Cultural Appropriation: A Mixed Race Perspective

By Opinion Editor 6 years ago

Sometimes the argument isn’t quite so black and white.

The idea of cultural appropriation has gained a lot of attention and controversy in recent years. Indeed, the very prospect of dressing up as Indians and Pilgrims for Thanksgiving has been recently described as just plain “racist” in an article on our very own Stand. Of course, Thanksgiving is a unique event with its own particular history, one that will most likely confuse the non-Americans among us and just leave us satisfied with the much simpler understanding that it has something to do with sweet potatoes. But is “cultural appropriation” more generally a form of implicit racism in itself?

As a mixed race individual, cultural identity has always been something of a complex topic. My brown skin and apparently unpronounceable name (it’s two syllables, people!) immediately set me apart from almost everyone in the overwhelmingly white country town I grew up in. When visiting my family in Sri Lanka, however, I can’t help but feel English. When my skin would get darker or I’d eat meals with my hands, it was not unusual for a family member to comment that I looked like “a real Sri Lankan,” presumably someone who’s Asianness wasn’t diluted by European heritage.

Photo: Cosmopolitan

Now, I’m not trying to say that mixed race people are inherent victims of some sort of cultural identity crisis – there are plenty of perks of being from different parts of the world too – but it does make it impossible to identify with just one particular culture that is distinctly your own. As a result, the very concept of “cultural appropriation” is quite a confusing one. It is grounded on the idea that there is one pre-existing, exogenous culture which is given to you based on where you live and the colour of your skin. According to this mentality, then, there are different cultures, separate and distinct, which you are not entitled to be a part of.

Being raised in a diverse cultural background, this dichotomous interpretation of culture starts to fall apart. There simply are no wholly separate cultures given to you by the world. Furthermore, he notion that someone can lay claim to a culture, and anything deemed to be a ‘product’ of that culture, is exactly the same way of thinking that leads certain individuals to try to exclude people like me from their conception of that culture – one that they supposedly own and one that I can only be lucky enough to be deemed a part of.

Photo: The Independant

The interpretation of cultures as wholly separate from each other and owned by different people is not just intellectually dishonest, but dangerous and exclusionary. If we construct barriers between cultures and dictate how we should act according to them, how long will it be before we start constructing barriers between people too? How long will it be before this blunt categorisation is used to exclude people like me from ever being deemed a part of any culture at all? Isn’t every culture just a combination of other cultures anyway?

It goes without saying that no one should go out of their way to offend someone or insult their heritage. And it is true that Thanksgiving is a particularly sensitive issue for many (perhaps it’s easier to focus more on the sweet potatoes and less on the imperialism). But we shouldn’t create divisions between people based on a dichotomous and intellectually lazy definition of what culture is. It is time to embrace culture for the colourful, diverse blend of global human thought that we are all a product of and, knowingly or unknowingly, contribute towards.

Comments

comments

Tags: , , ,

107 thoughts on “Cultural Appropriation: A Mixed Race Perspective”

  4. I have seen a lot of useful items on your web site about computer systems. However, I’ve the judgment that laptop computers are still more or less not powerful enough to be a wise decision if you often do things that require a great deal of power, such as video enhancing. But for world wide web surfing, word processing, and majority of other popular computer functions they are okay, provided you don’t mind the little screen size. Appreciate sharing your opinions.

    Reply

  9. hello there and thank you to your info ? I?ve definitely picked up anything new from proper here. I did on the other hand experience several technical points the use of this website, since I skilled to reload the website lots of instances previous to I may just get it to load properly. I have been thinking about if your hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, however sluggish loading cases occasions will very frequently affect your placement in google and could injury your quality ranking if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my email and can look out for much extra of your respective fascinating content. Ensure that you update this again very soon..

    Reply

  11. Thanks for the suggestions you have discussed here. Yet another thing I would like to talk about is that personal computer memory specifications generally go up along with other innovations in the technological innovation. For instance, as soon as new generations of processors are introduced to the market, there is usually a matching increase in the dimensions preferences of all laptop memory as well as hard drive space. This is because the software operated by simply these processors will inevitably increase in power to leverage the new technology.

    Reply

  12. I was suggested this website through my cousin. I’m not positive whether or not this put up is written by him as nobody else recognize such designated about my difficulty. You are amazing! Thank you!

    Reply

  14. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be useful to read through articles from other writers and practice something from their sites.

    Reply

  15. PBN sites
    We shall establish a web of self-owned blog network sites!

    Merits of our private blog network:

    We execute everything so google DOES NOT comprehend THAT this is A PBN network!!!

    1- We obtain web domains from separate registrars

    2- The principal site is hosted on a virtual private server (Virtual Private Server is high-speed hosting)

    3- The rest of the sites are on different hostings

    4- We allocate a individual Google profile to each site with verification in Search Console.

    5- We develop websites on WordPress, we don’t utilize plugins with the help of which malware penetrate and through which pages on your websites are created.

    6- We refrain from duplicate templates and use only distinct text and pictures

    We never work with website design; the client, if desired, can then edit the websites to suit his wishes

    Reply

  16. The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me as much as this one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I actually thought you would probably have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something you can fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.

    Reply

  17. Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa? My website discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!

    Reply

  23. The next time I read a blog, I hope that it won’t disappoint me as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought you would probably have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something you could fix if you weren’t too busy seeking attention.

    Reply

  25. We are a bunch of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with helpful info to paintings on. You have done an impressive task and our entire group will probably be thankful to you.

    Reply

  26. One thing I’ve noticed is the fact there are plenty of misguided beliefs regarding the financial institutions intentions if talking about home foreclosure. One myth in particular is that often the bank prefers to have your house. The lender wants your dollars, not your home. They want the cash they gave you together with interest. Avoiding the bank will still only draw the foreclosed summary. Thanks for your article.

    Reply

  28. Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch since I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch!

    Reply

  30. Spot on with this write-up, I really suppose this web site needs much more consideration. I?ll most likely be again to learn much more, thanks for that info.

    Reply

  31. Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I am inspired! Extremely helpful information particularly the remaining part 🙂 I deal with such info much. I was looking for this certain info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

    Reply

  33. The next time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I imply, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you might fix if you werent too busy searching for attention.

    Reply

  34. Thanks for your post. I would also love to say that the health insurance agent also works well with the benefit of the actual coordinators of a group insurance plan. The health insurance professional is given a summary of benefits searched for by an individual or a group coordinator. Exactly what a broker does is try to find individuals or perhaps coordinators which best go with those demands. Then he shows his ideas and if the two of you agree, the particular broker formulates legal contract between the two parties.

    Reply

  38. Hi, I do think this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to return once again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.

    Reply

  39. An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I believe that you should write more on this subject, it might not be a taboo subject but generally folks don’t speak about these subjects. To the next! Kind regards!!

    Reply

  42. Situs dan Aplikasi slot gacor gampang menang dengan RTP gacor yang mampu mewujudkan maxwin jackpot dengan winrate tinggi. Dengan minimal deposit 25rb via Dana Ovo Gopay dan Rekening Bank serta dukungan server canggih mengadopsi html5, sehingga setiap putaran spin yang menyala akan menghasilkan scatter yang sangat menarik. link alternatif yang selalu di kawal admin 24 jam, menjadikan login para member semakin mudah untuk di akses. Daftar Astina333 untuk menjemput hoki kalian bersama slot88 menyala sekarang juga!

    Reply

  43. Your style is so unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this blog.

    Reply

  46. It has a search function to explore new ideas and collections from other users. You can browse your favorite topics like technology, design, education, art, and movie. It also allows you to explore different topics through others’ collections. Amazingly, you can edit and annotate the web pages you collect and add illustrations to any item. 9. Wanderfly: This site is also like a Pinterest for travel. You can get travel advice and recommendations and find travel ideas. Last year it was purchased by Trip Advisor. Pinterest is a popular information discovery platform used by people to share their designs or creative work. It is similar to blogging apps, but unlike the blogging services that support lengthy text and several images in a post, you can see only a single picture at a time on Pinterest. A short description accompanies each photo on Pinterest. Although it wouldn’t be challenging to identify the thing in the picture, a description allows users to share their thoughts on the image. Pinterest currently hosts over 100 million photos. Posts in this application are called Pins. You can create a board and add as many Pins as you want to it.
    http://r09.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=259796
    Social media marketing, or SMM, uses social media and social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to promote products and services. Through social media marketing, you can engage with existing customers and reach new potential customers. Social media is crucial for event promotion in today’s world. Hashtags, Facebook event pages, Instagram comment sections, and social media contests all become community spaces where your audience will do the legwork of building excitement. Use as many tools as you can, and if possible craft a dedicated promotion strategy for each social platform – what works on a Facebook event page will not be as successful on Twitter. Social media is a game of visibility and with brands. It’s often out of sight, out of mind, so it’s crucial that you are active on your social media platforms and post consistently.

    Reply

  55. Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    Reply

  59. Based on my study, after a the foreclosure home is offered at a sale, it is common for any borrower to be able to still have any remaining unpaid debt on the loan. There are many lenders who try and have all costs and liens paid off by the next buyer. On the other hand, depending on specified programs, rules, and state regulations there may be several loans which are not easily solved through the shift of financial loans. Therefore, the responsibility still remains on the borrower that has obtained his or her property in foreclosure. Many thanks sharing your opinions on this blog site.

    Reply

  60. Nice blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

    Reply

  61. Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I am experiencing situation with ur rss . Don?t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting an identical rss downside? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

    Reply

  65. Thanks for your article. Another factor is that to be a photographer requires not only difficulty in catching award-winning photographs but also hardships in getting the best photographic camera suited to your requirements and most especially struggles in maintaining the standard of your camera. This really is very correct and evident for those photography fans that are straight into capturing the nature’s eye-catching scenes — the mountains, the forests, the wild and the seas. Visiting these exciting places undoubtedly requires a dslr camera that can surpass the wild’s severe conditions.

    Reply

  72. Thanks for discussing your ideas in this article. The other thing is that whenever a problem takes place with a computer system motherboard, people should not go ahead and take risk of repairing the item themselves for if it is not done correctly it can lead to permanent damage to all the laptop. It is almost always safe to approach the dealer of that laptop for that repair of that motherboard. They will have technicians with an expertise in dealing with mobile computer motherboard problems and can make the right prognosis and execute repairs.

    Reply

  73. Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired! Very helpful information specifically the closing section 🙂 I take care of such info much. I was seeking this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

    Reply

  75. Thanks for the suggestions you have provided here. In addition, I believe there are many factors that will keep your car insurance premium straight down. One is, to bear in mind buying autos that are from the good list of car insurance organizations. Cars which have been expensive are definitely more at risk of being snatched. Aside from that insurance coverage is also in accordance with the value of your vehicle, so the higher priced it is, then the higher this premium you make payment for.

    Reply

  76. I do enjoy the way you have presented this challenge plus it really does supply me personally a lot of fodder for consideration. Nonetheless, because of what precisely I have observed, I simply trust when the comments pack on that people today keep on issue and not start upon a tirade of some other news du jour. Still, thank you for this outstanding piece and although I do not really go along with the idea in totality, I regard the point of view.

    Reply

  83. Hi there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading through your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same topics? Thanks a ton!

    Reply

  85. Hiya! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share. Appreciate it!

    Reply

  86. I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this web site. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own website now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.

    Reply

  89. One other issue is when you are in a circumstance where you would not have a cosigner then you may really need to try to make use of all of your financial aid options. You’ll find many grants and other scholarships that will give you finances to aid with college expenses. Thanks a lot for the post.

    Reply

  93. I have seen that car insurance businesses know the vehicles which are at risk of accidents as well as other risks. Additionally, these people know what sort of cars are susceptible to higher risk and also the higher risk they’ve the higher the actual premium rate. Understanding the simple basics involving car insurance will let you choose the right form of insurance policy that could take care of your needs in case you happen to be involved in an accident. Many thanks sharing a ideas on your own blog.

    Reply

  94. Thanks for your post. I would also like to comment that the very first thing you will need to carry out is determine if you really need repairing credit. To do that you have got to get your hands on a copy of your credit report. That should never be difficult, because the government necessitates that you are allowed to obtain one cost-free copy of your own credit report on a yearly basis. You just have to inquire the right men and women. You can either look at website owned by the Federal Trade Commission and also contact one of the major credit agencies instantly.

    Reply

  96. chronometer watches
    Understanding COSC Certification and Its Importance in Horology
    COSC Accreditation and its Demanding Criteria
    Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres, or the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Agency, is the official Swiss testing agency that verifies the accuracy and precision of wristwatches. COSC accreditation is a mark of excellent craftsmanship and trustworthiness in chronometry. Not all timepiece brands pursue COSC accreditation, such as Hublot, which instead sticks to its proprietary stringent criteria with movements like the UNICO, achieving equivalent accuracy.

    The Science of Precision Timekeeping
    The central system of a mechanized timepiece involves the spring, which delivers energy as it unwinds. This system, however, can be prone to external elements that may influence its accuracy. COSC-accredited mechanisms undergo strict testing—over fifteen days in various circumstances (five positions, three temperatures)—to ensure their resilience and dependability. The tests measure:

    Average daily rate accuracy between -4 and +6 seconds.
    Mean variation, highest variation levels, and impacts of temperature variations.
    Why COSC Validation Matters
    For timepiece aficionados and connoisseurs, a COSC-validated watch isn’t just a item of technology but a demonstration to lasting quality and precision. It represents a watch that:

    Offers exceptional dependability and precision.
    Provides guarantee of quality across the complete design of the timepiece.
    Is probable to maintain its value more efficiently, making it a smart choice.
    Famous Timepiece Manufacturers
    Several famous brands prioritize COSC accreditation for their timepieces, including Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and Longines, among others. Longines, for instance, provides collections like the Archive and Soul, which highlight COSC-validated mechanisms equipped with innovative materials like silicon balance suspensions to improve durability and performance.

    Historical Context and the Evolution of Chronometers
    The notion of the chronometer dates back to the requirement for accurate timekeeping for navigational at sea, emphasized by John Harrison’s work in the eighteenth cent. Since the official establishment of COSC in 1973, the accreditation has become a standard for assessing the precision of high-end watches, continuing a legacy of excellence in horology.

    Conclusion
    Owning a COSC-accredited watch is more than an visual selection; it’s a dedication to quality and precision. For those appreciating precision above all, the COSC certification offers tranquility of mind, ensuring that each validated timepiece will function reliably under various conditions. Whether for individual contentment or as an investment, COSC-accredited watches distinguish themselves in the world of horology, carrying on a tradition of careful timekeeping.

    Reply

  98. One other issue is when you are in a circumstance where you don’t have a co-signer then you may really want to try to exhaust all of your money for college options. You’ll find many funds and other scholarship grants that will provide you with money to help you with college expenses. Many thanks for the post.

    Reply

  99. I loved as much as you will receive carried
    out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.

    nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering
    the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the
    same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

    Reply

  102. You can certainly see your skills within the paintings you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

    Reply

  106. Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and internet and this is actually irritating. A good web site with interesting content, this is what I need. Thank you for keeping this site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND