Cultural Appropriation Study Notes

Art, Music, and Sport ANTH 2301 Cultural Appropriation Cultural customs are ingrained in people's lives and are essential to a community's identity. Cultural appropriation may be especially harmful since it refers to the inappropriate or disrespectful use of a key cultural aspect by someone who is not part of that culture outside of its intended context. According to Young (2008), this act frequently takes place without regard or knowledge of the cultural value of the element that has been taken. Aspects of marginalised cultures, which may already be under jeopardy, run the risk of being erased when dominant cultures participate in cultural appropriation. This erasure poses a deeper existential danger to the identity and legacy of the marginalised populations than just the loss of cultural artefacts. The power relations that cultural appropriation uncovers demonstrate how cultural appropriation and social injustice are intertwined: a socially dominant group using a marginalised group's culture for its own benefit, whether via economic or exploitative means. This exploitation frequently results in the original cultural meaning of the taken components being lost completely or diluted. Although cultural appropriation has always been a problem, marginalised populations have recently called for a greater understanding of the detrimental effects of this practice. The emphasis of this modern discourse is on the significance of preserving the integrity of cultural features as well as the necessity of acknowledging and respecting cultural borders. Wesley Morris explores the widespread appropriation of Black music in his 2019 piece for the New York Times' 1619 Project. He emphasises how White artists have taken Black musicians' contributions to the world of music. Morris lists White American or British music giants Steely Dan, Eminem, and Amy Winehouse as examples of musicians who have appropriated music. The profound connotations ingrained in Black music, which expresses the history, struggles, and marginalisation of Black people, are also a part of this appropriation, which goes beyond the simple adoption of musical forms. Black music has transcended racial and cultural barriers to appeal to a wide audience by communicating messages of hope, resistance, and perseverance. Due to its widespread appeal, however, Black music has come to be exploited by non-Black people who frequently do not understand the music's rich cultural and historical background. Morris's examination of musical appropriation highlights the complexities of the matter, emphasising that Black music's strength is in its ability to boldly and clearly convey its message. However, when this music is hijacked, its cultural value is frequently lost or minimised, turning it into a just recreational item. Although the problem of appropriating Black music is not new, current events have drawn attention to it once again. More and more music is fusing many genres and cultures together, which is indicative of larger social movements for inclusion and integration. One instance of this may be found in the 2019 remix of "Old Town Road," a successful song by Black rapper Lil Nas X, which features White country musician Billy Ray Cyrus. The outcome of their partnership is a duet that cuts over musical and ethnic borders and provides a social commentary on the changing landscape of inclusiveness initiatives. The song itself, which is a combination of country and hip-hop, shows how cultural aspects may be combined to break genre boundaries and emphasise the flexibility of cultural expression. "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X is a perfect example of how cultural exchange can be polite and advantageous for all parties rather than exploitative. Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus's connection went beyond just music to make a message about the potential for cross-cultural harmony. It shown that cultural exchange may support a more varied and inclusive society when carried out with respect and an awareness of the cultural value of the materials involved. This encouraging example should not, however, overshadow the other instances of rude and damaging cultural appropriation. Power, privilege, and respect are all factors in the intricate and multidimensional conversation around cultural appropriation. It pushes us to reconsider how we interact with cultures that are different from our own and to pay attention to the cultural aspects' histories and significance. Cultural sensitivity and respect become more and more crucial as societies grow more varied and interwoven. The first steps in creating a more just and inclusive society are realising the consequences of cultural appropriation and working towards polite cultural interchange. In conclusion, marginalised societies are seriously threatened by cultural appropriation, especially when it comes from dominating cultures. It frequently results in the elimination of cultural components essential to these communities' identity and legacy. Social injustices are made worse by the exploitation of cultural components for one's own benefit without acknowledging or appreciating their importance. Wesley Morris's examination of Black music has brought attention to the ongoing conversation about cultural appropriation, which emphasises the need for a more thorough comprehension of its effects. Positive instances of cross-cultural cooperation, like Billy Ray Cyrus and Lil Nas X's partnership, give promise for more civil and welcoming cross-cultural relationships. In the end, creating a more inclusive and equal society requires encouraging cultural awareness and tolerance.