Cultural Appropriation Vs. Cultural Appreciation Controversy

Culture is the essence of human interaction. It is how the world expresses the passions, inspirations, and purposes of differing lifestyles, when simple conversation won’t suffice. We exchange cultures for a mutual understanding of how those of the same race perceive the world in an estranged point of view; the extensive evolvement humans have made throughout different environments, behaviors, and beliefs. Although culture is what unifies the global society, it also divides. It shares the human affinities and juxtaposes dichotomies. It is the universal equilibrium-the balance between opposing forces- in which humankind determines its own fate; whether to embrace or repudiate brothers and sisters for their unique reaction to life.
Unfortunately, …show more content…
This is the overall concept of the cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation controversy. To begin with, cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of a culture by members of a different culture (Estrada). Although this does not seem offensive, the implication in which this term has in political and social communities is that “cultural appropriation highlights the power [of] imbalance that remains between those in power and those who've been historically marginalized” (Estrada), and since culture drives politics, this issue is always associated with influential people in society, causing a dominant stream of news coverage over the debate. A prominent example of appropriation that people first notice in an appearance is hairstyle. Justin Bieber, a famous singer was seen sporting dreadlocks, a common style in African culture, and his hair was considered as ‘cool’ new look. Meanwhile, Zendaya Coleman, an actress, singer, and activist in this debate, was ridiculed at the Oscars award show when wearing dreadlocks accused of smelling like ‘weed’, …show more content…
Appreciating will not bare people from their opinions, but rather it is a testimony of their character. Appreciating does not ask for anything more than understanding and respect. If one simply obtains these qualities they can freely immerse themselves in a culture because it “makes it that much more difficult to appropriate it, because you are more likely able to recognize whether your action will be taken as disrespectful or embraced” (Estrada). Both factors are characteristics that every single human being can possess that bring them one foot into the door of cultural equality. The application and action of these factors will successful bring an end to this