"Cultural Appropriation"

[Crunchy]

bennyboy Wrote:
Yeah, you know, I'm trying to get inside Tizheruk's skin, for two reasons: 1) I think the native population is way under-represented; 2) a LOT of people are crying about various forms of cultural appropriation, and my natural reaction is to tell them to fuck off and get a life. But I'm really trying to see something there, to see that these people have a valid point, and to better myself through it.

That's a great way to look at it and you're right to want to try and understand.
BUT, just because something is upsetting to someone, it doesn't follow that that is proof positive that something bad is going on. Feelings are not always rational and hurt feelings are not always warranted.
If people find some artifact or musical style or clothing to their liking and they start to "appropriate" it, what's the real harm other than some other person simply disliking that the "other" person is enjoying what is supposed to be theirs? A woman dressed as a geisha may be seen as "insulting" asians but she might actually just be honoring them because she finds it beautiful. So, even if an asian person is insulted by it, they are not actually harmed by it and it is impossible to try and guess what is someone else's intent.

There are so many examples of good things that have come from cultural appropriation. The sauna, tea, rock and roll, democracy... Maybe I'm just being optimistic but good ideas get appropriated far more often than bad ideas. 

I'd be much more likely to say "Who's the cute girl with the little Indian thingy" Than "omg what a bitch, how can she be so insensitive?" even though I've talked to someone who has reasonably eloquently explained why my reaction should be more sombre. (sorry Tizheruk, that's not to undermine your position, but I think it's an honest representation of my actual reaction)

That's how I see it as well. To those who are upset by such things I just quote Bill Burr:  "I'm sorry you feel that way"