Often times when I am trying to explain to an individual why they should not wear tribal headdresses, or why they should not say things like “I think I was a gypsy in a past life, because I love to travel!” Or, when they post pictures of themselves with a crystal ball, or wearing a skimpy “gypsy” or “Native” Halloween costume….I am often met with the response that there is nothing wrong with admiring and incorporating other cultures traditions, dress, etc into our wardrobes, lives, pictures, etc. 

That is true. There isnt. Cultural appropriation is not, in itself, inherently wrong. However, cultural MISappropriation is. A lot of people debate over the words “appropriation” and “misappropriation” so here, I am using appropriation to refer to the natural effects and outcome of living in multicultural societies, and the result of cultural exchange. I am using misappropriation to refer to the negative appropriation of a culture and their traditions by reinforcing negative or untrue stereotypes about said culture or tradition..whether by clothing, pictures, or whatever else.

This is what needs to be understood. Living in a multicultural society, a multicultural world..there will be cultural exchange and the result of that is appropriation ALL around the block. Not just whites appropriating non white cultures and traditions…but all cultures appropriating and borrowing from all different types of cultures and traditions. I admire MANY cultures and traditions, and oftentimes incorporate attire from cultures other than my own, into my own wardrobe.

However, I would not ever take a sacred, traditional item and devalue it by exploiting it, or devalue it by using it to reinforce negative and incorrect stereotypes about a people or culture. This is where the difference lies.

Many of you need to learn the meaning of the word “respect.” I am, many times, met with the response that, for example, the reason a young woman has taken a picture of herself in a field, wearing an extremely revealing, cheap halloween costume, with a crystal ball in her hands..is because she “loves and respects gypsy culture.” 

No. Learn the definition of the word respect. Respect is not devaluing a people by depicting yourself in attire that reinforces negative and incorrect stereotypes about them. That is not respect.