Being a Better Traveler: Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Appreciation

This Week in Ethical Travel: Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Appreciation

Traveling to new places gives us a chance to learn about cultures and traditions. It may be one of the top reasons we travel, it’s the chance to experience something different. When we’re in a country that has customs outside of our own, assimilation is often the first instinct to try and “fit in”. It can be for a variety of reasons, to show respect while visiting or to avoid standing out in a crowd. In doing so, cultural appropriation vs cultural appreciation can be a way for us to decide how to best immerse ourselves without being offensive. It also can be the benchmark for ways to behave when you go home.

First, let’s break down how to define some of these terms. It may give a better understanding of why topics like this are an important conversation in travel. Because in the end, the idea is for us to all be more mindful about topics like these in an effort to be a better traveler.

What is Appreciation, Appropriation & Immersion???

Definitions can help us better determine our actions. If I’m educating myself before I go on a trip, I’ll be more likely to make better choices when I’m there.

• Cultural Appropriation. Let’s get the negative over with first. The technical definition for appropriation is the “unacknowledged or inappropriate adoptions of customs, practices ideas etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominated people or society”. Basically, it’s an unbalanced exchange and in most cases, appropriation is a misrepresentation.
• Cultural Appreciation. So this is the definition we are striving for. This is  “taking the time to learn about different cultures and their traditions. To become more open in understanding the truths about a culture and embracing them in a respectful manner”. This means we should be understanding the history and significance of what we are wearing or participating in.
• Cultural Immersion. This goes hand in hand with appreciating culture and tradition. It’s “the act of surrounding yourself with the culture of a place, integrating with the community and interacting with local people.” If we are immersing ourselves within a place we visit, it will be that much easier to navigate through the cultural appreciation vs cultural appropriation debate.

Ask The Tough & Important Questions

Immersion and Appropriation can be separate, so ask yourself some questions. Who does this belong to & are they oppressed? Am I benefiting from this in some way? Am I making those who participate in this culture uncomfortable?

Can I wear and use symbols outside of my own culture? The answer most often is yes, but the line can be blurry. Throughout my travels, I’ve acquired a lot of jewelry, clothing and iconography. It would be hypocritical of me to say you can’t. But at the same time, I’ve been mindful about my intention with these pieces that I’ve collected. Learn about where they come from, the history and significance.

Can you take cultures out of context? Unfortunately, again the answer most often is yes. Listen, we all make mistakes, we are all learning. Often, we mean well but we may not be fully aware that our actions are negative. Once you know, apologize, take the steps to make a correction and move forward.

Are you invited? If you are invited to participate in a cultural practice, go for it! Especially if you are a guest in the home of someone or you’re in the country where you have the opportunity to observe or participate. This is the best scenario because it gives you the opportunity to participate without offending anyone since you are coming into the situation as a guest. Even so, I try to be respectful when I’m invited because it’s never a “get out of jail free” card.

Issues with Appropriation

Traditions, customs & cultures have been borrowed for centuries, so this isn’t a new phenomenon. The issue is however, is that credit isn’t often given where credit is due. When someone of privilege adopts aspects of a culture that isn’t their own, it’s continuing the cycle of abuse on a marginalized community.

When you are visiting, you are in someone else’s space and the rules that apply at home don’t always apply there. Inappropriately adopting customs, practices or ideas of a society to another, typically more dominant society is ultimately what we are trying to avoid.

How to Appreciate

Ok, so why does it matter? It can be hurtful in places where these cultures and traditions have been silenced by colonialism or oppression.

Like so many things in life, go with your gut. Ask yourself if what you are doing is significant and if you are learning or perpetuating a stereotype.

I think it’s important to engage with a culture as respectfully and humbly as possible. I try and educate myself and be more familiar with local customs and history BEFORE going to a new location. Things may not be what you are used to and that’s OK, that is part of the fun of travel, being in a place where things are new and different.

Some examples of things to think first about: dressing up for Halloween, dressing for festivals like Coachella or the Day of the Dead, braids or traditional hairstyles, fashions from other ethnicities, articles for religious reasons or using traditional and sacred items.

Common Issues with Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Appreciation

As a white women, I can’t be the authority of what is right or wrong, but I can be aware of my own privilege. Pretty simply, I can try to not to offend anyone.

As travelers we need to remember that admiration isn’t always appreciation. Just because you think something is beautiful and unique doesn’t mean you can mimic it. That is how the colonists thought & making a copy of it isn’t honoring it.

So then, can you have a “reverse” appropriation? The answer is undisputedly NO. In no way are marginalized communities appropriating white culture. They are trying to fit into societal norms that have been shaped over centuries of oppressing others. Minorities have had to assimilate into powerful cultures as part of a way to fit in as a marginalized group. They are forced to do this not because they want to, but because it is out of necessity. Necessity to be taken seriously or not to be placed into a stereotype.

Culture is Not a Costume

Perpetuating stereotypes through dress seems to be a continuing discussion. Using indigenous inspiration or African hairstyles for example can be a form of cultural plagiarism. Ask questions of other communities. Listen to suggestions from others who don’t look like you, dress like you or pray like you. Take into consideration these voices because they can direct us best towards what’s right or wrong.

Listening can be one of the biggest assets in ethical travel. Does it mean we can’t use something outside of our own culture? Absolutely not. It just means we need to be more cognizant of how we do it and more available to have a cultural exchange as opposed to being one sided.

OK, I’m Listening… How Can We Do Better?

You can fall pretty deep down an ethical rabbit hole. Second guessing things like eating or cooking ethnic foods, or listening to new and innovative music, which can be a good thing. It means you are opening your world to new ideas, cultures and learning. I’d say this falls under appreciation and are the building blocks to understanding and respecting all peoples. One important take away is to support and collaborate with people from these cultures. Want to really appreciate something or someone? Put your dollars towards it. The video in this link is a great example of how big companies knock off traditional designs and the problem behind it.

• Buy fair trade when on vacation. Supporting local artists is a great first easy step! It’s both authentic and ethical.
• Do a little digging. Looking into the history is a way we can easily determine if it’s something we as outsiders should be participating in.
• Don’t perpetuate stereotypes
• Learn a little about your own heritage. A cultural exchange is way more fun than taking it over.
• Minimize your impact, do your research & be mindful!