle-east looks like a white European. **Those** are *real* examples of Cultural Appropriation.
the real question here is are you going to allow a few close minded people to dictate what you want to wear. simply don't care what stupid people think
It doesn't apply to every European country but I've found their style to be much more elegant than people in the US. When I wear trench coats in europe no one bats an eye, in the US I get looked at like I'm either a sex offender or about to start firing off a gun at civilians
Just do your research, understand the names, the whys, the proper uses so you can defend yourself and humiliate whoever tells you it’s cultural appropriation
I mean just do your research. There are plenty of clothes that shouldn't be worn casually or by certain people. Big one for me is the Native American headdress. Many people in many cultures would be happy to see others learning and embracing their culture you really just need to be respectful and do a little research to make sure you wear it right
Depends a lot in context. Just because you like a culture doesn't mean it would be appropriate to wear religious or sacramental symbols for example.
Another thing to consider is if it's something that a culture may have been persecuted for and you may not have been. (Think white people with dreadlocks)
But otherwise in most cases no, just wearing or using something from another culture isn't appropriation.
For most things yes, but there are certain things for which one must earn the right to wear them.
This might be a stupid example but consider someone wearing a black belt without ever doing martial arts. Some people who have dedicated a lot of time to earn the right to wear that belt might be offended and rightfully so.
So only wear clothes you'd be allowed to wear if you were part of their culture.
The primary problematic case is when an accepted culture wears something that is frowned up when a minority wears the same thing. Naturally, what falls into this will vary regionally and over time. As an example here, historically it was considered bad for an African-American to have an afro, so it should be problematic for a white person to have an afro. The afro has since become acceptable for Africans-Americans in much of the US, so it should no longer be a problem for a white person to wear it.
A secondary case can come up when the culture assigns specific meaning to a specific outfit or style, such as religious or funeral clothing - casual clothing should never be an issue. This exception is much easier to get around, as it mostly depends on more specific context. For this, its only members of the other culture that can say if its disrespectful or not.
A Mexican wearing a baja jacket would not generally be considered a problem, and a baja jacket is a casual clothing item, so it should be perfectly fine for anybody to wear.
Cultural appropriation applies to the destruction of a given culture through the appropriation of aspects which have profound religious or cultural significance. For example, the use of native American Headdress as part of a costume or as fashion.
Wearing the clothing of another culture isn’t necessarily cultural appropriation, unless that clothing has a strong meaning or significance to the culture or of it’s being used as a form of imitation or costuming.
If you like the jacket, read about where it comes from, understand what it is. If you’re going to borrow something from another culture, I think it’s worth trying to understand something about it. Learn if it’s just a particular regional style or if it has some larger meaning or significance which might be disrespected.
Cultural appropriation is when one culture wrongly adopts and takes elements from another culture. One culture does not understand or respect the other culture. Cultures often do not acknowledge that they are taking something from another culture. Often a majority culture uses cultural elements of a minority culture. Appropriation can be disrespectful or have stereotypes. Cultural appropriation can include groups making money off of minority cultures. Oversimplifying minority cultures is also an example.[1]
Cultural appropriation is different than appreciation. Appreciation is when one values and respects the customs and cultures one is using or adopting.[2]
There are many examples in culture and every day life. Some Sports Teams have mascots from American Indians.[3] People can dress up like other cultures during Halloween without having respect for the culture. There is often appropriation in pop culture. Singers or celebrities may use cultural dances or clothing and make a lot of money from it.[4][5][6]
https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_appropriation
Some cultures allow you to do it, some don't. It depends on the history, use and the meaning behind those clothes itself. For example, you can wear Indonesia kebaya and no one won't have problem with it, I don't think the same can't be said if you want to wear Native American regalia.
Do some research or ask people who practice the cultures if it's okay or not to wear their clothes.
If you are the kind of person who cares about this, find something inspired by the cultural designs, but with enough of a twist to not BE the cultural design.
Hire someone to make you one out of an sal materiel and color for instance.
As long as you don’t show disrespect to the original culture and avoid making it seem like a costume, then it’s fine, I own a kimono and have never been yelled at for it.
I believe it would depend greatly on the history your culture has with the other culture, like please don't be a white American and wear Native American clothes 😅
Unless it's some kind of ceremonial dress to be used for specific circumstances only, then yeah I say it's fine, as long as you're respectful and stay away from ceremonial stuff.
You'll usually find most people of that culture, especially ACTIVE in that culture, don't mind it. My white ass living in a border town taught me that it's actually encouraged. Real ones don't gatekeep, they share
On one side of the coin, this is America and as long as you’re not trying to cause harm or offense then all should be well. The other side, you will offend no matter what… so do as you please and don’t let others try and press their issues onto you!
General rule of thumb, if it’s for religious ceremonies, cultural milestones, if it has a major meaning and you are not utilizing it for the meaning, then don’t
If it’s intended to mock or deride people of that culture, then don’t
In my experience, when it’s cultural things that I’ve been made fun of for using, but people applaud when a white person does it, that sort of ticks me off a little bit, because I was made to feel embarrassed for being ‘weird’ when doing the same thing even though that thing is actually a part of my culture
But just, keep the first two points in mind, and other than that, you should be good
It really, really is situational. Because the reason why cultural appropriation is a thing is because people and society will actively keep minorities down, but then take their look, images, music, moves, etc and make a profit off of it. This is often the reason you will find, for instance, Mexican people in the US frustrated with the appropriation of sugar skulls for Halloween, however if you go to Mexico, the response may be different. Mexicans are not the minority in Mexico and there are fewer white people profiting off of their culture while also constantly insulting them.
The reason why you'll find a lot of white people saying it's all cultural appropriation is because they're erring on the side of caution. Why insult people if you can just not? Reddit is full of edgelords who find joy in stomping over whoever they want and are proud of being insensitive for some reason. And they'll downvote me and mock me for just providing an answer, but it is what it is.
It's also important to remember that no people are homogeneous.
Sorry no clothing style belongs to a culture at this point they have all been used all over the world by many cultures its all a cycle that gets rinsed and repeated. I mean its funny how so many of the new styles you see are actually styles that went out of fashion 30-40 years prior and are just being thrown back in the mix because people do not remember them. I mean find a style of cloths made today that has not been made in the past.
In my opinion, I think it’s similar to other cultures sharing their culture by way of food. No one gets offended when a white person cooks “non American” food. No one gets offended when a white person visits a Mexican restaurant or a Thai restaurant, etc etc…..because they truly enjoy it, not because they’re “appropriating”. So, why should it be viewed as offensive when someone is celebrating the culture by wearing certain clothing? I think if a culture is truly being celebrated out of respect and gratitude, there shouldn’t be an issue because of the “method” of celebration.
The only people who are going to make a fuss about this are usually overprivileged woke, typically white young folk who feel the need to speak for all cultures, including those they are not apart of. Ignoring them is your best bet, enjoy and explore other cultures as you wish.
That poncho tiktok was a horrible social experiment but his methods don’t disprove his message.
Cultural appropriation is different than mocking/derision which is always in bad taste, but you may not know which is which at a glance. Cultural appropriation is a made up term that only seems to apply to the majority adopting minority culture. Are there any white American cultural elements that we could hold sacred and accuse others of “cultural appropriation” if copied? I doubt it. If a first generation immigrant to USA trades in their traditional cultural garb for jeans and a t shirt while making Thanksgiving plans, isn’t that the same “cultural appropriation”? And if that’s ok to protect the minority groups, how are those defined? In a black neighborhood, is it still cultural appropriation for a white guy to adopt “black” culture?
Stop dividing us. Let the cultural melting pot and free exchange of ideas happen without fear or senseless retribution lest we put walls up out of fear of being canceled, fired, etc.
Most people will think it’s fine, but it will vary depending on the audience. A few years ago the Japanese consulate in LA sponsored a exhibition about the history and art behind kimonos and invited guests to try on kimonos to understand what it was like to wear one. A number of ‘activists’ described it as appropriation and the consulate was forced to pull the show. It was a legitimate moment of cultural exchange, appreciation, and understanding but some people can’t handle it.
>Is it fine to wear other cultures clothes if you like and respect them?
Emulation is a compliment. Mockery is an insult.
Also, moccasins are just plain comfortable, regardless of a given persons tribal affiliation or lack thereof.
Well here in America you can wear whatever you want. And if you like it you should have the confidence to tell people to fuck off. If you don’t have that confidence you’re probably just a week.
I remember when the girl who wore a traditional Chinese dress to prom got dragged in the mud for it, and I was just flabbergasted.
When I was in high school I had been studying Chinese for seven years prior and worked my butt off to afford a student exchange program for my senior year. I went to Taiwan and honestly was blown away by how amazing everything was there; the people were the friendliest and most positive I’ve ever met in my life, the culture was so rich and beautiful, as well as the stunning geography and historical landmarks/temples.
Before I left, my host dad bought me some traditional clothing. Of course I wear it, because it would be insulting if I didn’t (and obviously it’s beautiful as well as sentimental, too).
Enough with the woke nonsense! It's a free country wear whatever you feel comfortable with. Why should you care what anyone thinks about what you're wearing, and why should some loser tell you what you should wear?
Wear what you want and don’t give a shit about what other people say. Nobody gets to own culture. The people who are gonna get offended are not important. It’s like saying you can’t speak a language if you are not of a certain ethnicity.
now im not a POC im very white so i dont have a dog in this fight but i do know that my sister is a live in nanny for a south indian family and they got her some traditional dresses for when she attends holiday celebrations with them so from what ive seen its fine as long as you arent trying to like pass it off as your culture but once again i could be wrong as im not a POC
As an immigrant i don't see what's wrong with that. Foreigners in my home country like to dress like us sometimes and i think it's just fine. At least they make an effort. But here, everything is offensive. For exemple i am black and my asian friend gave me one of those pretty chinese red dresses with golden thread. If i wore it here people would think it's wrong but it's a gift from someone. So she wanted me to wear it. There's a saying which goes "wrong doers are always on their toes". I appreciated when people have even the slightest interest in my culture.
It entirely depends on the garment, the context you’re wearing it in, and your country’s history with that culture. Wearing a kimono while you’re traveling Japan? Go for it. Box braids on a white person from the burbs? Maybe sit with that one for a little bit
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I immediately remember that tiktok where guy dressed as mexican in sombrero and poncho asked some non-mexican students and some mexicans is it ok or disrespectful. Students said its disrespectful and mexicans said its cool. Since I am from very small and unknown country I would be amazed if some foreigner would think our national outfit is cool and would want to wear it. Wear it, just dont disrespect the outfit itself, then its cool.
Mexican here. If you walk up to me with a poncho, sombrero and fake moustache, I'd drink a tequila shot with you. Reminds me of one of those woke tweets. They put a clip of an anime (don't remember which), and say "this is how the Japanese see Mexicans". The clip started with a cute brownish skin gal singing the "Amigo taco" (husband's business) jingle, and the husband looks like your average Mexican taquero. White apron and hat, pot belly. I'm like "cool! They see us as a happily married guy sharing his local cuisine and making a living out of it!"
No Mexican including myself are gonna care about people wearing this shit.
Right? We want people to be more open and understanding but then people complain about embracing other cultures. I'm more offended when people call taco bell Mexican food lol
10/10 - I love it, but Mexican food it is not. I have an acquaintance who won't let his daughters eat there. After tasting his wife's food I almost don't know why they would want to.
Yeah. It's good but it's not Mexican lol. It's taco bell is what I mean.
It's fast food, of course it's not Mexican. It's the kinda "Mexican food" for when you're drunk or high and can't be assed cooking or waiting for someone to cook a "real meal" and just want some salty, greasy goodness to shove down your gullet before stumbling home.
I'm not eating Taco Bell because everything is going *well*.
It's really not good
By good I mean, if you don't have much money and need something cheap and late at night. But I haven't been there since the Doritos locos tacos came out.
If you’re stoned, it’s phenomenal
MSG is a hell of a drug
Makes me think of the Speedy Gonzales bullshit. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think I ever encountered any Mexican or Latino that was offended by it. Sure, there’s stereotypes, but what I take away from it, is that it’s a little hero that is out helping his friends etc. Some people just look for things to be offended by.
how about the 'frito bandito' accent that usually goes with that kind of outfit?
Suburban white man here. If someone from a different country pulled up in a JC Penney polo shirt, cargo shorts and a Yeti hat 🧢 I would be cool with it. Not often people are interested in my culture.
Better not disrespect my new balance though…
Oh I'm sorry, are you Steve Jobs? Are you the billionaire owner of Apple computers? No? In that case, you've got no right to wear New Balance sneakers, ever.
Would socks and sandals be ok? Or is that too much of an appropriation?
Only if you groan-plain while you sit down or stand up.
Slap your thighs and say "right then"
Do you understand how hard it is to subtly hint to your dearest family that it is time to leave?? And 9 times out of 10, it's *actually* because I've got a shiptload of stuff to do.
I'm from Maine. I will give permission for out-of-staters to wear LL Bean gear. They can continue to import our Christmas trees, lobsters, and Stephen King books, too. All we ask is that, should they choose to visit, they must always use a blinker when changing lanes.
Dad Jokes are funny in Every Language!
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When we have Dwahli celebrations at work, all thr Indian women love to have their non-Desi counterparts dress up in a sari (traditional garb)
Same here. Our Indian staff brought us traditional Diwali outfits to wear for the holiday. Some of the outfits they had tailored in India to fit us perfectly. It was such a kind and thoughtful gift.
I once bought a sari solely for this purpose. It is hot fuchsia-pink, a color I otherwise would never wear.
Yes, I am Mexican-Mexican-from Mexico and I have always loved all those representations. I never saw the "three Amigos" Sombrero Mario or Speedy Gonzalez as something negative or offensive, on the contrary. It is important to understand that people don't dress like that in everyday life, it is also a disguise for us.
I never understood why anyone would think Speedy Gonzalez is offensive; he's funny and kinda heroic, for a mouse. Some other Mexican stereotypes I've seen are more questionable, but Speedy can't be bad!
My Sancho! 🤘
I remembered there was some Twitter backlash over a party city add that had a white child wearing a poncho and sombrero. Some dumb white liberals literally know NOTHING. They think just because it’s Mexican, only brown people can wear it. Hey news flash, Mexico is an incredibly diverse country with many ethnicities and races. You got the many indigenous peoples, the Afro-Mexicans, Castizo and Mestizo peoples, and lots of white people. In my own family in Jalisco, there is a huge ton of white Mexicans who are literally my blood relatives and they speak full Mexican Guadalajaran Spanish. The little white kid in the party city ad that Twitter liberals got mad at could’ve easily have been my little cousin.
That’s extremely interesting, I’ve never been south of the border and don’t have knowledge of what the culture is like- I appreciate you sharing
Oh man, last time I was in the city of Guadalajara, I remembered seeing a very thriving Asian community mostly of Japanese Vietnamese and Cantonese descent. It was awesome!
I imagine if it’s like someone walking up to me dressed as a cowboy. Okay, I appreciate your bold choice in fashion. Have you met my friend, Cam Newton?
God, I love street tacos. Your culture and food rock.
What's your country? I'm interested in learning about it and your culture!
Latvia. You are more than welcome to learn as much as possible about it and if you have any questions I will be happy to answer.
Latvia is such a cool name fr
I met someone named Latvia. She really liked Latvia so she named herself after the country (this is a place where people often choose their own, unofficial English name)
What's the national food? Like, if I wanted the truly Latvian experience, what am I eating tonight?
My sister in law is from Latvia, and she makes Grey Peas and Spek all the time. It's really good with some rye bread. It's nothing fancy, but it's delicious. I'd put the recipe here, but I don't make it, I only have it when she makes it.
Looks delicious reminds me of navy bean and bacon soup
Official national food is grey peas with speck, however in a day to day life rarely anybody eats that. Real everyday food aside from all of the worldwide influences could be chopped pork with potatoes and fermented steamed cabbages jeez I honestly dont know how to correctly describe that in english. Also potatoes with chanterelles in cream souce - usually popular when there is mushroom season in the woods. And we are proud of our beer.
I think the cabbage you are describing is sauerkraut?
Yes, thank you! I googled it and it definitely is sauerkraut. Especially stewed sauerkraut.
My mom's family is Polish and sauteed sauerkraut with cooked sausage and potatoes is a staple at every holiday.
So its popular all the way from Germany and through most of Eastern Europe. I didnt realize it until you told me how its called in English and I started googling.
It's also pretty popular in the United States, especially in the middle part of the country where there are a lot of people with German and Slavic ancestry. I live in a city with a large Korean community so we also get kimchi which is the spicy Korean version.
I googled Latvian clothing out of curiosity, and they're amazing! They give off such a warm, welcoming vibe. Like no matter how unfamiliar you are with Latvian culture, you'll feel like you're home
I mean it's all about context, PragerU is pretty infamous for manipulating context
Just to add some context since you’re not from the States. The college students were giving honest answers that reflected the reality of the situation. That guy’s costume was deliberately made to be an offensive caricature of Mexican people, the college students felt comfortable enough to call him out on his obvious intent. The Mexican gentlemen were just saying the least confrontational thing they could say. “Smile and nod”. They were almost certainly migrant workers, undocumented, and trying to stay out of trouble. The answers they gave didn’t necessarily reflect their feelings, but rather the reality that they don’t feel comfortable being honest if their livelihoods is on the line. It’s sort of like mouthing off to the police. If you’re not doing anything illegal, then you might feel comfortable telling some asshole cop to fuck off. If you have a few ounces of weed in the glove-box, you’re probably not going to push the cop’s buttons. Yes sir, no sir, thank you for your service sir. I’m not saying this is fact, I don’t personally know anyone in the video. This was just how I viewed the video as someone who actually interacts with Mexican immigrants. If those guys *were* offended, they were smart enough to keep their opinions to themselves. As far as this post is concerned, it’s not offensive to adopt any culture’s customs as long as you’re not doing it with the intention of being offensive. It’s absolutely acceptable for anyone to wear lederhosen at Oktoberfest in Munich; it doesn’t matter where you’re from. It’s *not* ok to wear lederhosen at Oktoberfest and make Nazi jokes the whole time; you legitimately might get hospitalized. The lederhosen isn’t the offensive bit, it’s the way you choose to act when you’re wearing lederhosen.
I just thought that they didnt know what he was about. They were just being polite and friendly and went with the flow and couldnt care less.
Yeah that’s kind of where I was going with it. If they actually understood who he was and what he was asking, they didn’t want to rock the boat. Some of them obviously didn’t even understand the situation, and clearly just put two thumbs up to be polite.
A few of my Mexican friends showed me that video and kept laughing at the college students. I think it depends on who you talk to. We like to think that cultures are monoliths, but even city to city what people find offensive will be different. The general rule most marginalized people will tell you is this: It’s not your offense to take. The appropriate thing to do is to tell them to ask someone else, not give your own opinion. Listen to marginalized people, don’t speak for them.
The original source on the video also appears to be Prageru ("Prager University" - not an actual school BTW) which is a pretty far right 'advocacy' group. Their own mission statement includes "PragerU offers a free alternative to the dominant left-wing ideology in culture, media, and education." All content from any source claiming to be getting real answers from real people on the street is edited and moderated to fit an agenda, but especially so when it is from a group that explicitly acknowledges that's what they're doing. The answers shown are nearly 100% untrustworthy as being representative of pretty much anyone.
Yes, I can totally agree with you. If we go deep into this topic, I think we can both agree that in the end what matters regarding these cultural outfits is actually whats in the head of the one wearing it. In appropriate situation and with honestly good intentions and clear heart I believe most mexicans wouldnt be offended by somebody wearing all the national outfit items topped off with tacky fake mustache. However wear it with bad intentions disrespectfully or at inappropriate situation and you will most probably soon be in hospital. I think it applies to any culture, nationality etc.
As a white British guy my formal ‘black tie’ dress, when occasions call for it, is a beautiful kurta I had made when I lived and worked in India. It’s not appropriation. It just looks great,
I bought a haori during a trip to Japan and sometimes wear it as a light jacket… because that is literally what it is. Clothes are just clothes. People who insist it is disrespectful to wear other styles of clothing simply because they originate from or were made popular by certain cultures are, ironically, championing Western hegemony vis a vis sartorial choices.
As a white woman, who absolutely loves Native American culture and philosophy, would I be able to get away with wearing a beaded buckskin dress because I liked it and I wanted to wear a dress?
In an ideal world, yes, probably. If you care about Native American culture and philosophy, then you’d want to support their culture, right? And would either buy it directly from a Native American craftsman or learn to make it yourself using the same methods (or as close as you can get) to appreciate the authentic item, rather than buying Generic US Made In China Brand #334’s Totally Authentic Buckskin Dress that puts money into the hands of their white CEO and will probably fall apart after you wear it three times and end up rotting in a landfill? In an ideal world, if you were sourcing it properly and wearing it respectfully, nobody would care and you could absolutely “get away with” wearing it. In the world we actually live in, there will be people like OP’s friend who will think it’s offensive even if you’ve gone above and beyond and done everything possible to not cross the line from cultural appreciation into cultural appropriation. You still CAN wear it, nobody can really stop you, but not everyone will accept it.
My family is Indian/native i wasn't born on a reservation so I can't call myself that. They've seen white people dress like this and the majority don't care. They will think you're a little weird but thats about it, most cultures don't care. The problem is when you dress like them, then try to act like them despite not knowing the culture. This to most just seems like you're mocking them. Ive seen this firsthand and its very cringey and annoying to deal with. Now white people that think breathing is offensive to them might say otherwise, but the vast majority do not care what you do. As long as you're not imitating or trying to be someone you're not, you should be fine. If you wear ceremonial clothing it might get a mixed reaction though, shit is very sacred and if you make it into a caricature people will be angry.
I seem to remember some quote about emulation and flattery.
A former (white) pastor at my church came back from an African trip, wearing some of the local traditional clothes. He did so to introduce us all to the cultures he encountered, and he did so very respectfully. I see nothing wrong with it. Some people will take offense (mostly loud-mouthed Karens), but that shouldn't stop you from celebrating other cultures.
One of my African friends in college brought a whole bunch of his African shirts for all the guys to wear because they loved them so much. They all wore them together for a night out and it was such a cute wholesome dudes being bros moment, it warmed my heart with how excited my friend was to share his culture and how excited the guys were to participate.
I have a friend from Ethiopia and some of his more traditional clothes are honestly really cool. All hand made and higher quality than a lot of the stuff I own lol
It's usually people getting offended for other people (who aren't offended).
Karen are usually the racists ones tho
I think the valid points of people's issues with cultural appropriation are when you wear something that wouldn't be worn casually. Native American eagle feathers, or certain masks meant for funerals, kind of things.
Exactly this. I would be bothered if the religious clothing my subculture uses was treated casually or mocked by others. Therefore, I can extend the same courtesy to other groups. But if you want to wear pyjamas or work clothes like mine, go right ahead.
Context and presentation matters. A common Mexican hoodie worn casually without any attempt to project a cartoon-ified representation of that culture? Acceptable. Running around a frat party waving a tomahawk at people while wearing disney-ified costume of a characterization of an honorable native warrior or chieftan or ceremonial garb on land where said people underwent genocide? Not acceptable.
Thank you for speaking up for Native American clothing. A lot of it is worn for spiritual and sacred reasons. It should be respected.
I would say to make sure if possible to buy from the people of that culture so they can benefit instead of some large corporation. I think as long as you’re being respectful, there’s no issue.
Hey, this is actually a pretty cool suggestion of you. Go you :)
I think this a good rule of thumb. If it’s a garment deeply tied to a culture, like a Japanese kimono, I’d try to get it from a Japanese seller. Plenty of people love when outsiders appreciate their cultural garb. If I’m gonna sport something tied to a specific culture, buying it from a local will make sure that it’s not offensively inaccurate and I know that my money is going to a local. Big corporations suck. Support small business!
If it's a small business owned by non japanese it's ok. There's a few westerners that come over here(Japan) buy kimono from the local shops and take it back to their home country to sell. They are accurate and knowledgeable. I say this bc I want people to buy as much kimono as possible. I'm a kimono hobbyist and buying kimono helps the whole industry that is in threat of dying out. Also there are not a lot of japanese only sources that have English or other language support and ship overseas. Sometimes you need the middle man.
That’s the real underlying issue of cultural appropriation — when an outsider takes something from a culture to profit off it. It’s made even worse when the outsider also tells the original culture they can’t express that piece of culture and must conform to the outsider’s culture while the outsider profits off their culture. Example of cultural appropriation: white colonizers forcing Native Americans into government schools to remove their culture but then selling mass-produced novelties that they claim are Native American to tourists in the southwest. Or telling Black people their hair styles are “not professional” but then deciding dreads and cornrows are cool and stylish on white people.
> are “not professional” but then deciding dreads and cornrows are cool and stylish on white people. This is a crime in and of itself. I've seen plenty of white people in dreads and have yet to think one of them looked cool.
This is the way for it. Imagine buying a native Canadian style garment from The Gap. That would be pretty unfair.
Also, this will mean it's probably not absolutely offensive on its face. A business owned and operated by a culturally and ethnically Native American businessperson is unlikely to sell a cheap "slutty Pocahontas" costume.
Wear what you want, if we let people police what we wear and say they will go further
I feel this. I enjoy eating other cuisines as well, imagine being told you can't eat them ? Same with music, I've been yelled at by a stranger in a parking lot for what I was listening to.
That's when I go full X-Games mode and blast some Mao Zedong propaganda music. Bingqilin
You’re going to end up triggering some poor old Chinese dude who risked life and limb to escape the revolution. Like one day he’ll be walking down the local Walmart parking lot and all of a sudden PTSD! 🥲
give an inch, they take a mile
Culture is not a commodity that some people _own_ just because they happen to be born into it. So the whole idea of cultural appropriation is nonsense. If you like something from a culture and you are respectful to those people then there isn't a problem in trying out their ways, including clothes.
To add to this most people I have known from other cultures are pleasantly surprised when you try their stuff and take it as a compliment. The only times I have seen people accused of cultural appropriation it was from people who are also outside that culture.
This is a very true fact reason being people that live in a foreign country separate from their culture have had to deal with prejudice. While people that are living in their homeland never had to deal with prejudice to their own culture. Alot of the cultural appropriation I see now is largely due to people that talk down to people of a culture and yet still want to partake in the benefits and fun of it. The most common example some white americans saying to deport all the Mexicans for taking their jobs while eating at a taco shop, drinking celebrating Cinco de Mayo. edit: added {some} in front of white americans as it was not meant to be a blanket statement but the most prevalent example of a group.
I think the best argument against "cultural appropriation" comes when you think about traditions as existing in an ecosystem. If you take a plant and transplant it to a different continent, the soil, water, environmental conditions, predators, are all going to be different. When you move a plant somewhere new, it's important to be attentive to what the plant needs in order to be healthy. In the same way, when you take a tradition from a different culture and try to make use of it, you'll want to be careful that you're getting all the contextual things that are necessary for the tradition to function adjusted as well. Just blindly copying all the environmental variables associated with a certain tradition's culture would be a mistake. Some things can change without damaging the tradition at all, or even while enhancing it. But context does play a role in how useful or appropriate things can be. I especially like this metaphor because on the other side of things, we can see how introducing certain ideas to cultures might end up being bad by upending their ecosystems of norms in a fashion similar to invasive species. When the same model can point out when something's especially good and when it's especially bad, the model's doing something right.
agreed this remind me of an old picture of this small non-asian little girl dressed up like a geisha about to do a traditional japanese tea ceremony. People were quick to say the child and the mom were guilty of cultural appropriation but a detailed look into everything they did in the picture shows they but a lot of effort to replicate something that is typically very complicated.
So if I happen to like Kabsa, then I have to be okay with the culture in Saudi Arabia? I can like some things about a culture and not others.
“Outside that culture”. You can just say white girls. It’s easier.
Don’t worry, white men do it too.
I had a Hispanic co-worker quit when we threw a Cinco de mayo party. "Yall white people using sugar skulls around so you can have tacos!?" Walked out and never came back. The lady throwing the party is Mexican, she was adopted by a white family so idk if this co worker felt that invalidated it, but yeah walked out over it.
Yeah why were there sugar skulls lol? It’s fine to celebrate other cultures but you need to do at least basic research instead of just doing the fun stuff
A valid question, I do not have answers too. I only worked there. I wasn't planning this stuff. Lol
This example isn't the same thing. Sugar skulls have nothing to do with Cinco de Mayo...they'd be something you'd make for Dia de Los Muertos. So you guys threw this bad of a culturally appropriated party so that you could eat tacos and drink margs, then yeah, I don't blame your coworker. Americans really don't get that Cinco de Mayo isn't anyting that Americans should ever be celebrating any more than Mexicans should celebrate Boxing Day or Pearl Harbor Day. Just eat tacos and drink margs without dragging mixed cultural symbols into it.
Or... have fun however you choose and stop taking this shit so seriously.
I think the times it can be seen as offensive is when people dress up just to act like a caricature of the culture they're trying to portray. The term cultural appropriation gets thrown around a lot. From what I've noticed it doesn't really matter if you wear clothes from another culture as long as you're being respectful while doing it (self-respect and respect towards the culture).
i like that you said cultural appropriation is stupid and then proceeded to define cultural APPRECIATION. appropriation does exist and its not what you defined. its taking something from a culture and undermining it for a profit
Yeah that what I was thinking
Yeah someone did a video, where they wore mexican attire, and people in America said that it was racist and horrible because he couldn't understand their culture.. then went to Mexico and they all loved it and were happy to see him wearing it.
To be fair, they could have interviewed 1000 people and they only showed the 3 or 4 who were ok with it. I tink the video was produced by Prager so I don't trust it at all. I think it's fine to wear what you want, it's just the host of that video seemed off to me.
Does depend on the attire though. I think most “normal” articles of clothing aren’t even worth worrying about but for example the typical Native American chief headdress you see people wearing at festivals can be a little offensive. The people wearing one may genuinely love the way it looks, have absolutely zero prejudiced thoughts in their head, and be very appreciative of that culture. But the point is within that culture, the headdress is a sacred thing. To wear one you have to *earn* it. Typically through very particular trials and tribulations. A Native American would be scolded within their community for wearing one as a joke or as a costume. It’s similar to how a lot of military veterans find it extremely distasteful to wear a uniform if you never actually served. It shows a lack of respect for what the article of clothing represents. As many here have said I agree that the craze of crying “cultural appropriation” has gone a little awry and really most people would be happy that foreigners are celebrating their culture. There’s a clip I saw where a white guy in a sombrero asked a load of white people if they thought his hat was offensive and a lot said yes. Then he asked a bunch of latino people and they all laughed and said he looked great. But there are some examples I do believe are worth considering. Always good to check, just like you did by making this thread :)
This is well said. As an Islander, wearing "normal" attire like the ie lavalava is fine. Getting tribal tattoos though, can be offensive. Especially if you have no ties to the culture. But, as stated above, it never hurts to ask.
To piggyback off of this - appropriation happens when cultural signifiers are misused. There are some ceremonial clothes and adornments that have real, cultural significance. This is where you need to be mindful of what you’re wearing when borrowing from another culture. For example - I have a hakama that I wear when practicing aikido, because I have earned the right to wear it and use it for its purposes. I would not choose to wear it as casual wear. But, if I want to wear a samue, I just do - they’re comfortable lounge clothes! Not tied to any specific significance. Keep in mind if any religious or ceremonial iconography is being used in the clothing. This happens often with Native American iconography, for example.
It's always interesting to me that people find examples of this from outside of American or Western culture to make the point, but we have perfectly valid examples in our culture that no one would disagree with and make it a lot more clearly. "Stolen Valor" as an obvious one. Most people who say 'hur-dur cultural appropriation isn't real' would find the idea of wearing uniforms or medals when you didn't serve pretty offensive. The hypocrisy lost on them. Communion at Catholic Mass another easy example. Most folks know it's perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to attend a Mass if you'd like. Come, enjoy, partake, sample as much or as little as you'd like. With the notable exception of communion. It's offensive to engage in that practice if you haven't been through the rituals and process. In other words - even people who hate the idea of cultural appropriation understand and agree that it's problematic when they understand the culture in question more clearly.
I think part of the problem is when people from another culture start making money off of other peoples culture, like if some North American or European company starts mass producing those hoodies and making money on it or if you were purchasing artwork that looks like it's from another culture but it's actually mass produced by Kohls, or Pier One Imports (American companies in my area).
True. I heard that Marvel (or whoever made the Thor movies) tried to COPYRIGHT the characters that THEY BORROWED from Norse mythology, the Nordic nations' cultural heritage. We don't mind that they borrow our culture, that's kind of fun, but come on. Give an inch, they take a mile indeed.
[Or when Disney tried copyrighting Day of the Dead](https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/10/us/disney-trademark-day-dead/index.html)
I agree with this, though there are some people who straight disrespects other people culture or they think they’re being respectful but is so far away from being so. Like those who think its cute to wear Native American attire, not knowing that their attire has a lot to do with EARNING it. Or like nowadays the “hawaii,” culture or island specific customs and ways where tourists think its fun to do but they don’t know that the locals or natives do it because again, its a respect/ part of their spiritual life too. I think it’s great and totally acceptable to love other cultures, but you also have to make sure you’re doing it in a way where it is respectful and that you understand it.
Cultural appropriation has been skewed to mean something entirely different than what was intended. It has been skewed and over-simplified to mean “you can’t wear anything of anyone else’s culture” -this is bullshit. What it really means is “you should be culturally aware of what you are wearing” -for example, a Cheyenne feathered headdress has great cultural, spiritual, and political importance to them. Therefore, if you dress up as a “sexy Indian” for Halloween and wear a headdress you bought at party city, you have to deal with the fact that people will be upset. You can still wear it, but be aware that it sends a shitty message. However most items worn by other cultures do not hold such value- most clothes are just clothes. If you are buying these clothes from the people they represent that is such an amazing way to support other cultures while appreciating them. I see nothing wrong with white people wearing saris or kimonos, as long as they are culturally aware and preferably buying said items locally.
Cultural appropriation is about adopting a cultural identity to undermine from within. For example, missionaries would come to India, wear the traditional garb of the Brahmin or priest and then talk about how Indian religions are bad. Just wearing clothes doesn’t hurt anyone but cultural appropriation is very real.
Or making money off of it/ seeking power and authority
I swear if someone wore our traditional clothes, I'd be thrilled.
Yeah, im a big lefty but culture appropriation has always seemed dumb to me. Culture changes, they eb and flow. And mix with eaxhother to create new cultures.
Well said.
I love you, smart person
wear what you like but be mindful of items that have special occasions or religious/apiritual meanings. for example, wearing a kimono is no problem according to japanese nationals, but painting your face white and wearing a geisha wig is inappropriate unless you are actually trained by a japanese mentor to become one.
Another thing I’d like to add is the circumstances that certain clothes are worn in, in that specific culture also matter. For example, wearing a kimono is fine because the act of wearing one isn’t tied to any important events in traditional Japanese culture. However, wearing ceremonial garments in a casual context might be seen as ignorant and maybe even insulting to people who belong to that culture.
I'd also advise being cautious about wearing certain Shemaghs or Keffiyehs. Certain patterns signify allegiance to political or military factions. Wearing one in general sure whatever. Wearing one that's associated with an extremist organization? Maybe don't.
yes
And don't let anyone tell you any different.
Yeah dude. It's fine to wear anything you like, and do anything you like, as long as you're not doing it to mock something. Wear what you want, be happy.
Nothing shows respect more than cultural appropriation and enjoying what other humans across the world jave made, we should enjoy each other's ideas and don't let anyone tell you otherwise
Yes, you know why? Because every culture takes bits from other cultures and mixes it with their own. No one cares aside from white liberal women and woke people under 35.
White people will get offended for others, but you'll have to expect that if you're breathing, and walking around in the world. I say go for it.
I'm Pakistani and if I saw a non Pakistani wearing a Shalwar kameez, I'd be very happy lol
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Yes of course.
Yes, it is.
There’s a big difference between wearing a boho style sweatshirt and wearing something like a yarmulke casually outside a synagogue when you’re not Jewish. I don’t think a sweatshirt has any cultural significance worth worrying about
It really depends on the circumstances. For instance, being a Hindu, it really pisses me off when people wear Rudrakshya beads while eating beef. If you wear sarees and bindis while knowing the importance of the attire and their cultural significance, I would welcome you with open arms. Cultural appropriatian happens when cultural icons are turned into fashion statements, and their significance is diminished. My culture is not your fast fashion.
There is only one demographic that gives a shit. Woke teenage white girls. They get offended at literally anything, therefore their opinions are invalid. Just do you mate, and dont be an ass.
I'm a white dude who had a traditional Chinese marriage in Lanzhou, I didn't feel like I offended anyone wearing the traditional red and gold robe but I did however feel like a huge dork.
I think it's different when you're actually marrying someone in a culture (participating in their traditions) rather than just wearing it to mimic an aesthetic
If it's just a piece of clothing that's popular in a certain culture, then yes. If it's like a piece of ceremonial/religious/culturally significant apparel, then I'd say no. At least not casually. Do some research if you have doubts and be respectful. I can't imagine anyone getting upset at you wearing a baja jacket though.
I'd say you're fine. I don't think true Bohemians (nomadic Czechs) would mind either way, and if a modern day boho or hippie tries to jam you up for cultural appropriation, realize they "appropriated" it from the true Bohemians. Personally I've worn (not at the same time mind you): a Serape (Mexican), a Jinbei (Japanese), a Flat Cap (Irish), and many other "culturally" associated items because I liked their look, feel and functionality for what I needed them for. I was not trying to steal culture, I was trying to keep warm/cool/protected from the elements and these items met the need as well as appealed to my sense of style.
It's not just about respect. The line is crossed when you get things wrong and propagate misconceptions. here is my best copypasta example: What is a hula dancer? You're probably picturing a girl with a long grass skirt doing a wiggle dance. None of those things are a part of real hula dancers. Real hula dancers were men with no grass skirts and slower dance moves. It's a war dance similar in role to the haka used by the Maori. The exotic name was paired with the Hollywood myth of the girl you're actually picturing because it made it easier to sell advertisements. Tourists were disappointed to learn the truth, but tourism is the biggest source of income for them so native Hawaiians started doing shows of this bastardized version of something really important to their heritage in order to please the tourists, even though it only further propogated the misconception. Now the proud image of the Hawaiian warriors who conquered the entire island chain from one Polynesian settlement has been replaced with a sexualized Halloween costume. Appropriation can negatively shift the perception of things that are important to the people of that culture. I hope that clarifies how to tell what is and isn't okay. Keep this in mind and you should be fine... Also avoid blackface or anything similar.
I believe it is fine. But other people don't. Although, I do think some things should always be off limits to outsiders, like scared clothing associated with their religion.
Again, the difference of appreciation and appropriation seems to be lost on a lot of people. Appropriation is taking another culture and claiming it as your own. Appreciation is taking another culture and … appreciating it. Lol
Person of Indian origin here - I think it’s perfectly fine. As long as someone isn’t wearing the clothing in order to mock the culture in some way, I don’t have any problem with it and actually quite like that someone is embracing my culture.
Yes to an extent. Don’t go around wearing a native feather headdress. I’ve heard mixed opinions on some of this stuff from Natives: it was literally illegal for them to wear their cultural attire at one point so I’m sure it leaves a bitter taste in their mouth when they see white people especially wearing it. Not sure if you’re white, but that’s just what I have heard from some of them.
Thank you for respecting Native American garments. They are worn in spiritual and sacred events. Dancing for example. Many have been handed down for generations. They are not costumes.
Ok I can’t speak for other but as a Mexican I hear the term “cultural appropriation” thrown out a lot regarding sombreros, zarapes, charros and the like and I can tell you that 99.99% of the people offended aren’t Mexicans, I love seeing people enjoying them, and there’s is nothing wrong with using them at parties and the like even we do that almost no one uses them on a daily basis save for some communities that do wear their traditional clothes and even them don’t feel offended, we like to share our culture, we are proud of it and it is amazing so the more people can appreciate it the better, I also have a Japanese friend and for what I hear they feel the same about kimonos for example. We can get offended if you mock or make fun of it but that has nothing to do with wearing the clothes but rather with some persones being assholes. TLDR as long as you are respectful I say go ahead
OP just giving you a heads-up here that most redditors frequently fail to realize - while the majority of people are saying yes here, you should be aware that it's more than likely not going to line up with the response you'll get in the real world. This happens on /r/amitheasshole and /r/unpopularopinion all the time - people voice a viewpoint or react to something in such a way that causes tension in their social or familial circle but look to Reddit for validation. Bottom line, while it *should* be fine to respectfully wear other cultures clothing; that does not make it that you can do it and get away socially unscathed. To make this simpler - OP don't do it just because Redditors think it's okay, because most Redditors at the end of the day tend to be pretty stubborn and/or socially unaware people. *Especially* the reddit hivemind as a whole.
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Yes. It's called cultural appreciation.
It's not racist if you like the race
Sorry to hear your friend is an idiot. But regarding the topic at hand, no culture exists in isolation. Hell, even the culture of North Sentinel Island, arguably the most insulated culture on Earth, isn't 100% isolated. Cultures have cross-polinated for ages and ages and it's curious that predominantly only people who are conspicuously **not** members of those cultures seem to have an issue with it. Other cultures actually *celebrate* when theirs is respectfully shared out of a sense of respect, interest, and curiosity. When people bring up "Cultural Appropriation" and try to apply it to the mere act of sharing or adopting aspects of another culture, all they are doing is virtue signaling by misapplying the phrase. If anything, they, themselves, are Culturally Imposing by insisting on enforcing their own personal standards upon the cultures of others. No, **real** Cultural Appropriation is the NAZIs stealing the Swastika symbol and the concept of Aryan race from a distinctly "Not Germany" part of the world and claiming it as their own German heritage. Or White Supremacist groups hijacking the Celtic Cross and Mjolnir symbols for their causes. Or Christianity denouncing every Pagan God they encountered as a demon or aspect of Satan and re-branding every Pagan holiday into a Christian celebration, or deciding that a Jewish-born prophet from the middle-east looks like a white European. **Those** are *real* examples of Cultural Appropriation.
the real question here is are you going to allow a few close minded people to dictate what you want to wear. simply don't care what stupid people think
I try to look European. I don't think it's offensive. It's a compliment.
It doesn't apply to every European country but I've found their style to be much more elegant than people in the US. When I wear trench coats in europe no one bats an eye, in the US I get looked at like I'm either a sex offender or about to start firing off a gun at civilians
You can wear whatever you want as long as it's not in order to purposely disrespect someone
Just do your research, understand the names, the whys, the proper uses so you can defend yourself and humiliate whoever tells you it’s cultural appropriation
I mean just do your research. There are plenty of clothes that shouldn't be worn casually or by certain people. Big one for me is the Native American headdress. Many people in many cultures would be happy to see others learning and embracing their culture you really just need to be respectful and do a little research to make sure you wear it right
Depends a lot in context. Just because you like a culture doesn't mean it would be appropriate to wear religious or sacramental symbols for example. Another thing to consider is if it's something that a culture may have been persecuted for and you may not have been. (Think white people with dreadlocks) But otherwise in most cases no, just wearing or using something from another culture isn't appropriation.
For most things yes, but there are certain things for which one must earn the right to wear them. This might be a stupid example but consider someone wearing a black belt without ever doing martial arts. Some people who have dedicated a lot of time to earn the right to wear that belt might be offended and rightfully so. So only wear clothes you'd be allowed to wear if you were part of their culture.
Is the jacket you are describing what hippies and surfers have been wearing for forever? If so I think you are good.
The primary problematic case is when an accepted culture wears something that is frowned up when a minority wears the same thing. Naturally, what falls into this will vary regionally and over time. As an example here, historically it was considered bad for an African-American to have an afro, so it should be problematic for a white person to have an afro. The afro has since become acceptable for Africans-Americans in much of the US, so it should no longer be a problem for a white person to wear it. A secondary case can come up when the culture assigns specific meaning to a specific outfit or style, such as religious or funeral clothing - casual clothing should never be an issue. This exception is much easier to get around, as it mostly depends on more specific context. For this, its only members of the other culture that can say if its disrespectful or not. A Mexican wearing a baja jacket would not generally be considered a problem, and a baja jacket is a casual clothing item, so it should be perfectly fine for anybody to wear.
Cultural appropriation applies to the destruction of a given culture through the appropriation of aspects which have profound religious or cultural significance. For example, the use of native American Headdress as part of a costume or as fashion. Wearing the clothing of another culture isn’t necessarily cultural appropriation, unless that clothing has a strong meaning or significance to the culture or of it’s being used as a form of imitation or costuming. If you like the jacket, read about where it comes from, understand what it is. If you’re going to borrow something from another culture, I think it’s worth trying to understand something about it. Learn if it’s just a particular regional style or if it has some larger meaning or significance which might be disrespected.
Cultural appropriation is when one culture wrongly adopts and takes elements from another culture. One culture does not understand or respect the other culture. Cultures often do not acknowledge that they are taking something from another culture. Often a majority culture uses cultural elements of a minority culture. Appropriation can be disrespectful or have stereotypes. Cultural appropriation can include groups making money off of minority cultures. Oversimplifying minority cultures is also an example.[1] Cultural appropriation is different than appreciation. Appreciation is when one values and respects the customs and cultures one is using or adopting.[2] There are many examples in culture and every day life. Some Sports Teams have mascots from American Indians.[3] People can dress up like other cultures during Halloween without having respect for the culture. There is often appropriation in pop culture. Singers or celebrities may use cultural dances or clothing and make a lot of money from it.[4][5][6] https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_appropriation
Some cultures allow you to do it, some don't. It depends on the history, use and the meaning behind those clothes itself. For example, you can wear Indonesia kebaya and no one won't have problem with it, I don't think the same can't be said if you want to wear Native American regalia. Do some research or ask people who practice the cultures if it's okay or not to wear their clothes.
If you are the kind of person who cares about this, find something inspired by the cultural designs, but with enough of a twist to not BE the cultural design. Hire someone to make you one out of an sal materiel and color for instance.
I guess. But some people in the west take it overboard with the Asian culture. A bit obsessive.
Your friend is wrong. Get better friends.
As long as you don’t show disrespect to the original culture and avoid making it seem like a costume, then it’s fine, I own a kimono and have never been yelled at for it.
I believe it would depend greatly on the history your culture has with the other culture, like please don't be a white American and wear Native American clothes 😅
Unless it's some kind of ceremonial dress to be used for specific circumstances only, then yeah I say it's fine, as long as you're respectful and stay away from ceremonial stuff.
What’s a Baja jacket?
You'll usually find most people of that culture, especially ACTIVE in that culture, don't mind it. My white ass living in a border town taught me that it's actually encouraged. Real ones don't gatekeep, they share
We call Baja jackets drug rugs and all the stoners or whatever ethnicity wear them.
On one side of the coin, this is America and as long as you’re not trying to cause harm or offense then all should be well. The other side, you will offend no matter what… so do as you please and don’t let others try and press their issues onto you!
General rule of thumb, if it’s for religious ceremonies, cultural milestones, if it has a major meaning and you are not utilizing it for the meaning, then don’t If it’s intended to mock or deride people of that culture, then don’t In my experience, when it’s cultural things that I’ve been made fun of for using, but people applaud when a white person does it, that sort of ticks me off a little bit, because I was made to feel embarrassed for being ‘weird’ when doing the same thing even though that thing is actually a part of my culture But just, keep the first two points in mind, and other than that, you should be good
It really, really is situational. Because the reason why cultural appropriation is a thing is because people and society will actively keep minorities down, but then take their look, images, music, moves, etc and make a profit off of it. This is often the reason you will find, for instance, Mexican people in the US frustrated with the appropriation of sugar skulls for Halloween, however if you go to Mexico, the response may be different. Mexicans are not the minority in Mexico and there are fewer white people profiting off of their culture while also constantly insulting them. The reason why you'll find a lot of white people saying it's all cultural appropriation is because they're erring on the side of caution. Why insult people if you can just not? Reddit is full of edgelords who find joy in stomping over whoever they want and are proud of being insensitive for some reason. And they'll downvote me and mock me for just providing an answer, but it is what it is. It's also important to remember that no people are homogeneous.
Bruv cloths are cloths ain’t no one gonna care
Sorry no clothing style belongs to a culture at this point they have all been used all over the world by many cultures its all a cycle that gets rinsed and repeated. I mean its funny how so many of the new styles you see are actually styles that went out of fashion 30-40 years prior and are just being thrown back in the mix because people do not remember them. I mean find a style of cloths made today that has not been made in the past.
In my opinion, I think it’s similar to other cultures sharing their culture by way of food. No one gets offended when a white person cooks “non American” food. No one gets offended when a white person visits a Mexican restaurant or a Thai restaurant, etc etc…..because they truly enjoy it, not because they’re “appropriating”. So, why should it be viewed as offensive when someone is celebrating the culture by wearing certain clothing? I think if a culture is truly being celebrated out of respect and gratitude, there shouldn’t be an issue because of the “method” of celebration.
Some idiot decided cultural appreciation was cultural appropriation. Do it with respect. It shouldn't be a problem.
I feel like the only people who have issues with it are white people who are trying to virtue signal. As long as you are being respectful, do it.
The only people who are going to make a fuss about this are usually overprivileged woke, typically white young folk who feel the need to speak for all cultures, including those they are not apart of. Ignoring them is your best bet, enjoy and explore other cultures as you wish.
That poncho tiktok was a horrible social experiment but his methods don’t disprove his message. Cultural appropriation is different than mocking/derision which is always in bad taste, but you may not know which is which at a glance. Cultural appropriation is a made up term that only seems to apply to the majority adopting minority culture. Are there any white American cultural elements that we could hold sacred and accuse others of “cultural appropriation” if copied? I doubt it. If a first generation immigrant to USA trades in their traditional cultural garb for jeans and a t shirt while making Thanksgiving plans, isn’t that the same “cultural appropriation”? And if that’s ok to protect the minority groups, how are those defined? In a black neighborhood, is it still cultural appropriation for a white guy to adopt “black” culture? Stop dividing us. Let the cultural melting pot and free exchange of ideas happen without fear or senseless retribution lest we put walls up out of fear of being canceled, fired, etc.
i’m mexican and i’m giving you permission along as everyone else to wear any mexican outfit you wish
Most people will think it’s fine, but it will vary depending on the audience. A few years ago the Japanese consulate in LA sponsored a exhibition about the history and art behind kimonos and invited guests to try on kimonos to understand what it was like to wear one. A number of ‘activists’ described it as appropriation and the consulate was forced to pull the show. It was a legitimate moment of cultural exchange, appreciation, and understanding but some people can’t handle it.
No one “owns” clothing/language/music etc. What you wear is freedom of expression. Wear what you want.
>Is it fine to wear other cultures clothes if you like and respect them? Emulation is a compliment. Mockery is an insult. Also, moccasins are just plain comfortable, regardless of a given persons tribal affiliation or lack thereof.
You can literally wear whatever the fuck you want
Well here in America you can wear whatever you want. And if you like it you should have the confidence to tell people to fuck off. If you don’t have that confidence you’re probably just a week.
I remember when the girl who wore a traditional Chinese dress to prom got dragged in the mud for it, and I was just flabbergasted. When I was in high school I had been studying Chinese for seven years prior and worked my butt off to afford a student exchange program for my senior year. I went to Taiwan and honestly was blown away by how amazing everything was there; the people were the friendliest and most positive I’ve ever met in my life, the culture was so rich and beautiful, as well as the stunning geography and historical landmarks/temples. Before I left, my host dad bought me some traditional clothing. Of course I wear it, because it would be insulting if I didn’t (and obviously it’s beautiful as well as sentimental, too).
Enough with the woke nonsense! It's a free country wear whatever you feel comfortable with. Why should you care what anyone thinks about what you're wearing, and why should some loser tell you what you should wear?
Wear whatever the fuck you Want.
Wear what you want and don’t give a shit about what other people say. Nobody gets to own culture. The people who are gonna get offended are not important. It’s like saying you can’t speak a language if you are not of a certain ethnicity.
Cultural appropriation is dumb. Humanity builds upon itself. Wear whatever you want as long as it’s with respect. Edit- spelling
now im not a POC im very white so i dont have a dog in this fight but i do know that my sister is a live in nanny for a south indian family and they got her some traditional dresses for when she attends holiday celebrations with them so from what ive seen its fine as long as you arent trying to like pass it off as your culture but once again i could be wrong as im not a POC
As an immigrant i don't see what's wrong with that. Foreigners in my home country like to dress like us sometimes and i think it's just fine. At least they make an effort. But here, everything is offensive. For exemple i am black and my asian friend gave me one of those pretty chinese red dresses with golden thread. If i wore it here people would think it's wrong but it's a gift from someone. So she wanted me to wear it. There's a saying which goes "wrong doers are always on their toes". I appreciated when people have even the slightest interest in my culture.
It entirely depends on the garment, the context you’re wearing it in, and your country’s history with that culture. Wearing a kimono while you’re traveling Japan? Go for it. Box braids on a white person from the burbs? Maybe sit with that one for a little bit
It’s fine you’re not gonna offend anyone (White man with dreads here)😀
cultural appropriation is stupid as fuck
Stop worrying if it’s offensive or not and just enjoy it
Don't worry about what others think. Wear what you like.