Cultural Appropriation: Whose problem is it? BBC Stories

[@ksc7957]

As a greek, I am deeply offended the West use democracy.

[@induslove]

A better example would be if the Turks were to colonize Greece and then every year during the celebration of their victory they wear foustanella and drink Uzo . That is the dynamic that a lot of the cultures have to put up with

[@l.awaller1852]

Haha right. Or any country for that matter. And don't get me started on people wearing clothes that isn't part of their heritage. Like, go back to wearing animal skins because im offended

[@edelchen8112]

this was a good one

[@jdaws4896]

Yes, well said. As a part Scot l find anyone none Scottish drinking iron bru very offensive

[@AlSidre]

Don't worry it won't last at least bot with these idiots on the left

[@xPoemi]

I personally can't relate to cultural appropriation. I'm from Germany and every time in october, millions of people around the world are putting on "Lederhosen" or "Dirndl" to celebrate the "Oktoberfest". I think it is really cool that people take part in such a traditional event from my home country!

[@ChantieMars]

Germans aren't being discriminated for wearing Lederhosen or Dirndls though. It's just not a fitting comparison, whereas BIPOC have been discriminated for example wearing their hair in braids (being called "ghetto" or even fired from work or suspended from school), when it's a protective hairstyle for their type of hair. But when white people do the same thing, they're being praised for looking beautiful or having great style.

[@ChantieMars]

Morgoth Can you elaborate?

[@andrewdavid5928]

Germany is a beautiful country and very friendly people. One of the best meals I've ever had was in Rüdesheim & I continue to be a brat-kraut-potato salad eating German beer drinker to this day

[@Idkaboutyou444]

This is appreciation 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@Idkaboutyou444]

You shoul learn the difference between appreciation and appropriation 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@artman7780]

I am Indian, and I must say I love it when people of other cultures and races wear Indian clothes. It looks fabulous and we appreciate that other people would like to experience our culture. My opinion is also shared by the majority of ordinary Indians, except those who are hard-leftists or some westernized immigrants.

[@veronicacorningstone8059]

thank you! some common sense here

[@ArkMantony]

I'm white and wish I could rock a Kurta

[@kk-fl4pb]

Do you live in India now, or grew up there?

[@mokiloke]

Exactly, all the people here are celebrating the culture, not doing it in a negative way.

[@sharpaycutie2]

Thank You😍

[@CarminaTunes]

My heritage doesn’t define my life

[@TheMoon12390]

It shouldn't, same with sexuality. SJW'S are identity extremists like hitler was. Identity politics is asinine.

[@TheMoon12390]

@Alex Meggoe then explain why and come up with a better comparison.

[@aizenbaek3063]

I laugh when woketards try to attack my religion Islamic ... Islamic isn't a culture it's a religion I'm Eastern Asian as well and culture appropriation is fake I laugh at woketards trying to be culture elitists.

[@mattmccullough1093]

Aman.

[@notarealpersonF]

The argument is a waste of time. Why should we give a damn as to what culture our clothes originate. Surely the same points could be made about anything cultural, including language, technology, music, or even food. Nonsense.

[@rachelj4741]

I think a very basic difference everyone can respect is how revered the item is. Are we talking a sun hat that everyone in the culture wears or a Native headdress that is so special only a few people in the culture are allowed to wear it?

[@222o-u3t]

@@rachelj4741 Ngl at some point, mere _colours_ were viewed to only be worn by a "special select few", namely religious leaders and royals. As long as you're not wearing the item to mock the culture, i.e blackface or dressing up as a poor-man's geisha as a "exotic" sex symbol (that's absolutely not what geishas are about btw) *then* that's racist. No, not "appropriating". We ain't using these weak ass words. It's *racist and offensive.*

[@licornebleu5902]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3mnYY2ChamFrq8

[@sunnyflower9011]

@@222o-u3t Also, when someone steal a cultural item and tries to brand it as their own (like many people had pointed out), then that person is simply a disrespectful 'scammer'. Overuse of term "cultural appropriation" has only created more confusion, imo.

[@maxisussex]

@@rachelj4741 If they want to revere a hat that is their choice. I am not an Indian, I don't revere it and I will wear one if I want to.

[@lilolmejusayin8671]

It’s a fake “problem.” Culture is always a collective process. As long as one adopts a particular aspect of a culture, respectfully, it’s fine to me. It furthers the spreading of ideas, approaches to life. We have this problem in the Creole and Cajun cultures. People moving into our culture from outside then trying to tell us what our own customs and history mean to us and trying to change it to fit their outside culture. A question I have is how do you perceive the mixing of cultures and their off spring? Are they appropriating one of their parents culture? So in reality everyone has appropriated some parts of other cultures. That’s how civilization builds, grows, and expands. We’d all still be a bunch of small tribes if not for “appropriating” the Greco Roman model of structuring ourselves. So EVERY person and culture has appropriated to some degree from another. All this “butt hurt” comes from people who wish to micromanage others for a power trip reason. Culture is not one thing you wear or eat and “appropriating” it isn’t either. It’s a total way of living your life and how you mentally and spiritually approach life. It’s centered around the climate and geography as well. Just appreciate one another and stop trying to micromanage.

[@rachelj4741]

Yes and no. The bindi has a religious/significant meaning to Indians. Yet, in the above video, an English Indian, claims to have been consistently mocked or derided for wearing it. To see representatives of the race who oppressed her people in India in the past and who mocked her specifically, wearing the bindi, must be aggravating. White people can wear a significant part of her cultural identity for fun and be accepted, but she, a part of that heritage, can't? Of course it's highly unlikely that the people in the video would be the type to mock her or make her feel different or less than for honoring her culture, but a modicum of sensitivity would be nice. The man wearing the Indian coat - I'm not sure that's an issue of appropriation. I don't know if it has any specific meaning, such as a wedding outfit, and he did ask a friend. That raises another issue. To one of a race, it's appropriation, while to another, it's appreciation. It's very confusing. As for the Native American headdress, I know of many objections to wearing that highly revered symbol of their culture. If she had researched it, if she truly appreciated the culture, she wouldn't have worn it. The headdress isn't a fashion item, it's a significant cultural piece that most Native Americans never wear.

[@mokiloke]

@@rachelj4741 Noone has said she cant wear a bindi, she should just do it and own it. Is it offensive for a non-european person to get dressed as a priest, a knight, the pope, a white wedding dress, a kilt? I personally think not. Sure some people are always going to be a bit sensitive, but thats the world we live in where culture develops by sharing and influencing. I only find it offensive if its intent is negative.

[@mokiloke]

@Alex Meggoe enlighten us

[@sheila3348]

“Culture” is literally an evolving concept, and it’s normal for cultural features to be transferred horizontally. I think it’s hypocritical to sit on a high horse of being the victim of cultural appropriation when all cultures have appropriated.

[@TheLily97232]

Culture mixing up is not always and mostly not the fact of loving sharing of cultures in history. It's cute to think that way but most of the time it comes from actual colonizers making fun or stealing from "exotic cultures" from their egocentric views of others. It is changing just now but the same mindset is there

[@sheila3348]

@@TheLily97232 I would argue that the concept of colonial appropriation is actually due to the greater visibility of western culture, both within western countries and abroad. Every culture that has come into contact with another culture engages in shallow and/or misguided replication and some form of exoticism, but not every country puts out as much media as western countries that may showcase that. Additionally, western media tends to be consumed on a more international scale than media from other countries, and not as much the other way around. Thus, something like Mulan may offend China, but a Chinese equivalent wouldn’t be as accessible to western audiences and would likely go unnoticed. I don’t think every representation of a culture is tactful, but I also don’t think every misrepresentation is malicious. And I think that the notion of colonial appropriation is a construct resulting from a very western-centric mindset and a failure to consume non-western media or meaningfully engage with non-western cultures.

[@sheila3348]

@@TheLily97232 Additionally, when westerners try to play the hero and defend other cultures that aren’t asking to be defended, it’s infantilizing, which is sort of a colonialist thing to do.

[@sheila3348]

@Keonna I do tend to approach unquantifiable social topics subjectively, yes. In cases like these, one can only state their opinion or state someone else’s.

[@DarkAngel2512]

@@TheLily97232 name one thing that was culturally colonised that is an issue today. Peoppe complain about canerow but that wasnt culturally colonised.

[@MrMentalz2]

Im British and of east African ancestry and I love when people of other backgrounds want to rock traditional clothes or other stuff from East African culture it's cool! What's wrong with appreciating other cultures 😤. We should be coming together not bickering over silly things like this.

[@222o-u3t]

I agree. I wouldn't dream of denying anyone to feel like a queen in a Krakowianka dress, and in fact I encourage people to demystify or engage in my slavic culture as much as I can, as long as it's not mocking it I see no problem.

[@buzzzybee6983]

Yeah it is fine if they don't try to steal it and rename it as theirs.

[@hansolavrkkennordland9534]

Amen!

[@dgtor_official]

While I disagree with the last sentence, you are right! There is a boa lance between honoring and mocking. For instance, if someone duck taped a CD to their mouth and claimed they were honoring an African tribe, that would be mockery. If somebody wore a Masai beaded collar, that would be honoring. Love your comment, but be open minded to the other side’s arguments.

[@Kashi86]

Let's use this simple example - plagiarism.. You've been studying towards your PhD for the last 7 years. I come a long and take ownership of all your work, get the praise and appreciation from it, and look at you like you're crazy, and the one with the problem. You can appreciate ones culture and traditions by not disrespecting those who've have cultural ties to what ever it is one is appropriating. I saw a few girls going to the festival in Native American wear?? If it's not a Native American festival, why would you wear their head gear?? Is Native traditional wear deemed fancy dress??? Another example was Kim Kardashian saying that she recreated the "boxer braids" when Africans were styling (cornrow/cainrow) their hair like that for centuries before..Even after bring presented with the facts, she's still believes she created the hair style.. Is that okay?? What is British Culture????

[@0ld_Scratch]

I wear what I want and cut the hair the way I want, if you hate me for that then so be it.

[@maxcovfefe]

This is a very nuanced topic. I live in the USA, I'm white, and sometimes I see Native Americans selling jewelry and even headdresses or shoes, belts, etc... So it's beautiful! I mean really stunning. It also supports local tribes, and I DO know which tribes. But here's the thing: I don't wanna just buy it if I can't wear it without being viewed as a racist. If I buy it from their shops and go elsewhere, no one knows me. Some just ASSUME cultural appropriation without even asking. Then next time I see a tribe's shop I'm less likely to buy their stuff if I've been accused of racism for wearing it.

[@sf3731]

Just do it. You have heard arguments. These people only want to be special and unique. I am German and i would not even be offended if someone would go to carnival wearing leather pants and having sausages around their neck. I wouldnt give a shit.

[@dgtor_official]

While I cannot agree with your argument, I agree with Max wearing this early items. SJWs often don’t take the time to stop and think before they call things out. There is no issue since you are respecting and supporting NA cultures. Go for it!

[@franzferdinand2389]

It is not a nuanced topic at all, its a non-issue brought up by some retarded people.

[@sprinkhole58]

This is pure ignorance and victim culture on full display. GROW UP. Y'all really have nothing else to complain about? WELL, SEEMS LIKE YOU'RE JUST A BUNCH OF PNSSIES.

[@NeonCicada]

dude, it's mostly older people they sell their jewellery and they do it because they're struggling to pay for the basic things that they NEED. They have no other option BUT to sell their cultural goods to white people like you. Even the people from tribes that have casinos are not rich by any means. They don't get that money. You might want to check your privilege (because it's showing bad)

[@imasillypiggy]

So should black people not be allowed to wear white clothes? I didn't realize being pro segregation was the "in" thing now.

[@realeyesrealisereallies6195]

White coloured clothes, or what are you talking about?

[@imasillypiggy]

You might be saying this ironically but sadly a lot of people actually think this. Because you know, Europe isn't known for culture or anything.

[@veronicacorningstone8059]

Jenny Baxter yet entire world bathes in white culture, from clothing, technology, art, music etc. its everywhere in the world, acting as a background as its so commonised by now.

[@warren1964able]

Not every black people, people from Carribbean and America and some part of Africa were beaten out of our culture and name and make us into European culture

[@veronicacorningstone8059]

Jenny Baxter us wanting to be opressed was never the thing. its your kind more likely, judging by your logic.

[@teresc3181]

I personally think that the difference between Appropriation and Appreciation is the presence of ignorance. I think that it's important that the person "appreciating" that particular "element" of a culture should at least be aware of it's meaning and significance, if any. The thing that we need to understand and respect when it comes to cultures is that, it's difficult if not impossible, to judge which culture is "right or wrong". Having said that, the "victims" in this should understand that those "outsiders" meant nothing wrong because it's just "fun" or "fashion" for their culture. At the same time, the "outsiders" should also understand that their actions can be offensive to those cultures. By the end of the day, I think it's important that we communicate our concerns, and just respect one another :D

[@evasetina1529]

One does not have to know everything about African culture in order to wear braids in their hair though. People have braided their hair for centuries, and they were not just African Americans. Also, if a black person decides to dye their hair blonde, they do not have to appreciate the fact that Nordic peoples have blonde hair. Everyone should be able to look the way they want to, considering they are not insulting or disrespecting other cultures.

[@DarkAngel2512]

Appropriation means to assimilate or copy. Nothing more. Check the synonyms. And you cannot offend a whole cultural group. Plenty wont mind. Its subjective.

[@DarkAngel2512]

@@evasetina1529 blacks dont know the history of the hair either. I wear canerow and none of my mates told me to know the history and many blacks cant even canerow their hair.

[@druvjuice6906]

Okay, if there was an African festival and you decided to go there and wear a traditional piece of Cameroonian/ Tanzanian/Nigerian/Egyptian clothing I would honestly appreciate it. As someone who is half African I like when people accolage all the different cultures in Africa and as long as you doesn’t mock the culture. It is 100% okay

[@cottonclouds]

Yeah i feel like that's what people don't understand. There's a difference between actively immersing yourself in a culture and wanting to take part in what people of that culture are willing to share versus taking aspects of a culture, removing them from their original contexts and claiming them as your own form of self-expression without giving credit

[@quietatse]

As a mixed person you have no authority on African culture, it's not yours to give away.

[@BirdCage-cj2uq]

I think poeple are totally missing the point. Being respectful when visiting a country and wearing a garment that would be considered respectful is one thing. What I am talking about, is how about a white dance troupe claiming to be doing traditional Camaroon dances and performing, in a mostly white area as a legitimate dance troupe? (I literally witnessed this unbeleivable situation.!). They were claiming to be doing West African dances. Come to find out, the blonde leading them family were Apartheid Afrikaans, who oppressed the African people with Apartheid. This came out and they never performed again. Now what do you think? Because that actually happens all the time!!

[@kevinkibble8342]

@@cottonclouds Name me one example of a white person taking something from another culture and claiming they invented it. Oh wait, you can't, you just read someone on Twitter say this has happened and believed it, like the NPC you are.

[@kevinkibble8342]

@@BirdCage-cj2uq So they thought an idea up and decided to give credit to another culture? What are you whining about exactly? I'm gonna make a cheese sandwich and claim the Japanese invented it just to make you cry.

[@刘晓-e4s]

one word for these guys:over-sensitive

[@keahililia8208]

Agreed

[@eloisanzara237]

As an asian. YOU ARE FREE TO DRESS AS A RICE FARMER WOOHOO LETS GO

[@veronicacorningstone8059]

next time you wear a pair of jeans you must make sure you are aware of their heritage and struggle of people that wore them

[@222o-u3t]

There are actually people who died of circulation loss due to skinny jeans. Look at all these non-white people ridiculing them for their struggle to fit in with western white society! What misogynistic racist homophobes! If y'all can't see the sarcasm in this, y'all are part of the problem. End this bullshit now. Cultures are never 'pure', they always ""stole"" from other cultures. Every culture has a violent and bloody history at some point - some more than others - however modern people are not to blame for the actions of their ancestors they would never have wanted. This is right wing-levels of cultural ideology. Stop. Sincerely, a non-English European.

[@preetsrivastava7970]

yes please do your research, where the first jeans were made, what happens to people that are making them, and how they are affecting the environment.

[@dgtor_official]

Easy. Jeans were originally made by German businessman Levi Strauss during the gold rush. This was in order to solve the problem of gold tearing through the cloth trousers that gold miners wore. The original jeans actually had metal rivets in them. Americans don’t wear those anymore, but a Japanese craftsman is actually practicing how to make the original. That is appreciation. There was not any real struggle behind those jeans. Sincerely, a non-white American

[@feldmarescialloduda]

@@dgtor_official WROOOONG, c’mon dude you want look smart using Wikipedia... and make a huge mistake anyway, let me show you: “Research on the trade of jean fabric shows that it emerged in the cities of Genoa, Italy, and Nîmes, France. Gênes, the French word for Genoa, may be the origin of the word "jeans". In Nîmes, weavers tried to reproduce jean fabric but instead developed a similar twill fabric that became known as denim, "de Nîmes" , meaning "from Nîmes". Genoa's jean fabric was a fustian textile of "medium quality and of reasonable cost", very similar to cotton corduroy for which Genoa was famous, and was "used for work clothes in general". The Genoese navy equipped its sailors with jeans, as they needed a fabric which could be worn wet or dry.[4][5] Nîmes's "denim" was coarser, considered higher quality, and was used "for over garments such as smocks or overalls"

[@dgtor_official]

@@feldmarescialloduda my brother in Christ, you’re replying to a comment written three years ago on a highly irrelevant video

[@franzferdinand2389]

"No." That's how you respond to someone asking you if its an implant. If you want to sound smart, which I do not recommend as you clearly aren't, you can also extend the response to "No, it is not an implant".

[@clementcolin4262]

It's funny how this black women paid so much attention in wearing only african clothes for this interview :) Unfortunately she couldn't get rid of her egyptian tatoo lmao I think bbc spotted that given the several close ups on it. Is she fully understanding ancient Egyptian culture or did she just do it because il looks cool ?

[@gkm1361]

Theres a thing called freedom. Free to wear what you want and express yourself how you want as long as your not physically harming anyone. This is so beyond ridiculous if only they could see how much they have copied as well.

[@IcebulletZ]

I love when people wear traditional celtic styles, play our music and take an interest. It's flattering, it shows they enjoy it and take an intrest. It's not like they're deliberately being racist with it. Take a moment to educate them on how it's significant to you and then leave them alone with that knowledge.

[@Dragonfire7777777]

I think part of the problem is that the "natives" shouldn't be the ones "doing the educating". If people genuinely and truly wish to "embrace another's culture", it is they who should be educating themselves before doing so. The main problem is, indigenous/native people have been persecuted, bullied and mocked (and still are) when they wear their own cultural attire, but "coz it's festival cool" others get away with it...which is not cool!👎

[@madisonmckinley5171]

Hey Jayce, I believe you make a valid point about the flattering point of view when it comes to one taking interest in a culture that they are unfamiliar with. The enjoyment that stems from the experience gained when indulging in a culture's music, food, language, clothing, and so on, shouldn't be shameful but embraced if that person is willing to take the right steps to learning and appreciating these experiences. Although I do not agree that it is the job of a person from a culture to educate someone who is not a part of that culture. I believe if you plan on wearing garments that belong to someone else's culture, there should be a valid reason why, which should sound educated, and sincere if being asked by someone who may feel curious or offended. I think the problem with these music festivals that are shown in the video, is that people automatically feel like they have a free pass to dress how they want because they are in an environment that promotes freedom and self expression. The ideals behind that concept are a positive outlook, but at the same time it damages the awareness of what is cultural appropriation vs. appreciation. I would be shocked to see a non native person dressed in native clothing on a normal day, but to see a non native person dressed in native clothing at a festival would be less shocking to me.

[@DarkAngel2512]

@@Dragonfire7777777 why do I need to educate myself on canerow when black people dont? I do what they do yet get attacked for mimicking how they rep their own culture. White people have been discriminated for wearing canerow and as for wearing it to look cool black people also do it for this reason.. so its exactly the same.

[@jjackomin]

Celtic culture is amazing. Ever read about Cuchulain or Finn McCool? Or read the Mabinogian?

[@Ys-uv3zq]

As a breton I can confirm that i would be very happy if people showed more interess in our culture. Because here only natives who are introduced to celtic circles will wear the traditional dress so yayyy no cultural appropriation ! but our culture is dying congrats ! But i guess it's not the same thing because the colour of skin seem more important than anything else in the mind of people who are offended by cultural appropriation : \

[@ontaka5997]

And the BBC is making a headline where Justin Trudeau dressed up as Aladdin, wearing blackface at a fancy dress party nearly 20 years ago.

[@W..949]

Can non European people stop wearing suits, please and thank you.

[@rawaserwan5463]

Anirudh Anil please Europeans don’t force you to wear suits

[@anirudh4309]

@@rawaserwan5463 When the French and British colonised much of Canada, and the Brits in Australia- they systemically stripped the younger generations of Aboriginal people of their cultural attire and identity by FORCING THEM to attend boarding schools, where they were made to cut their hair and wear European attire ie. formal suit, pantsuits, frocks. Theres an entire Al Jazeera documentary on it and sufficient reading material online which shows how the natives, aborigines and islanders of nearly all the places, occupied by European powers were culturally demeaned and forced to wear, eat, talk and behave in manners, which were apparently measures to civilise them.

[@lenox3553]

Anirudh Anil in the past yes but now day nobody can forced any culture to wear, eat, talk and behave in manners, which were apparently measures to civilise them even for european looks at arabs their royal family, leaders, CEO of company still wear their traditional clothes in official and state events in my country state leaders also like to wear traditional clothes (I'm not white man i'm from Indonesia) and for me never get offended if foreigner want to wear our traditional clothes

[@anirudh4309]

@@lenox3553 Lenox Lenox I understand your opinion and respect it. It is important and wise to introspect on our history and learn from it. On that account, there are several people who have and still are going through political repression and persecution, sometimes paying an immense price for it. For the oppressed, like us, plucking any aspect of our cultural identity, and using it as a fashion statement/memento/centrepiece for decoration, while so many still undergo the same torture (people of African origins, Indians, the Pacific Islander people, Native Americans) who have had a huge part of our values and cultures, downtrodden upon, find it unjust that those who colonised us, "appropriate" deeply traditional aspects of our culture, then "parades" them around, as a supposedly, minor superficial fashion statement. This discussion neednt be required if the same people, helped advance the persecuted communities for the betterment of the people, but very rarely has such things occured. This not only applies to European nations, but to countries like Japan as well. There are demarcating differences between cultural assimilation, cultural exchange and cultural appropration. Matters like cultural appropriation may not matter to certain people, but it does to those who have outrightedly experienced cases of racism, even in today's world. It is prevalent in the corporate world especially (being made to feel ashamed of curly hair, cornrows and being asked to straighten it) the Indian attire called sarees, having formal styles, are STILL banned at most Indian corporates, due to pressure from their American offices etc. And yet, while Indians (especially Sikhs) experience varying degrees of racist comments in many countries, non Indian celebrities at public events sport the 'Bindi', (which has a socio-cultural meaning attached to it). We are not opposed to people wearing our culture, but if you decide to wear/identify/accustom to it, then work and change in ways, to ensure upliftment of these marginalised communities. I always look forward to understanding and learning through effective and continuous dialogue. Thanks for your comment :)

[@lenox3553]

Anirudh Anil its funny people who think like you mostly is WHITE live in western world (please go travel a lot), majority people like me in many country never think like that only small group who go to western educational, learning from white professor come back and scolding us about cultural appropriation, me when first listen about that is "WTF is that are you kidding me" I never understand why some western people think they have moral superiority telling people from another culture about your people must offended about cultural appropriation. hei if you want to learn from Indonesia people who already known as DIVERSE COUNTRY this is what we are learning from our history in World War 2 Japanese INVADED our country they do many bad thing for indonesia people. many male beinh capture to forced become ROMUSHA (working slave for imperial japanese) push working until dead (million dead), many women forced to become Jugun Jianfu (Sex Slave for japanese army) many their story is heartbreaking we never forget about that BUT now day you can ask for many Indonesia people "who country its the best friend for our country" many will said JAPAN. why?? Didn't Japan do a lot of bad things for our country in the past?? yes they do it but WE NEVER BLAME JAPAN PEOPLE RIGHT NOW FOR THEIR ANCESTOR FAULT. and thats why our diversity country can work 73 years LEARN ABOUT HISTORY> NEVER FORGET > BUT FORGIVEN > MOVE ON

[@TheVertical92]

Damn these People have Problems... These Crybabys should care about serious Problems. People like this are actually a Part of Racism, because they dont see themselfs as just a Human. They are the ones that see Peoples Color, Culture etc.. We are all just Humans. If someone is offended because i appreciate thier creative cloth without knowing the Backround, then come to me and tell me. Im always interested in other cultures.

[@juliz2500]

I completely understand that you shouldn't wear someone's heritage as a costume. Especially if you don't even know the meaning behind it. It makes me cringe to see some of the people in this video wearing headdresses etc. But there are so many layers to this - what about dreadlocks, for example? Some American college students harrass white people wearing dreads while some Jamaican Rastas celebrate the diversity. How Black do I have to be to be allowed to wear dreads? Is one Black ancestor three generations back enough? Or only if s/he was a Rastafarian? I think this is very questionable territory because it invokes notions of race ideology. There are no easy answers as to what you're allowed to wear and what you're not. It's all perspectival and always contextual. For example, I am a white German who spent one year in Ghana, living with a host family. I had some clothes made while I was there, from fabric made in Ghana that I bought at the market. My host family also gave me some dresses as a gift before I left at the end of the year. Telling them I would not wear them would have been a slap in their faces. When I talk to them on the phone today, they ask me if I still wear my African Print dresses in Germany and are very pleased when I say that I do. They see it as an appreciation of their culture that I integrated them into my wardrobe instead of only wearing them while in Ghana. But I feel definitely more self-conscious wearing these dresses nowadays, because of the now all-pervasive accusation of cultural appropriation. It's a tricky thing. Yes, we should think about our actions more, be more aware of other people's realities and be more empathetic. That's what we should practice in all aspects of our lives. And we should definitely work on being less judgy.

[@222o-u3t]

Well there you go, you answered your own question. *No,* strangers who can't possibly tell what you know about a culture, or the experience you had in it, should *not* shout "cultural appropriation". It's judgemental, patronising and gets extremely hateful and ironic. *No,* you have no business telling people what they can or can't wear, especially if the only reason is because damn do they just enjoy it. Clothes are clothes. If you're not wearing clothes from different cultures to _mock,_ i.e. blackface (do I have to explain)/wearing a geisha costume and sexualising it (very inaccurate representation of what geisha are)/ wearing ANY kind of costume just to say "lol look at how stupid I look and how funny it is", which common sense says neither you or those American college students would be, then why the fuck are people gatekeeping? Oh wait, we know - trying desperately to be relevant by making such "good" causes up like bashing this non-existent 2010's buzzword. What has social media come to? To the point where people are so _enslaved_ in social media and out of touch with what people in the real world go through, where they think THIS is what's an issue, THIS (complaining online) is activism, where they think THIS is what true natives other than the ones in America give a damn about, is out of touch, extremely Westernised thinking, and if I really were to be as much of a desperate snowflake, I'd say that would be classed as racist. It's just hypocrisy. And it's sad how you have to be a radical in this political world to even be listened to - 'believe in our inane ideas or else you're a disgusting [insert calling them a racist] human being.' What ever happened to multiculturalism? Pretentious slacktivism happened, that's what.

[@IcebulletZ]

Take the opertunity to educate them on the history and significance to you of the item... Then let them choose what they want to do with that information. Example: "I love how you braided your hair. That style actually has celtic origins and the way you did it would signify a homemaker of middle to high class likely social. The Celts put a lot of significance into their hair hair and I'm glad you took the time to learn how to braid it like that!" They're likely to look up and try to learn more about that part of history.

[@MrRafagara]

Are tattoo included in this discussion? Because I see that woman defending culture appropriation, apparently not from Egypt with a Nefertiti tattoo.

[@pedroontheroad]

Am I the only one who noticed Ayesha has a tattoo of an Egyptian pharaoh? Isn't that cultural appropriation too? I understand that she could still be right even if she was an hypocrite, the message is more important then the messenger and all that. However, doesn't it signal that there is an ambiguity we con't need in relation to what is defined as cultural appropriation?

[@melaniec1074]

Well Egypt is in Africa so maybe not.

[@pedroontheroad]

+JoJo ! Saying they're mentally ill is not an argument but a blatant attempt at offense, which is not cool. Also, her ancestor being a slave is or not doesn't seem to be related or relevant to anything.

[@rachelj4741]

You assume her ancestry isn't Egyptian. I am American, but my grandparents are from Italy. I don't think it would be appropriation if I used an element of Italian culture.

[@pedroontheroad]

@@rachelj4741 Doesn't she assume also that a certain person is not from the country whose clothes they're wearing?

[@pedroontheroad]

@Mary Smith James According to the definition given in the documentary it is.

[@tanveer_ahmed]

When I see people from different backgrounds wearing my cultural clothing or eating our food, I feel like I'm being appreciated and most brown people I think would agree with that. Even though I was born in Canada, I never felt offended by other people celebrating our culture. People nowadays are just looking to be offended.

[@ukaszzakrzewski9893]

Spot on

[@Sneg8]

Looking down on other cultures and people is bad. Picking up something from a nother culture is good. This means that we are communicating with other people.

[@TheSm1thers]

Depends what kind of culture it is

[@CW-rx2js]

Indian girl here. Hands down cultural appropriation.

[@rawaserwan5463]

Culture at its core is something that is projected into other cultures, it cannot be said that cultural appropriation is offensive when at the same time you wear European/Western culture style clothes. But most importantly that you benefit from globalisation which has allowed cultures to mix together and permeate allowing cultures to grow in global importance.

[@Marshmallox43]

If you wear something from another culture and people say they feel offended, remember: just because someone feels offended doesnt mean he is right. Also, someone telling you that he feels offended is not more or less important then me telling you i feel sad because i watched Bambi. Its just telling you how a person feels and it is your right to dont give a fuck

[@john23402]

Western culture is obsessed with private property. I prefer to spread my culture to the world. A culture will diminish if people from other cultures do not like it.

[@sumitkumar125]

most foolish arguments , using someone's culture is the best tribute to them

[@tonyawayne3295]

ok so if a white person was adopted by a Korean couple and grew up wearing the traditional Korean dress would that be cultural appropriation? ppl need to think about this rationally

[@yaronimus1]

preaches on cultural appropriation. tatooed the Nefertiti bust on her arm. what would the queen say about a commoner "stealing" her image and stripping it from it's HOLY and RELIGIOUS meaning? the thing is, i don't think it's a bad thing. she does seem hypocrite, but unlike her i believe that what she calls "cultural appropriation" is a beautiful and natural process. culture is not set in stone, it is alive, ever changing, ever expanding, ever gaining new meanings. we cannot adhere to the original meaning because: 1. we cannot live in the past or relive the past. 2. to adhere to this view would mean cultural stagnation, misunderstanding, and division. instead, we can: honor the past and / or give it new meanings, so it may stay relevant. even honoring the past means giving it a new and relevant meaning.

[@saima08k]

People are so dramatic and overly sensitive. It’s fine, let them appreciate. The Indian and African chicks made me cringe.

[@rediponto9588]

It´s an african trans not chicks

[@ayeshabrown7294]

That’s cool, glad you have a different opinion ☺️ and for a side note to the person below I’m actually not trans but trans people are beautiful anyway ☺️

[@CarminaTunes]

Jena TH so what?

[@noname7187]

Can non English people stop drinking tea with milk you dont know the struggles of the people who drank it!

[@debrazulu1755]

True cultural appropriation has been pushed to the side by hijacking its meaning and limiting it to minor issues of hairstyles and clothes. The more important issue of stolen or appropriated culture artwork has been pushed to the side.

[@MrRooibos123]

Please don't vote unless you're Greek.

[@VerbaleMondo]

*I've got a question for you all* : If a foreigner learns English does that count as cultural appropriation?

[@frauwolle2417]

The English aren't a marginalized group, so no.

[@andrealegg2527]

@@frauwolle2417 marginalised group? It depends what continent / country you are in. I love the fact that the left always says whites are not marginalised so they are the only one can be racist/they are the only one can culturally appropriate. These people thinks that USA is the world. There are soo many countries where white people are minority and discriminated against. Nowhere else in the world I see these victim culture and outrage against whites apart from the States.

[@frauwolle2417]

@@andrealegg2527 which contries do you have in mind when thinking of countries with whites as discriminated group?

[@abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwyxz102]

@@samhirst2830 bahaha they shut up after you said that

[@marzouk6270]

Language isn't really culture.

[@chordfunc3072]

Whenever I see an African person hold an iPhone I think to myself. "How rude to appropriate American culture like that". I'm kidding of course. Cultural appropriation is not anyone should take seriously. If you like something from a culture then adopt it as your own and let it influence your life in a positive way.

[@chordfunc3072]

@Automaticbill I know perfectly well what "cultural appropriation" is. It is not like "cultural appropriation" only pertains to clothing items and music if that's what you are getting at...

[@kierachelsea2601]

I think the biggest issue is that the people in this video opposed to cultural appropriation keep referring to the other culture as one block - 'the people of that culture are not happy with you wearing X' - So who is the voice of that block of 'people'? Aren't we once again reducing races and ethnicities to a monochrome 'voice' that says ONE thing? Aren't the 'PEOPLE' of that culture INDIVIDUALS? WTF guys. SO we all need to stick to our little ethnic boxes that we happened to be born into. This sounds like my ultra nationalist/racist cousins who would never even try a different culture's food cuz it's not OURS. Seriously? P.S. What about when someone converts to another religion? Historically in some religions that was a great thing - the more followers the better. Or when someone marries someone from a different culture and loves that partner's culture- NOT ALLOWED? FFS

[@cam.6635]

i don't get it, are you supporting or opposing cultural appropriation?

[@gilian2587]

They are opposing the idea of cultural appropriation.

[@megumim6795]

recently, one of my friends brought up this cultural appropriation discussion, when I gave my mother's kimono to my another very good friend (she is european). And i was like, "so, you think, your culture is dominant, while mine is not? That's bullshit und sounds pretty much offensive!"

[@Александар-ж3ж]

When I was little I used to have a Gujurati childminder and Gujurati neighbours. They gave me Saaris, bindis etc. They didn't think this was 'cultural appropriation' at this point this is just ridiculous and culture is being used to split people not unite them.

[@hazelthemcwitch]

‪Telling someone they can’t do something because of the colour of their skin is racism.

[@valengutemberg651]

no its not and less if people of that color have been mistreating or treating as disgusting, ghetto, ratchet or worse for centuries a lot of other cultures

[@TheSm1thers]

@@valengutemberg651 Yes it is. Supporting the idea that race exists is racist as race is a social construct, let alone dictating what each "race" should wear.

[@learningstuffwithriverrizk4552]

was there some subtle message or am I missing the part of this where the interviewer asks about the Egyptian tattoo on on someone who is clearly not Egyptian and decrying cultural appropriation?

[@josephpublico2337]

What do you mean by "clearly not Egyptian"?

[@learningstuffwithriverrizk4552]

​@@josephpublico2337 her skin tone and features suggest subsaharan Africa and she is speaking in an Aussie accent. She could be a very dark Egyptian whose family immigrated to Australia, though it is funny she never mentioned the relevance of her tattoos to her Egyptian heritage

[@josephpublico2337]

@@learningstuffwithriverrizk4552 Exactly: she could be all sorts of things.... and the interview obviously isn't complete, so who knows what was said about her tattoo? The point is, everyone seems to be making assumptions about everyone else! That's kind of racist, isn't it? A bit like assuming a white guy with dreadlocks isn't a Rastafarian just because he's white, or a Sadhu, just because he's not originally Indian. We probably agree that the whole idea of cultural appropriation is disgusting, stupid, racist, nationalist bigotry at its finest, but let's not fall into the trap those culture gatekeepers set for themselves!

[@pedroontheroad]

I thought of this the other day. I'm Portuguese, I was traveling in Tunisia. In the souk a guy called my attention asking if I wanted to buy these baggy traditional pants they wear. When I said "No" he insisted, saying I could use them for carnival.

[@noemy1828]

Lmao no respect 😭😭

[@peterkotara]

Cultural appropriation is something that certain people claim other people are doing because it makes them feel superior. Being outraged on someone else's behalf is trending. Remember people, offence is taken, not given.

[@damianbylightning6823]

I love the Balkans - do I need an approved list or commissar to tell me how to act, what to eat and how to speak, when I'm down there? Trust the BBC to take this shit seriously and not mock it for the ludicrous crap that it so obviously is.

[@mallardofmodernia8092]

According to this logic we shouldnt be allowed to use most technologies or divine cuisine

[@serdarsezer4665]

How can someone "steal" something from a culture that represents 1 billion people? Is that even logical?

[@gilian2587]

No.

[@teapartee]

I believe that there is a fine line between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. The concept of cultural appropriation itself was initially quite hard to grasp for me as an Indonesian. We have this tradition in Indonesia where children wear traditional fashion from various cultures in Indonesia to celebrate one of our national hero at the 21st of April or also known as the Kartini Day. On a Kartini Day, children of various cultures in Indonesia would wear traditional costumes of other cultures, eg the Chinese descents would wear Balinese and Dayaknese costumes, the Javanese would wear Bataknese costumes, and the Bataknese would wear whatever pleases them.

[@WatchRipples]

Wow that is really interesting. I've never heard of Kartini Day in Indonesia! I'm researching it now. Thanks for sharing this. I think people worldwide can choose to stop oppressing and appropriating other cultures, save endangered cultures from extinction, appreciate other cultures, and stop judging those who appreciate other cultures, all simultaneously. Now that more people are discovering their diverse genetic backgrounds through DNA testing, I hope everyone will learn that we can't judge heritage based on physical appearance alone. Children from culturally mixed backgrounds are the future of our world (and present reality in many regions) so I hope they will have empathy and freedom to practice the cultures that are important to them.

[@morningdre2483]

@@WatchRipples "save endangered culture" this is interesting, let's have an open discussion about it. Let's say a person is selling something that is endangered and a dying art on a certain race group which most of its' younger generations are not conserving the legacy or the race group itself is a dying population and making a good living for him/herself...can it still be called cultural appropriation ?

[@im_everlastingfighter]

Yes, me too...

[@boomborgoyari5781]

there's no fine line. there's just grey area in this. there's appropriation which aren't offensive to certain people and there's appreciation that are offensive to other groups of people. that's just what it has come to.

[@kevinkibble8342]

There is no difference. There is cultural appreciation and there is cultural segregation. That's it.

[@kentokyo]

Japanese people absolutely love when non-Japanese persons wear Japanese garment. There are lots of garment-renting store for tourists to experience wearing Kimono all over Japan, and often local compliment foreigners in Kimono.

[@vikotto]

Cultural appropriation is using things of other cultures for enjoyment. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. I don’t need to know, appreciate or honor that culture. All I care is that it looks good on me. I do have an issue with people that say they invented or came up with the idea when clearly they didn’t.

[@marcellusjohnson9439]

Then you are are reinforcing an issue! You wanting to adopt certain styles and traditions without knowing the history of it and struggle behind the culture who invented is problematic. We will keep discussing it how we want it and when we want it until you understand it

[@helluvagothowl]

@@marcellusjohnson9439 Which is never. Even when people have a full understanding of this, it’s just not enough.

[@kevinkibble8342]

@@marcellusjohnson9439 I will wear what I want and I don't have to give a shit where it came from. Gonna cry about it?

[@marcellusjohnson9439]

@@kevinkibble8342 You are free and able to do what you want, but you will continue to bathe in ignorance, appropriation, and unoriginality. As I stated before, people we will continue to talk about it. There is nothing to cry about, but definitely to speak about. Are you gonna cry about that? Why don't you try again

[@kevinkibble8342]

@@marcellusjohnson9439 I'm gonna wear dreads and not bother to research their history or origin WOOOOHOOOO

[@WariorKitty]

I think just be aware of what you are wearing, as the girl said what you are wearing is someone's heritage,they live that. It's not dressing up as a pirate or a king. These are people alive today. Like fam look up what your wearing lol. No one is saying you can't get henna done, but just understand what they are. Because the second you treat things as fancy dress, like native American headdresses which are items only worn by certain people, that you need to earn ect that is when you cross the line into disrespect.. Remember these aren't cultures that have been historically treated with respect, and it's only reciently it has happened. Just be empathetic damn.

[@madukaihalagama1244]

Bs

[@F0KYT69]

These people are so triggered lol

[@CarminaTunes]

Mendo07 I be like: Cry me a freaking river, I was gonna swim anyway

[@milkbeforecereal9257]

If only people put this much energy into actually helping important causes the world would be a much better place. Shame people are selfish and like to victimise themselves as much as possible to seek superiority.

[@ilhanali1378]

People like you are so peculiar to me. The way I can see someone appreciates the culture vs appropriates it is how they act when told they are appropriating. The ones that dont appreciate act exactly the way you do, quick to call us selfish or self victimized for defending our heritage instead of prioritizing how we feel and being understanding. It’s so odd you have this hostile energy at us, the people ur taking from. It’s like an ungrateful guest. But do u want ig 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@someone-md3bv]

@@ilhanali1378 they aren't wrong. You have an identity crisis and love victimizing yourself. Maybe if you put your energy on serious issues you will be less sad and pathetic. The world doesn't revolve around your feelings and it looks you are afraid of losing your identity

[@helluvagothowl]

@@ilhanali1378 Don’t give out that crap you don’t even know the person. You have no idea whether or not that they actually have no appreciation whatsoever for that culture. Because, apparently, white people actually understanding full well about a particular culture and appreciating it very much just DON’T exist (I’m getting sick and tired of this stereotype) and you misunderstood. They wrote very clearly that if time and energy that’s put into minor issues like “CuLtUrAl ApPrOpRiAtIoN” were put into REAL issues like starvation, poverty, human trafficking, etc. The world would be a much much MUCH better place. However, that ain’t the case since everyone’s worried about cultural sharing, identities and labels. Which ain’t helping anyone at all. Just to boost a bunch of snowflake’s egos while ignoring what people have to REALLY struggle with.

[@dayadiseneviratne3452]

I understand that it's a pretty vague topic so lots of people can't relate to or understand why cultural appropriation is offensive, but, in response to some of the comments, to those who think these minority cultures are overreacting because of an inferiority complex or are self-victimizing: y'all should probably question why they would even have to do that. It's because they've been oppressed in the past and have to fight their way up the food chain. Plus, that's not actually what they are doing. It might sound like a small problem to people who aren't affected by it, but all problems have a similar effect on the people despite their weight. These people have been oppressed FOR wearing bindi's or headdresses or braids, and still are. It's unfair that a white person or someone from a dominant group that knows nothing about their culture gets to wear the same items and not be shamed for it. Double standards. And if you can't relate because you personally think it's nice that people celebrate your culture, that's fine. It's your opinion, I can't force you to change it. I'd like to mention though, that celebrating/appreciating is different to appropriation. How would you feel if someone took a traditional/ religious aspect of your culture and wore it half naked? Not that nudity is necessarily a bad thing, but I hope you get what I mean. And if you're from a European or dominant group, and you're thinking, 'Asians wear jeans and tshirts all the time, we're not complaining'- The reason minority cultures wearing western things is not the same is because they have been historically oppressed if they don't conform to those standards. When colonization happened minority members were demeaned for their cultural components and so they had to ASSIMILATE in order to survive. Assimilation is a completely different story. So ultimately, you might think something is stylish, you might think it has an 'ethnic flair' or it looks 'exotic', but maybe don't wear it if you don't know it's cultural context and the history of the community it originated from, because maybe the reason it's become "exotic" is because you're own ancestors went and pushed it to corners in the past. And if you think you shouldn't be punished for things people in the past did, remember that all these community members are being punished at least ten times worse than you even at present, because of the stereotypes and xenophobia that oppression led to. I don't want to offend anyone, so if you think cultural appropriation is a good thing, I'll respect your opinion- I just can't find anything to say in support of it.

[@sochic1949]

Isn't the black woman, "Ayesha", culturaly appropriating Cleopatra with her tatoo. She is from the same continent but not the same country or race.

[@thesavant1455]

It's interesting how people want a global culture/community but at the same time don't want people to be inspired and mix with Thier culture, I'm mixed race and have a mixed cultural background, when another culture comes into another there has to be comprimise on both sides, I think that cultural appropriation is just a load of rubbish because it promotes divide

[@hermanspaerman3490]

Cultures that cry cultural appropriation at every opportunity are the ones that will perish in the long run. Culture is not a monolith but ever changing and evolving. Influences , especially in this time and age, travel very fast. Those cultures that accept that other people across the globe may find their culture fascinating and perhaps adopt parts of it into their own, are the ones that will survive.

[@tonylio6164]

wrong they've generally been surviving for centuries, through their own ceremonies/rituals and story telling they've been able to keep it alive and will continue to

[@donkus6710]

which is funny, considering the ones that cry about are white people getting offended on behalf of minorities, and almost never ACTUAL ethnic minorities

[@michaeltunnicliffe4935]

This shouldn't be a debate. The concept of cultural appropriation is as good as segregation. Its a way of separating people into groups based on race and saying only group a) can wear this type of clothing or have this hairstyle and only group b) can wear this type of clothing or have this hairstyle. Its the complete opposite of diversity and inclusion to tell people that they can't appreciate or experience other peoples cultures. I am proud to live in a nation which is accepting of foreign people and their way of life, but if we are not allowed to share our cultures with one another and learn from other peoples experiences and world views, then what is the point of that acceptance? This behaviour breeds an us and them mentality when we should be uniting as human beings, not arguing over who can wear a sombrero and who can't.

[@samanthalewin6210]

The black girl has and Egyptian tattoo on her arm. Does she think that is her culture, I wonder?

[@roses2122]

So when you have a four leaf clover You are basically taking my irish Heritage.that’s basically what they are saying🙄.I’m irish and idc

[@neptunemeditation]

The British invented Clothing Manufacturing. The Jet Engine, The Phone and the Internet. And antibiotics. So give me your phone take off your clothes, when you get sick don’t be calling for help or complaining about it on the Internet.. And you you are grounded. The British can win this ridiculous idea every time. Because they invented and crafted our entire modern world and even felt guilty about it afterwards for you all!

[@EilisLornaWalsh]

Do people realise that jealously isn't a virtue?

[@clementcolin4262]

You can come up with any excuses you like, telling people what they can or can't do based on their origins or skin color in inherently racist. It's even more racist to tell me i can't wear a bindi because Indians were mistreated by white people. It's suggesting that i have something to do with these horrors just because i'm white. I'm French, and am i telling germans that they can't wear french clothing because they invaded my country twice ? No. They did not invade my country, those who did are for the most part dead. I didn't harass any Indian for wearing a bindi so i should not be blamed for that just because i'm white. It's not like bindis are a symbol of Indian people misery. Wearing a yellow star on your chest, that would be offensive.

[@heidibabb1793]

Embracing other cultures is the most beautiful thing. I would love for another culture to embrace Britishness and celebrate it! What an honour! Respect is always important and as long as that is maintained I don't see a problem with a white person wearing Indian dress. I just LOVE India, the fabrics, beautiful colours and all the handwork of embroidery. Amazing...

[@dgtor_official]

The video did not say that there was an issue with a Caucasian individual wearing a sari. It did not really form an opinion on it. It presented both sides and allowed people to make up their own minds. Love your comment though. I would love for more people to see it.

[@inyourroomyousay8380]

How DARE you wear a tudor dress? THAT IS A PART OF MY CULTURAL HERITAGE AND I FEEL VERY OPPRESSED BY THIS.

[@dgtor_official]

Highly unlikely since you are a part of a dominant culture that no longer wears these dresses and does so by choice. Secondly, other cultures lost practices due to them being wiped out and replaced. They were oppressed

[@Blue-wm8pd]

@@dgtor_official oh shut up with your bullcrap

[@aelitastone5629]

@@dgtor_official So because doesn't wear that justify you take it? If a person a some apple in his garden, can you take him just because he doesn't ate it? Double standard are not better. Lots of country in the World litterally wears Occidental clothe, pattern and more without being colonised nor forced. Was is necessary to Japonese people to take marine occidental uniform to make it their student official uniform? No.

[@Kerbezena]

Claiming "cultural appropriation" is a form of "problematic appropriation", because those countries from historically "third-world countries" are appropriating "first-world problems".

[@USA_MuslimExperince2000]

*I find it interesting she talks about Cultural appropration she has an Egyptian Tatoo is she Egyptian or have Egyptian DNA ? You either are or Not Egyptian its not an idea its Genetic*

[@CarminaTunes]

I can wear anything, you can wear anything. End of story.

[@CupOhCoffeeTwitch]

Cultural appreciation is Gate keeping on next level. How is it that I can't wear things because I'm "white" but after taking a DNA test I've found that I'm more then just "white" but an Amalgamation of many bright and beautiful cultures that I would love to learn about and represent.

[@EliteXtasy]

This is a sensible video. I'm the least PC person in the world, but I think everyone in this video made valid points. I've concluded that *cultural appropriation is: 1) hypocritically taking on a culture when other times you look down on it, 2) failing to recognise and give credit to the origins of the cultural element and playing it off as your own, 3) cheapening a cultural element or not doing it properly, 4) taking on any strictly religious elements that's not your own, e.g. bindi is fine, but not tilaka or sindoor.* If a person wants to wear something because they think it's pretty and cool, then that's fine by me as long they don't do any of the above that I listed. Putting all white people in a box and not allowing one white person wear something because of what some white people did in the past is racist. No one person is a gatekeeper of a culture anyway. Besides, I'm sure those who cry "cultural appropriation" follow a Western lifestyle.

[@222o-u3t]

With all due respect, point 2) is quite self-defeating. When a white Causasian wears a sari, kimono or other non-white Causasian country cultural wear, it's obvious to everyone that isn't from their culture, because everyone knows this is not cultural wear from a white Causasian country. So no-one who isn't a strawman created by people arguing for cultural appropriation's relevance ever actually believes these people (we're told there's a lot? but like, where they at??) when they say they invented a kimono or box braids or something. It's obvious because we grew up in that culture, it's nowhere to be seen in our own traditions, and you could literally be a tourist and realise that people in let's say, Japan wouldn't wear a dirndl for cultural wear, because it's basic cultural knowledge you'll find when doing a mere search on countries and their people - if not on the very site you buy the plane tickets from, which some provide good info on countries you travel to 😅

[@veronicacorningstone8059]

no, youre not the least PC person in the world

[@pipocardenas1567]

Asia for asians, Africa for africans, The west for everyone. That is the real problem

[@JoeZUGOOLA]

How dare you assume my culture!

[@theprovocateur24]

Wow! The BBC just took the whole idea in an entirely wrong direction. Nobody gives a damn about the clothes you wear. There's more to cultural appropriation than wearing a sari or sporting a bindi. There's a reason it's called "cultural" appropriatiin and not "sartorial" appropriation..

[@Mirzabeigistocool]

Asked them wear hijab 🧕 then u can see totally different

[@The_Wanderer...]

Look, I'm Mexican, and if someone wants to go wearing a massive sombrero and a poncho with 2 maracas they can go right ahead. You ppl have to realize that no one but you is responsible for your feelings. You are adults if you don't like something, stay away from it.

[@karencski711]

I think its really depressing that so many people hear from members of marginalized cultures who say "what you are doing is hurtful to us" and their reaction (in these comments) is "shut up, go away, we're celebrating your culture dammit."

[@Widdekuu91]

Yeah it's really depressing, imagine seeing someone pick up a shirt that you used to wear and then they wear it. And you realise that anyone can wear fabrics that make them happy and that the world doesn't revolve around your mood. "Omygod Becky, stop wearing pearls, that's MY thing, omygod, she totally stole my favorite accessory which is pearls omygod, that is so rude."

[@ukaszzakrzewski9893]

I'm open minded, not racist at all, I love other cultures... and sorry but this is bs I've been quite depressed lately, found this festival thinking "wow amazing, this is the place where you can actually experience something deeply truly good for once" but then I see this video and all my hopes are gone xD pass me the rope....

[@CarnivalofLVX]

Using swim fins is appropriating dolphin culture 🤬 🐬

[@aaron4820]

"is it an implant?" "I don't know know how to respond to that really" "No." Or "No, it isn't." If you wanna get fancy. It isn't that traumatising a question.

[@gapper3]

If we are going to be serious about this, I, as a North American of European descent, demand that the rest of the world stop using electricity, air travel, modern medicine, the printing press, the internet, classical music, hamburgers, and any form of internal combustion engines. Fair enough ?

[@BingleFlimp]

I suppose that North American’s get air travel and electricity but what about everything else?

[@dgtor_official]

The printing press came from the Chinese. The math needed for hardware of our technology was created by Arabs. Burgers are from Hamburg. And the European Diaspora cannot take credit for the contributions of individuals who happen to be their color.

[@MFC343]

@@dgtor_official but can take the blame?

[@BollywoodOnIce]

the section from 0:50 - 2:46 & 7:00 - 8:34. That's it.

[@honeymatthews8916]

Being white and British, I know our history was bloody. I know we invaded and killed and cleansed, but that doesn't reflect on the majority of us today. I do not remotely associate with my history, so to use it against us today is just stupid. I know it's not the biggest issue in the world, but we are living in a world where we are more united than ever before. Yes there are still racial issues that do need addressing, but I feel things like this is punishing people for things they didn't do and don't like in their cultures history. If the use of someone's culture is completely disrespectful, I understand the upset. But when it comes to white people and dreads, or specific clothing, I find it quite ridiculous. A lot of clothes worn by other cultures are absolutely stunning. The same with ornaments and decor. Why hate on people who like these things? They're appreciating the culture you have. And let's be honest, British culture is hanging 'live laugh love' signs everywhere. If someone does not recognise the struggles of a culture, then I can understand the frustration. But at the end of the day, we are all the same species, let's just allow one another to share and enjoy our history and the amazing things that have come from it.

[@AlanWattResistance]

Shut it whitey!

[@cyborgroxx]

Yet they're all speaking English, lol. That's my cultural language.

[@dgtor_official]

*deep breath* English is the result of assimilation. This is something a minority or oppressed culture does to survive within the dominant and oppressive culture. The result is that non-Europeans wear suits, many people speak English, and western architecture is a norm. Quick history of English for my ignorant friend here: English was first spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Although it was an ancient form that nobody recognizes today. The alphabet for it came from the first Phoenician (middle eastern) script. After the Greeks and Romans APPRECIATE it and change around some of the letters and sounds, we had the first alphabet. Fast forward a bit and as English develops, colonization occurs. The Anglo population grows into an empire. When they voyaged out to new places, the empire forced the native population to speak English. Other European powers followed suit and soon the native population forsook their languages for French, Spanish, and English. English becomes a norm and is soon widely taught within English territories. Fast forward a lot, and you now have English as a language that is now integral in ALL former English territories.

[@k-8511]

So that you understand it.Everyone has their own mother tongue obviously

[@TheSm1thers]

@@dgtor_official Yeah but the British Empire doesn't exist anymore so they can just speak their own language again.

[@TheSm1thers]

@Alex Meggoe It's not enforced by the UK government, no.

[@samhirst2830]

@Alex Meggoe Yeh English is the official language in Britain and last time I checked the British Empire was no more. The former Colonies are perfectly capable to revert back to using their local languages and yet they don't.

[@P0GFLIPPER]

As a native of the ♥ shaped sun glasses tribe myself... I am a little offended by that guys choice of eye protection...

[@sagestage2617]

I think the reason people complain of cultural appropriation is because for the people of the "minority culture" their ancestors were attacked and ridiculed by some of the things they had/did/wore due to their culture by the "invaders"/ "colonizers"/the european(and later the american) white man. The problem lies in the descendents of these men now picking parts that appeal to them from these cultures, ignoring contexts and their history.As if going to a supermarket to buy whatever catches their fancy, instead of at least taking time to appreciate and understand what it is that thing that they liked. And so, what once was prohibited or used as a means of insult by a dominating culture now became a commodity used by them.Quite the irony or hypocrisy, I don't know which one it is.

[@vtrmcs]

Every culture was at one time a minority culture. I dont think anyone need ignore anything, people just need to stop being idiots and wind their necks in.

[@lmn6023]

The thing is: yes it is also the culture of the ancestors of people now living in the US or UK, but foremost it is the culture of the people still living in these countries and they don't give a fuck about it, but in my experience actually like to share their culture. Second: if the problem was the history of being opressed for having that culture, shouldn't a white person from a country that never colonized other countries then be allowed to wear whatever clothes or hairstyle they want. And how would you know, which country the white person is from?

[@dgtor_official]

This is because the people in their own homelands are A) Removed the controversy B) Are already empowered and not marginalized in their own lands C)Are Dealing with their own issues that they have time to care how they are being derided and mocked in another land

[@dgtor_official]

Also, they know their culture, and appreciate people wearing it. But when people call costumes another country’s culture, I’m pretty sure they would care.

[@lmn6023]

@@dgtor_official I don't care if people wear Dirndl and Lederhosen as costumes. They will just make fouls of themselves. Not my problem. Also: have you ever been to another country? You depict it as if people in Africa and Asia are all these poor empowered beings and I can assure you that is not how they see themselves. 1. there are countries where that just isn't true 2. even if it is true, they are still prideful people who would not be happy about their culure being mocked Which bring me to my last point: How am I mocking a culture by wearing their clothes or hairstyle? If there was for example an Africa themed party and I was wearing african traditional clothes, I would not mock their culture but celebrate it.

[@MangaMarjan]

"of your culture", "your heritage", it's not yours. Just as your eye color, your culture is just happenstance. You don't have anymore right to be part of it or take parts of it as any other human.

[@dgtor_official]

While you do make some valid points, the rest of the world just isn’t there yet. There are many people who aren’t ready to see all cultures as one. And of course, you have to take human autonomy into account. People are different. They always have been, what is special and sacred to one may not be to the other. The other might never understand why it’s so special. Another thing about culture is that when people take such elements from one culture (usually marginalized but not really) and mock, sexualize, belittle, or diminish that group. For instance, Chinese hairpins are ornate and beautiful. I would love to wear one. However, that does not mean I should stick chopsticks in my hair and claim that I honor them. One type of culture is the result of the blood sweat and tears of its people. We must give credit where credit is due. Participate, but do so respectfully. You might not understand as much about it as you think, so instead claiming that all culture is up for grabs, do your research.

[@ashmapathak]

If you really think about it’s the same problem as “can you wear a band shirt if you don’t listen to their songs?”

[@mawley3266]

more like can you wear a band shirt if you don't know all of their songs and don't know what the name of the singers mother is

[@chordfunc3072]

6:10 lol, this girl should really take her own advice...

[@chordfunc3072]

​@Automaticbill That is just such a moronic generalization. Also, there is a difference between criticizing someone's ideas and "shutting someone down"...

[@chordfunc3072]

​@Automaticbill ​ It's a fact... really... If that's what you think of black people or think this is how most people think about black people you should get your head out of your ass and surrounding yourself with better people. A black person who dresses well and is well-spoken and polite will be better treated than a white person that dresses like a trashcan and is rude. You make it sound like every "non white" person needs white people's permission to speak, pull out your fucking phone and make a video if you like. There is no "white man" stopping you. If someone likes something from any culture they should be allowed to adopt it and make it a part of their expression. As long as they are not stealing some resources or physical things they should be free to explore the culture however they like. If that hurts your feelings, that's your fucking problem. You don't get to dictate how other people are influenced by your culture. Or I shouldn't say your culture or her culture, she probably have done little to nothing to contribute to the culture as is. If you want everyone to be treated equally you should allow everyone to play on the same playing field. Or do people like this just want equality when it suits them best... that's what it seems like. You take the good with the bad, you don't get to pick and choose.

[@agathaacris7460]

Automaticbill sorry but dont project your ideas of “non-white” people on to the rest of us. I have never seen “non-white” people as a lower class than me or treated them in such way. To me she can express herself all she wants but if I do not agree, i will not lick her ass so she can feel better about herself and her “right” to feel offended. If I decide to use a Bindi, does she expect me to write an essay about the cultural aspects behind a Bindi and carry that essay around so that if anyone who feels entitled to question me can be aware i made a respectful, well-intentioned decision?

[@Microbex]

Ya, well, don't wear jeans or bikini among other. Not really your culture right?

[@frauwolle2417]

I wonder if people that have a problem with cultural appropriation are mainly people that got mocked and bullied for their cultural symbols. I totally understand their pain. It is really difficult to make it "right" sometimes. I for example got bindis from an Indian friend as a gift and she told me I should send her a picture in which I wear it. But other Indians might tell me I do cultural appropriation. That Indian friend grew up in India so she didn't encountered bullying for her cultural backround. For her it is appreciation that I'm interested in Indian fashion.

[@williamturner6192]

If people don't understand what has been gone through, take their interest as a chance to teach. If they don't care that is a problem but it is minimally related to whether someone wears something of another culture.

[@eno-neo]

For me, a person that appropriates a culture is a person who picks parts of it unaware of its full context and thus ends disrespecting it. Indian headdresses as far as I am aware are ceremonial and to be worn like carnival costumes results in disrespect. Same applies with other religious symbols. Jeans (since some brought the topic) is an attire deprived of any such context so does not bear the same weight. Wearing deadlocks on vacations and then not allowing your employee to wear this hairstyle simply because you were introduced to it as a summer trend or because it suddenly seems inappropriate it is disrespect. In short, some groups have plenty of examples with derogatory acts towards their culture and even though some view them as old stories the similarities in this video ring an uncomfortable bell, so in order to embrace the interchange of cultures we need to consider the best possible ways to achieve that. Lastly, silencing the ones that protest does not promote communication nor interchange but simply the repetition of theft.

[@blubbubbel4773]

I am not sure i completely understood your comment since i am still learning english, but i think i agree with you.

[@cuetlaxcoatl2]

even Halloween costumes are more controversial.. but festival costumes?? those are pieces of art!

[@marisapatch431]

This video and these comments are exhausting. If we're all going to sit here and ignore the cultural impact of 500 years of colonialism that still informs our understandings of ourselves and others on a daily basis then ok? “If a country was like stick to our culture, English culture that’s it, the world would be even more sheltered” - British girl at a music festival defending cultural appropriation while having the privilege of forgetting about British colonialism...

[@andym9571]

Hardly anyone here has failed to understand the British tradition of FREEDOM! It's none of anyone's business what someone else decides to wear.

[@marklloyd159]

either you want to divide or unite...

[@blecherlukas1314]

Its a joke with this american cultureal appropiation

[@giovannistriano3564]

I kinda get what they mean, but I don’t think it’s that much of a problem. Why should someone have to know the name of a tribe to wear a Native American headdress? Historically different cultures have stolen from each other things that they like. For example farming techniques, food, technologies, spices, alcoholic drinks, political ideas, religion.

[@maxcovfefe]

I live in a region where there are a few different local Native American tribes. The jewelry, clothing and accessories they sell are gorgeous! The money I spend in these shops helps the local tribes as well. But then what? I buy the stuff, put it in a box, and never wear it for fear of being called racist? It feels like some kind of test I can't pass.

[@kuolamakahanakaike8879]

+Max Covfefe that's because the USA was founded out of racsim. It's institutionalized racism that benefits people who are white.

[@karencski711]

If you dont know enough about a culture to know whether an item of clothing is traditionally worn only by men, or whether it might have spiritual meaning, etc., you have no business putting it on. All these people saying they are celebrating a CULTURE, but knowing nothing about the clothing other than how it LOOKS, are hypocrites.

[@kuolamakahanakaike8879]

Fern C'ski Mahalo :)

[@scienceandmusic4295]

Kapono Makahanaloa Will smith has more power than the avedge american.