Neil deGrasse Tyson's nephew drops the mic on cultural appropriation

[@Azaism]

This VIP clubhouse mentality of "you HAVE to be one of us to be allowed to do these things" is hurting more than helping and needs to go. I'm Puerto Rican, and when I see non-Puerto Ricans who want to do Puerto Rican things, I'm THANKFUL that other people are enthusiastic about celebrating my culture. I think it's ridiculous to get offended when other people want to try things outside of their own culture. Sharing culture is how other cultures learn to appreciate each other. If you are so passionate about your culture, you should want to spread that enthusiasm to other people. I don't mean you should force it on them, but I mean if they want to partake in some parts of your culture, let them and use it as an opportunity to educate people on your culture.

[@wcp4jc]

what Puerto Rican things?

[@Dennis-nc3vw]

The white people who fought Jackie Robinson when he tried to play baseball had the same mentality.

[@zrc1514]

@@wcp4jc Traditional dishes like Mofongo, Tembleque, and Arroz con Gandules, Puerto Rican art and architecture, Carnival de Ponce, etc.

[@wcp4jc]

@@zrc1514 never heard of any of those things

[@zrc1514]

@@wcp4jc You should look into them then. They are some of my favorite things about Puerto Rico! I am literally sitting next to a vejigante mask right now.

[@juantufrefor8431]

He may say 'mic dropped' out of respect for his nephew, however the reality is that Neil's point was way more empowering. He isn't dividing himself to inspire certain populations just because they share heritage. He is identifying with every single homosapien on the planet, inspiring each and every one of us to be better.

[@thewiseowl8804]

Great analysis. Well said.

[@coaijet7830]

Yes, you have an amazing point

[@hgoines1]

The and powers that be withhold resources to people in his community. That’s is the problem. You can play that I’m part of the human race thing, but you don’t lend yourself to helping your community at all. That is a rising tide lifts all boats type of thinking and life doesn’t work that way for black people. There is a hole in the boat.

[@johnbostwick2018]

So they don't want to be treated as other....but they can't stop talking about how they are other. It's simple cognitive dissonance.

[@odette6328]

So basically, everyone should stay with their race and shouldn't be interested in other cultures and we all should stop sharing things. All right , dudes. Then why are you still speaking English? Why are you celebrating (if you do that) Christmas? Why are you having decorating a Christmas tree at this time of the year? Christmas trees belong to German culture. Sorry for popping your bubble but without "cultural appropriation" we'd all live separately from each other. You wouldn't have western technology etc. White people wouldn't know what rap is etc. A lot of good things wouldn't have happened. And the list goes on. Cultural appropriation isn't "a white girl rapping and saying _who dat_ or whatever/whites wearing dreads etc.". Cultural appropriation is: *using something from a certain culture and then you act as if you invented it*

[@lakelizard7574]

cultural appropriation/misapropriation is reducing something of profound or high meaning to a culture, down to a romanticized or "less profound" version, often in the sake of a joke, fashion statement, etc. You got it a little bit twisted

[@simonj9937]

lake lizard OK well as an English man I think using my language to produce a form of joke music ie rap highly offensive please don't destroy the elegance of my native language and our cultural heritage of fine English music just for fashion . Don't get me started on the cultural appropriation of European dress! It's all very silly , there is a saying, imitation is the highest form of flattery. Let's just use the best ideas, language knowledge etc where ever they come from, but as a matter of politeness we should always acknowledge the orgin.

[@lakelizard7574]

no shit everything has an originator. you're talking about a language, which is not in any way intellectual property. the english language doesn't belong to England. sorry, but we've totally past that point in history. it's just as much "your" language as it is mine here in Canada. Cultural appropriation is a term thrown around far too lightly by the retards of the political realm, and I'm not saying that's you, but those retards have confused the general public as to what it actually means.

[@simonj9937]

lake lizard you are correct as a member of the general public I haven't yet seen an example I don't find retarded. Good job English is exempt, as 70 percent of the lexicon comes from French with the rest made up of Anglo saxon, celtic Latin etc. Claming that English lanuguage ryme or poetry if you like set to music is ether new or original and therefore belonging to one cultural group is just idiotic. I also find you definition somewhat problematical, what if as and English man I find the adoption of our national sports some would consider a religion by other cultures offensive. No one would deny that out national football cricket and rugby teams have been humiliated and at times made to appear a compleat joke through their adoption by other cultures and them having changed the fashion in which we practises them, this causes great harm I have literaly seen English men in tears due cultural appropriation of our sports by new Zealand, Brazil , India, West indies etc.

[@smurphftw2008]

simon j English is a Germanic language. 60% of English is basically German.

[@RightCenterBack321]

I feel bad for people like Steve Tyson who's personal identity begins and ends with race.

[@he2295]

Seems like that's very common now. I am Race. Race I am

[@ConstantThrowing]

What that kid was saying was trash. You could tell Neil deGrasse Tyson was having none of it.

[@jackhammer5912]

i got the sense that Neil was not okay at all with what his nephew was saying, and it really gives me this idea that smart people don't care at all about their race or anyone else's

[@t100base]

they should

[@jackhammer5912]

to an extent maybe, but we all should live as it does not

[@t100base]

that's ideal but it does, and it has an effect on may people

[@jackhammer5912]

t100base but it is troublesome, specially when people equate race with culture, which many people do.

[@radthadd]

@@t100base no

[@AGENTtimex]

Appropriation literally means to use something that you don't own, without the permission of the owner. You don't own dreads, you don't own the pronunciation of a vowel sound, you don't own the idea of jumping cars, no one can OWN any of that stuff. Where's the owner? No owner, no appropriation. Bonus though for how funny it is when a guy who built a legacy off of making funny sounds and fake voices (he sings Led Zeplin songs) talking about Iggy doing basically the same thing. Does anybody out there really care what people do or not do? beyond judging if you're entertained by it or not? Don't buy Iggy's records then. God. If you're mad that people DO buy them, you just look catty.

[@joeythehom1e569]

So this black guy is saying cultural appropriation is bad does songs by a white guy who made a song about vikings which he also probably did. Correct me if I'm wrong but that sounds a little hypocritical.

[@DarkAngel2512]

No it doesnt. Appropriation is to make something your own. You're conflating it with misappropriation.

[@dtagg112]

I'm Mexican and have noticed black people celebrate life with the best of them through song and dance especially. Why not share that with the world and be proud to do so?

[@robertavanesovru]

No, IT IS because HE IS BETTER as an actor.

[@dtagg112]

Leandro Viana I understand your concern but it's silly to base principals off actors jobs. Because that's what it is a job for a pretend movie after all in most instances. Would you have a problem with a white person taking say a Mexicans job as farmer? It's counterproductive to have these battles. If you want to say hey maybe crime is higher in black and Mexican communities because the opportunity for education and positive influence isn't there as much as white communities then that's where we can have a conversation and make progress. Not in actors jobs, or being over sensitive to exchanging cultures. Us on the left and even people on the right have to be willing to choose our battles where real dialogue and change can occur.

[@robertavanesovru]

Morgan Freeman laughing at u kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGanenhsmciMa6c

[@davetyler6520]

Leandro Viana HOW DARE WE HAVE INTEGRATION

[@nationalistcanuck7800]

Devon G Blacks, Chinese, Indians are free to experience my culture IN THEIR OWN LANDS. 😎

[@kevinmichael3462]

I'm saying this as a liberal - the idea of cultural appropriation is the pinnacle of far-left stupidity in this country, and arguably demonstrates how anti-white racism has crept into "liberal" movements (the left is moving away from true liberalism and toward a variant form of conservatism.), since only white people are ever criticized for it. We all eat Chinese food all the time without caring about it, but nobody thinks of it as appropriation because no one is told they need to. Culture is fluid and gets shared in a bi-directional way, so everyone has their culture enriched by it simultaneously.

[@DarkAngel2512]

actually asians are criticized for copying hair and fake tanning. I'm from the Kpop scene and you can find these videos all over. Even a pair of mixed race Kpop promoters "Seoul Therapy" did a video saying it's wrong for asians to copy black hairstyles. And apparently one African woman on Tik Tok got attacked for speaking her Jamaican husbands language. This rubbish gone full circle now.

[@5688gamble]

If you stop cultures mixing and integrating and prevent them from sharing in aspects of your culture that appeal to them, don't you perpetuate the very problems you seek solidarity from "your people" for? If someone likes hip hop and puts their own spin on it based upon their heritage, doesn't that benefit everyone by letting us all find commonality? In the UK we love Indian food and we change it up to make it suit our tastes better, is that cultural appropriation? If I find a food, style of dress, tattoo, type of music, word, language, etc I like and emulate it, does that not show appreciation? If I modify it and you like it, or if you imitate me and put your spin on it, we are learning from one another and I think that brings us closer to integrating and respecting one another!

[@smolun_1625]

I 100% agree with you. Mixing cultures is how we learn from each other. People just want a reason to be mad.

[@attackpatterndelta8949]

Neil degrasse Tyson looking at Steve Tyson like he’s thinking “How the fuck are we related?”

[@CalB33]

I've never understood the concept of cultural appropriation as being negative, different groups of people have been sharing ideas for thousands of years so who knows where anything really came from if you go back far enough, why should a race have the monopoly on a certain style or sound, if you think something looks or sounds cool then why can you not just express that it's fucking stupid

[@gypster2004]

Jordan says it best: imitation is the first step in learning and understanding. Funny how children do this naturally.

[@archive2500]

It only becomes negative when someone is offended, but when not, there is not even such label. Sounds like an emotion-based concept. And hypocritical.

[@DarkAngel2512]

Because some idiot decided to conflate copying with colonial imperialism. Not sure what idiot started that but now its "profiting off a marginalised culture" despite black people are far from marginalised.

[@DarkAngel2512]

@@archive2500 can I say its refreshing to see a Kpop fan speak out on this. I feel like tearing my hair out with the community. I honestly find Kpop fans to be the most racist people I've encountered. Obviously not all as I'm one myself but there really is a cultural problem with Kpop fans on this topic l. Ironic when they love a diff cultue and no doubt copy Korean stuff all the time.

[@Crazyashley42]

Neil incredulous "So?" is the best summation of how absolutely irrelevant this cultural appropriation nonsense argument is.

[@IvanAlejandro99]

Why in the US race and culture are the same?

[@ShifuCareaga]

ignorance of the left

[@gypster2004]

Ivan89 it’s dumb isn’t it?

[@erikkovacs3097]

When Byonce dyes her hair blond do the Swedes scream "cultural appropriation!"

[@TexKimball]

Iggy's problem was more to do with authenticity, rather than appropriation. She never claimed she invented the sound or the slang she used, but she was essentially performing black culture, most of what she did was an emulation and not how she carried herself in real life. Eminem, for example, a lot of people don't consider him to be a cultural appropriator because he came off as genuine and had deep respect for the roots of hip hop, plus he grew up in an environment surrounded by black people and culture. He added his own perspective and flavor to the music, all while uplifting the careers of budding black artists, even until this day. Iggy and Eminem are night and day.

[@Alex-jn6zr]

Oh, so Eminem wasn't performing black culture, right? Hip hop is black culture in its roots n he acc copied parts of it, so he also culturally appropriated that n ppl didn't care anymore bc they liked his music. He disrespected it for appropriating it in the first place n changing it into sth it's not since 'he came off as genuine'. He has no right to change a culture n adapt it to his culture, that's disrespectful, how can ppl be so nuts to appreciate him for not just copying a culture, but also modifying parts of it n they treat him like a hip-hop king? That's wrong. Keep ur hands off sb else's culture

[@TexKimball]

@@Alex-jn6zr Where did I ever say he *wasn't* performing black culture? Eminem is performing hip hop music, which is a facet of black American culture, I never stated otherwise. The difference from Iggy being that he was much more immersed in the culture of hip hop and his upbringing and environment was similar to those around him. Even though he's white he came from the same inner city slums as his black peers and was introduced to hip hop through these peers and his environment naturally. How you see Eminem act and carry himself is a product of his upbringing, he's not an Australian like Iggy who came to the USA to carefully mimic black southern vernacular. That's why I say he "comes off as genuine", his rapping persona maps onto his real life persona. Is he "appropriating" it because his skin is white? Is rhythmically reciting words over an instrumental exclusive to black people? So if there's a Chinese guy who grows up in rural Texas around a bunch of cowboys listening to country, and he naturally gravitates to it and wants to perform it too, you would say he can't just because he looks different, even if he grew up authentically in that environment? A born and raised black Frenchman shouldn't be able to participate in European high fashion design because it's not "his culture" in your view? All culture is just mixtures and mutations of human behaviors and traditions built up continuously over time that transcend our very modern idea of "race". Some of the most famous hip hop songs ever made use samples from white musicians and international music from other cultures; they blatantly took it (sometimes without crediting), changed it with little regard for the intention of the original work, and made it something new to fit their own cultural sensibilities. "Appropriation" is literally part of the backbone of hip hop in the form of sampling obscure music. They shouldn't be allowed to do that according to you.

[@williamofdallas]

I ultimately disagree with Steve's position. He doesn't have the authority to discern whether or not Azalea's genuine or not! How does he know other African American hip hop artists are being "authentic"? I do however like the conclusion he reached and he articulated that point really well. Both he and his uncle seem reasonable on this subject.

[@JackHaveman52]

I don't find that Azalea doing hip hop is wrong being that she's affecting an accent that she doesn't have. I find it to be a little ridiculous. I've heard Canadian country singers try to sound as if they're from the southern States. They're from central Ontario and they're wearing cowboy hats. It's not who they are.....but it's not wrong. It lacks an originality that could be expressed if she were to act the person that she actually is. In the end, however, it's supposed to be a free country and she can do as she likes and I wish her well.

[@hallucinatedovens8414]

Neil comes from a generation when blacks still had to produce something of value to gain respect

[@killdozer812]

Incredible evidence of how easy your life is ... Sit around talking about what words people you never interact with should use. #hard

[@erikkovacs3097]

If you marry outside your race are you "appropriating" a whole person?

[@themeditationqueen]

"last I checked, I'm the human race" so so good.

[@Red1Green2Blue3]

This is a great sentiment (one which I agree with) the problem though is that many don't believe this, and the ones who don't are often in important and powerful decision making positions. You have to work within the situation in which you find yourself, not the one you wish you were in.

[@chuck2703]

Why stop there? Throw in sexuality and gender. Human - cis gendered - afro Carribean physicist. No, not empowering enough. Political ideology as well? Oh and religion too and class. Human - cis gender - Atheist middle class - leftist but only on Mondays. Got to let them kids know that you can only draw inspiration from your own people.

[@radthadd]

Facts

[@macro8236]

It's kind of disturbing that smart individuals like these conflate culture with race

[@Pickachuuuu]

there is nothing empowering about sharing an arbitrary trait like skin color.

[@t100base]

ok so don't cross the street when you see a pack of black dudes walking your way.

[@Capnsensible80]

LMAO t100 you're a fucking moron. I would elaborate but I've seen enough of your comments to know you wouldn't understand. Good luck in your future idiotic endeavors.

[@t100base]

@cap enough of my comments? you're spying on me? can you elaborate using acronyms? that would be impressive.

[@ajcarmageddon]

@@t100base it's hard not to notice the diarrhoea you've managed to smear over several comments on this video. In fact, I'll go as far as to simply call you out as a racist.

[@Red1Green2Blue3]

The empowerment comes in the context of living in a society that has oppressed you for hundreds of years (because of the arbitrary trait of skin colour) and where the default standard of beauty is white.

[@jasonsacrifice1]

All this talk. Well as a jamaican i would love for African americans to stop appropriating dread locks( not a general black thing) and all of our culture which they have been adopting as their own, misusing and accrediting to other blacks.

[@Rabbittavo]

H8ed logic Dreads were worn before the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Also Jamaicans often participated in African American life when they immigrated here (segregation and general racism ensured this for many) so much so that they moved to one of the oldest cities for black culture. There is a long tie and much overlap when it comes to African art and the diaspora. The griot tradition specifically is not only Jamaican in nature.

[@jasonsacrifice1]

Rabbittavo. By the Maasai, yes but African Americans are bantu? Bantu never wore dreads. A good number of Jamaicans light myself and most Rastafarians are Maasai. It is not your culture, you appropriated. as a matter of fact most us Jamaicans remember a time when African-Americans used to scorn us and hate on our dreads. it's amazing that now y'all want to embrace it.

[@jasonsacrifice1]

Rabbittavo not all of us. Mostly only the poor and uneducated ones. Also if you can get away with pretending to be Jamaican you should try to listen to what they say about you guys. I don't know a single Jamaican that will say anything truly nice about African Americans. One of the most common things I've heard from New York to Texas to California from all the Jamaicans that I've ever encountered is that y'all don't do anything at all, to better your circumstances. Y'all are disillusioned and are victims. You cry about every single thing as if you cannot do anything about it, y'all let y'alls houses go to waste, your neighborhood turn to s***. You were born here with all the opportunities in the world and you let us come here and out perform you. you all are just easy to sell to that's it. y'all share the same skin color that's about it, no cultural similarity or anything. I mean after all you all are Bantu, while we are Maasai, Ashanti and maroon. We don't even have ancestral similarities. The difference between me and other Jamaica's is that I'm honest, I don't pretend. You always cry about what the white man has done. get over your s*** look around you and see that foreigners have come to your country and outperformed you. because all you're doing is crying and dancing your greatest Ambitions are to be celebrities and wear the best shoes you know stuff like that. y'all don't pass anything down or do anything to insure your future Generations can grow to me y'all are a waste of black skin.

[@Rabbittavo]

H8ed logic First, dreads were not only worn by the massai. Black hair dreads naturally. Second I will point again to the fact that Jamaicans participated heavily in African American culture. The spiritual movement here coincided with a large immigration from Jamaica and influenced ideas about black power. None of this is appropriative. Jamaicans were subject to the same abuses other black populations were/are. African Americans ensured Jamaican rights here also with every march and protest. The process you might be looking for is acculturation. I would agree that Jamaicans made dreads popular but I disagree that the massai created the style rather than being it's long practitioners. Dreads are likely older than we can guess.

[@Rabbittavo]

H8ed logic This sounded more like you being upset. First I come from an immigrant family, I happen to be born here. Second it's not like stereotypes don't abound for Jamaicans either. I have heard my share from all sides. I often get mistaken for Jamaican because of my accent and I hear rude things all of the time. I also have Jamaican family as well so I am familiar with some aspects of the culture. The idea that A.A have done nothing is a feature of your ignorance and those who think like you. No black population in America would have rights if not for the struggles of A.A. people. Black people collectively have been overcoming since the salve trades. We wouldn't deny this legacy of accomplishment in spite of adversity to Jamaicans or Haitians. America has been a brutal place for many minorities and what you perceive as whining is people communicating for change. Feel free to sit back and let others fight for your rights, but don't lump all Jamaicans in with your backwards view of the world, plenty of Jamaican immigrants have come and improved our community and been improved by it in turn. Anti-blackness isn't something to be proud of in any form. Lastly I speak two languages and am working on a third, I teach and travel as well as perform in music and science. Don't pretend to assume you have some insight into my life because you have assumed my heritage and what it has to mean.

[@rafaelbarbosa9833]

“You're going to relegate my history to a month? I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history.” Morgan Freeman Same can be said about HipHop, Sorry it's not just Black Culture, It's part of American Culture...

[@willsworld4102]

Group Identity politics should not be used by either race as a precursor to the identity of the individual, great answer by Neil! HUMAN FIRST BRO

[@bluboy4ver2]

I get what he's saying but Puerto Rican is a nationality not a race. I'm not trying to be controversial, I'm just trying to be thorough because I feel like people confuse or misconstrue race, ethnicity and nationality often.

[@DarkAngel2512]

I did a check on this a while back and actually those three words all mean the same thing etymologically speaking.

[@nelson_rebel3907]

Neil has an interesting take on societal issues. Not really his area of expertise but maybe people outside their areas have a more grounded practical view. Food for thought I suppose

[@Germmasher]

At least I would not say that Puerto Rican is a race is more like a culture and we are very proud of our people. I would love that Neil would embrace that part because it could inspire more Puerto Ricans. I didn't know that he was half Puerto Rican and right now he is role model but if I knew when I was little that there were a famous Puerto Rican descend astrophysicist that came to Puerto Rican schools, I would feel more connected and inspired that I'm right now. He could be what Carl Sagan was to him for many in Puerto Rico. And his Puerto rican mother is too a great role model.

[@jesseRya]

one is a genius, the others insane...

[@MikePuorro]

I agree with Neil deGrasse Tyson's instinct on this. He's had to fight the uncle tom label his whole life just for having a love of learning. Color blindness can be a reality if we all just stop labeling each other.

[@billthecat666]

Paul McCartney imitated a Southern American accent in the Beatles song Rocky Raccoon.

[@nationalistcanuck7800]

Sean Maher What's a 'South American accent'? 😎

[@Capnsensible80]

TRIGGERED

[@Capnsensible80]

he said SOUTHERN, not SOUTH. Huge difference in meaning there lol

[@Aoderic]

Steve needs to grow up, get some confidence in him self, and drop that childish Hip hop facade.

[@heftyalan1152]

Exactly so. You tell 'em Neil. I grew up with punk which are white bands playing Jamaican based music and nothing wrong with that. It is appreciation not appropriation.

[@LigaFantasma]

Hefty Alan how is punk Jamaican based? Just curious.

[@heftyalan1152]

LigaFantasma the punk and reggae link led to bands like The Clash, The Ruts, Bad Brains, Operation Ivy, The Police, Brygada Kryzys, Rancid, Sublime, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones to name just s few

[@onewholovesvenison5335]

“I know how you think of me, cause I’ve been stopped by cops” How would they not recognize NEIL FRICKING DEGRASSE TYSON?!

[@BlitzOfTheReich]

The irony is that they are all of partial Puerto Rican descent.

[@htennek1]

I love how Steve Tyson says it is 'inclusive' for those who are genuine and authentic. But, lets just take a look at how rapper are actually outside of their performance personas. Then goes on to say how Genuine is a defining term for Hip Hop. I guess he is either a) stupid b) just willfully lying or c) 100% ignorant of the very music and culture he is an expert on apparentlyAt no point did he drop anything let alone a mic. The only take away from this video is Neil deGrasse Tyson make an excellent point that went completely over the head of his racist nephew, who seems to think that purposely keeping yourself as 'different' and 'other; than your fellow men and women is somehow empowering. But, that it is Ok for 'blacks' to 'appropiate' culture but when 'whites' do it is bad wrong. Basically this is just proof that intelligence and awareness are no directly inherited.

[@DarkAngel2512]

Its rhetoric we're taught in the hip hop scene. "Keep it real" and all that jazz. It's a massive contradiction. All that matters should be the quality and even then if its poor quality just leave it be on the pop pile. No need to call it hip hop. Half of black rappers are pop if you ask me anyway

[@realtruenorth]

I have thought about this dilemma and it seems that there are two things in question here, do cultures have a right to preserve themselves through people? And how do you unify people that are divided culturally if so? One thing for sure, America is stronger when united. If you seek to divide people you seek to hurt them. If we lead by example we should try to unite people rather than focus on what divides us, focus on what unites us.

[@navyal7237]

How come this video have so many dislikes , but most comments are positive ?!?

[@FullmoonPhantom-dn2sr]

People don’t agree with Tyson’s nephew.

[@Atombender]

It seems like intelligence isn't running in the Tyson family.

[@kenzelcold1636]

Another Black man detached from reality. I still admire as an African American Astrophysicist even though you don't appreciate what past African-Americans have done for us all.

[@shopobjetdart]

Shall we apply the same standards to Nicki Minaj?

[@Rabbittavo]

Lost Marbles You cannot. As a minority assimilation becomes a feature. Dominant society calls for an acceptance and adoption of its norms. Business suits are seen as business attire as opposed to any other form of dress. All through history there are examples of America forcing people to conform to white beauty standards.

[@radthadd]

@@Rabbittavo moron

[@SteversChed]

This guy says that with a straight face while speaking my cultural language...

[@zachisebi]

I can 100% get behind that. Cultural appropriation isn't the problem, inauthenticity is.

[@manikantasrao7868]

As long as you don't use a culture to make money and then turn around and make fun of the SAME culture you uses to make money, IT'S OK.

[@DarkAngel2512]

I disagree. There are black people who make hip hop and mock parts of hip hop culture. Why shoulsnt other races do the same. Especially as its expected in hip hop to mock the rubbish elements.

[@hellonearth-thehistoryofwa1270]

"Don't be a cutural hipster" dayum first guy I can appreciate.

[@mordredoforkney6185]

actual culture appropriation would be like "no, they didn't make this we did." when that's a clear lie. Like if a Japanese person said they invented grape wine.....when Japan didn't have grapes for a long time. They first got grapes in the 12th century, and they even found it to not be natural to their land. It would be appropriation for them to say "naw we invented grape wine." when they didn't. Appreciation and appropriation are two different things.

[@DarkAngel2512]

Nope. Appropriaiton just means to make somethings your own. In this case to adopt cultural practices.

[@Alex-jn6zr]

@@DarkAngel2512 N how do u do that exactly?

[@DarkAngel2512]

@@Alex-jn6zr by copying or assimilating.

[@Alex-jn6zr]

@@DarkAngel2512 Oh, well, I've been copying n assimilating my native language since a baby until now, meaning a part of the culture where I'm from without knowing it in the first place. I've literally learned it by copying what I'd heard other ppl say or write from the point I also learned how to read. Let alone ppl who learn different other foreign languages, who just copy the words those foreign ppl use. How on Earth this is not the same n not called out? Language is part of each ethnic group's culture, prolly even the most important distinctive part. Maybe it's necessary, but it's still offensive since ur stealing n using sth u didn't invent

[@DarkAngel2512]

@@Alex-jn6zr ??? So you think people should be "called out" for "stealing" others' languages??? Ok, I dont really know what to say to that. Copying happens irrelevant of race or geography. Its racist and xenophobic to say others cannot copy it. Furthermore globalisation wouldnt have happened without it. You do you but the whole CA thing is a very new ideology and normal people just find this stuff genuinely nuts and truthfully anyone who subscribes to it should check in to a mental hospital. As for "not inventing" it neither did majority of the people from the root culture. Perhaps people should only use the words they invent and never communicate with others.

[@advocatusdiaboli2747]

I think Neil is arguing for species wide empowerment, his nephew societal empowerment, specifically minorities he would perceive to be otherwise leveraged and stacked against, therefore at a disadvantage power-wise from their beginning. Virtuous. But irrelevant to how things will go eventually. And for a forward thinker, I think realizing race is akin to gender, in that it’s a societal evolution of a scientific term, no longer respective of reality, it falls apart. Emotion is important of course, for involvement and advocacy, and instillment. But it cannot begin to obstruct our ability to observe reality. There is no race outside of the human race. Neils point is both light hearted, but specifically literally correct as well. And any well intention ignoring it could and likely will eventually do mor harm than good with respect to our ability to navigate the universe and the future of human progression. We need to know what’s really going on.

[@rasmussonderriis]

Neil is brilliant at cutting through the crap with his sense of humour.

[@MatchesMalone1183]

The goal shouldn't be I have to see someone who looks like me doing something for me to be inspired. Children should taught to admire people who do good and important things regardless of what colour their skin is. Kids in playschool don't even have a concept of race difference. They are taught that they are different.

[@Red1Green2Blue3]

Not being equally represented in society is the symptom of underlying societal issues. Wanting to see yourself represented in media speaks to a more fundamental desire of wanting to have the same opportunities as others.

[@odette6328]

BTW America wouldn't really exist if different cultures wouldn't have shared things because America is diversity as fuck.

[@chrisb1805]

You have been stopped by cops. Wow. I bet no one else has.

[@huffalmighty]

This made no fucking sense. How is this a mic drop?

[@jpah8944]

They must be fucking dumb if they don't know they could be a scientist.

[@lakelizard7574]

Portoriquen ahahahahahaha. are they from Portoriquo? is it by chance next to Puerto Rico? I know you are ESL but im fucking dying over here

[@LotsOfLancelot]

I’m a person who never cared for the idea of race politics like cultural appropriation. And I really still don’t. However, I’ve recently seen people in the rap game who steal hip hop culture to make money. So if that matters to you on a personal level, then I understand that. Corny rappers like Iggy and Macklemore come to mind. I think they do take from hip hop, rather than furthering the genre and legit loving what they do.

[@ajtam05]

Aliens are definitely just laughing at us. Lol

[@randymagnum143]

Never heard the Rolling Stones sing honkey tonk? 🤣

[@marzouk6270]

LOOOOOOOL I hate the cultural appropriation talks but everyone here had good points and the Good day mate sent me lol.

[@lordreyna6924]

While he wears a hat representing a biracial artist who is half white, honestly it shouldn’t matter u should let people live as the way u want to live, FREE!

[@aaronyepez6148]

The ratio didn’t age well

[@sisenor4091]

He is puertorriqueño?

[@charlytorres1077]

Tyson and his "less intelligent" nephew ...

[@jimthefinger7391]

Tyson intelligentsia engaged

[@renate19861958]

So i hope that people will stop appropriating the german culture. Dirndles and lederhosen, called “trachts” are distinctive to the various regions of germany.

[@JK_JK_JK]

Appropriation · ​[uncountable, singular] (formal or law) the act of taking something that belongs to somebody else, especially without permission. How can a culture be appropriated? Who does a culture belong to? Who can give permission?

[@DarkAngel2512]

Nope. It doesnt mean "without permission". Look up the etymology of "appropriation and not some Buzzfeed definition.

[@JK_JK_JK]

@@DarkAngel2512 Nope. This is the exact definition as found in a dictionary and not some Buzzfeed definition. Epic fail.

[@HappyHermitt]

Its bad enough they call each other nigga everyday but dares someone else to say it. Special treatment and babified. And they still whine

[@elijahfyffe5176]

I'm not the biggest fan of Neil. But I agree with him 100% on this

[@richardvalenzuela9207]

Cultural appropriation not a problem at all...education not categorization...I bet if u found a way to make money while appropriating you’d do it...assumption! However the Egyptian culture has influenced this entire world...need I say more? Empowerment isnt a phrase it’s a feeling and self acknowledgment...nothing to do with cultural appropriation...and furthermore there is no need to characterize someone’s achievements that involve race...because anyone in any race can be anything they want... some just choose stupidity and ignorance...embrace one another for who they are not what they look like, wear, live etc. without labels! Because labels distinguish and we are all human nothing more nothing less!

[@FreeSpokenOne]

Love how Neil doesn’t play those little games, he doesn’t need to and he worked hard to be what he is today. There is nothing fake about him and he puts that out there. You don’t need to tell people ‘who’ you are to impress anyone. If you ‘are’ that thing which impresses others, they’ll know this already because you made your mark in the world without needing to pound your chest or brag about it. This is Neil, his work speaks for and about him and nobody should take a free ride on his notoriety, they should make their own. This isn’t the dark ages anymore. People can make of themselves as they wish so get out there and stop making excuses for why you haven’t. That’s just being lazy and acting privileged.

[@mandymoore7218]

Yeh but that’s rubbish because you guys call a girl wearing an indian head dress as sinning from cultural appropriation. Yet she isn’t trying to take the culture for herself she just likes the native Americans head dress. People only make it an issue when a white person does it which is bull shit

[@ralphb.5335]

Whos language are you speaking...?

[@jedione6662]

Vary profound statement

[@kalt7990]

Gotta love Tyson. To hell with frivolity, we got our minds in the stars.

[@anthonywhelan5419]

I love Neil. Human race is the only race. Cultural appropriation. Gee guys, you're speaking English which is appropriation from England and English is appropriated from Germany etc etc - go get your own language.

[@a.bourne6386]

As a white american, I know I don't have any culture. I just exist. Despite my very real, and multi-racial family tree. I'm still white. And it sucks. But I'd like to think that "c.a-p" is a result of deliberate mockery and theft of a culture not your own. As much I admire other cultures. I do my best to not publicly display it. It's mostly looking from afar. Not any real immersion.

[@navyal7237]

Aren't you multicultural if you have a multi racial fam ? Far as I remember , skin color and culture weren't codependent

[@RobertJBarnes]

I am still not seeing the issue. There is resentment that a white girl from Australia raps. Is it seen as theft? if so, then some obvious questions that will point out hypocrisy immediately emerge. I think they should heed what Tyson is trying to say. The mass success of artists like Dr Dre depends on white kids, many of which have no connection to where Dre comes from. Even my son, who lives on a farm in rural Canada with his mom thinks rap is cool. I censor a lot of it where I can because so many of you guy are misogynist pricks, but, nonetheless, it is good music. Before I digress too far, the point is that if you are willing to become rich from white kids buying your albums then you should have no problem if some of them becoming rap artist when they grow up. I mean, do you think concert violinists didn't like classical music when kids?

[@cjstormm]

I agree, i have watched a man from africa explain it best(trying to find him again) starting with dreadlocks (he was responding to another vid.) dreadlocks were in many cultures including asians,celts ,africans and most other cultures before any migration to other places due to the fact of not having combs, this is also true with many other "cultural" things like drums, guitars, bows, spears, even things like head dresses .all very similar and existing in seperate cultures despite never interacting with one another. also grouping cultures by race doesn't work either. all african tribes , american indian tribes, south american tribes, european tribes,asian tribes did not have the same cultures as each other despite living close for example mayans and aztecs , mongolians, chinese and tibetans, cherokee and sioux all had different cultures. most "cultures" we know today are not original due to people of all races migrating and borrowing from others they encountered whether peacefully or conquest(also not just a white thing).

[@woitapoh5185]

So down to my DNA, I'm more Germanic than any other kind of human DNA identity subgroup. To top it off - I've lived in Germany, land of my ancestors. And let me tell you, I'm not German. I like their food, bits and pieces of their culture, but I am not German nor do I wish to live in Germany. Great place and culture to visit and experience, but nothing I'd be happy with long term. As an American I'm living in a culture that came into its own long ago. Yes, there is such a thing as an American culture. However, it's not ossified. It will still gleefully appropriate what might have value. It's adaptable, mutable. And often in absorbing some outside influence it'll process and produce something new, unique, and every once in a while - something useful to humanity. So, appropriate all you want. Especially if people are offended. They don't own any culture even if they think they do, and they're not God's appointed defender of some culture or another. Let the mashup continue.

[@johnnycomelately8922]

If you want some good Australian hip-hop, check out Hilltop Hoods.

[@yodieyuh]

I am offended.

[@knevil753]

you want to appropriate "who dat" ? i believe the study of astrophysics began in western civilization. should we mic drop taking that diploma?

[@Rabbittavo]

Notice the population that dismisses honest fears about appropriation, the dispersal isn't equal. The idea of equal participation in a land where whites are the majority is already problematic. The problem does not lie in cultures sharing. one of my favorite and Imo authentic styles of music is jazz, white people certainly contributed and in no small measure, this contribution was holistic and appreciative for many reasons. A huge reason is the cultural competency demanded of any interracial group at the time. People were not just sharing music but lives and souls back then. Taking something and removing the spirit of it often gets groups upset (Christmas Vs. happy holidays maybe?) with minorities the upset can be worse because traditions can actually be lost or popularly misappropriated (gauges?). Of course people can share culture it's 2018. All people are asking for is understanding sensitivity and empathy with the things you are using and appreciation for the rich traditions that made it. I deal in classical music as a minority. I love old dead white guys and I like the culture (minus the racism and sexism etc) I also realize they drew from other cultures (drums, early bowed instruments). We can certainly be made better by sharing but the sentiments I see here (complete dismissal) undermine the premise. If black culture is good enough to interact so as to be appropriate then it should be good enough as to influence interaction with people who produce the culture. You cannot dismiss the feelings and thoughts of a people while "sharing" their culture and call it good faith. This way of sharing feels like it embodies a long legacy and this is why the reaction has been so strong.

[@jessiehermit9503]

Rabbittavo Amen. Imho this is probably the first half-way intelligent argument on this topic I've seen. Thank you.

[@gypster2004]

Rabbittavo always remember that logic and rationality > feelings

[@hoodhippie3404]

It might be empowering to say that you are a certain race but it contributes to the problem saying you are a certain race besides the human race creates separateness between us it divides us which is the cause of these problems we have in today's society it might be empowering but it won't help the situation

[@evilsbane7773]

So… the nephew’s points seem racist no?

Where does the segregation stop though? OUR word OUR music OUR culture. Do we not allow black people to use light bulbs because they were invented by a white man?

[@arktomorphos]

Purto Rican is what race again?

[@nicj5354]

Human

[@JediNiyte]

I'm sorry. How someone decides to sing, dress, style their hair, or apply cosmetics is NONE of your business. How about you stop being such a goddamned control freak, and just relax and enjoy your life?

[@Ronny-jr2gl]

Isn't rap considered music? Isn't rap a form of poetry? I don't know who really started music and poetry, but wasn't it created thousands of years ago? So nobody can really claim it. It is like claiming the American language. No one is running around saying you can't rap in English. Appropriations is such a joke, when people should be worried about appreciation. Instead of mine, mine, mine, it should be ours, ours, ours.

[@theislamophobicprophet5718]

More dislikes expected: Correct!

[@kimberleyanng.9638]

Talk the truth and shame the devil! These culture appropriation people need to leave hip-hop alone. They know NOTHING about being black, black culture or the black experience. Stop trying to relate!

[@markhoran70]

Now do gender

[@kitschiguy]

Neil deGrasse Tyson toying with tiny minds.

[@Az_Eaz]

Imitating an Australian accent is offensive.

[@navyal7237]

Ello mate !

[@pizdanpula223]

Tyson doesn't buy it

[@mfro4422]

This is nonsense

[@janhenson9616]

How tf is this man a scientist?.. he said ‘As a homo sapien’?!.. It’s Homo sapiens!!! Even if you’re just referring to 1, it ends with an s. Homo sapiens is the name.