So what is the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation?

[Soubriquet]

I keep seeing some beautiful dia de la muertos posts on Facebook at the moment, but so many comments say “don’t do this(dress up) unless it’s your culture”

But why not? I mean, some of the costumes are gorgeous, so why can’t I wear something like it, even if it is appropriation.

I really don't see why people do it tbh.
Most of the time you are appropriating a race/group who have seen very hard times, maybe racism and discrimination.
You wouldn't dream of "blacking up" so why appropriate other races.
What seems to be a harmless choice for some, just for a bit of fun (party) or even worse to fully take on another culture without having to pay the price in other ways is taking the piss.

The whole cultural appropriation thing is overplayed imo.

Common sense would say that if you are making fun of another culture then it is not appropriate, whereas if you appreciate another culture and want to join/celebrate its aspects then it is okay.

However, Social Justice Warriors and hypocrites disagree with this.

I'll give you an example, I'm an ethnic minority, but wear normal western clothing both casually and professionally. Im not culturally appropriating.

If someone non-ethnic wanted to wear my 'traditional clothing', because they thought it looked nice, I would be more than happy for them to do it. Either casually everyday or for an event.

I get very angry when I see other ethnic minorities raise a fuss over what I think is a non issue.

However, if someone was wearing my traditional clothing to take the piss / mickey, then yes I would be offended. Similarly, if I would be annoyed if someone wore religious clothing/artifacts without actually being a follower of that religion.

The whole cultural appropriation thing is overplayed imo

If you're an "ethnic minority" then this premise shows a lack of understanding and awareness. Or seeking popularity and a pat on the back from racist cheerleaders who say the exact same thing.

No, I'm not seeking popularity. Please read the whole post.

As I said, theres a big difference between someone being disrespectful of another culture, and appreciating another culture.

E.g. blackface is totally unacceptable, wearing a cross when you're not Christian is unacceptable.

As an ethnic minority, I have full awareness and understanding of the issues I and other minorities face.
Someone wearing my traditional outfits is not something I find offensive or ever will.

What I do find offensive, are right wing parties and individuals; and people who don't like someone just because of their skin colour, etc.

Part of my strong feeling on this issue is because arguing everything is cultural appropriation doesn't do me or other ethnic minorities any favours. I feel it just alienates us from others, and that there are far larger and serous issues facing ethnic minorities. E.g. people telling you to go back home, people providing you poor customer service because of your color, barriers in the workforce, being treated differently, etc.

Agree @SodaPerson, I’m also an ethnic minority. There’s a difference between going inspired by another culture and by mocking and/or having bad intentions in your actions regarding another culture. If someone is inspired by my culture, so what, this is a distraction, this attention and energy should be focussed on fighting harmful discrimination.

Am I the only one that finds the Haka pointless and irritating then? Just get on with the rugby! It’s a game not a war.

I think it can be overplayed with individuals, depending on what the complaint is about, but I think with businesses or people trying to sell an image, it's underplayed. Corporations particularly I think need to be held to higher standards rather than using their money to ride roughshod over others.

And I kinda wish people without type 4 hair would just embrace matts. Unless you have type 4 hair, it physically cannot loc, that just not how other types of hair work, and attempts to make matts look like and be called the same thing for a very different process is kinda weird to me.

The little mermaid had skin ‘as clear and delicate as a rose leaf’ in the original. Which makes her green.

WitchFindersAreEverywhere True, and if I'm remembering right her hair is described as thick now I'm imagining like a swamp-vine appearance which would make a cool mermaid.

I’m amazed anyone said a word. We’re they stuffed straight back in their box by an angry mob?

They were part of an angry mob after the live action Little Mermaid announcement. It was all over various social media and media news. There were many people comparing the Ariel being black to Pocahontas [actual person] and Mulan [culturally significant legend with possible connection to real people] being white as those are the same thing and Disney didn't fuck those two over royally, the latter twice, without a care in the world. I understood the arguments about this being a cashgrab - even with Coco, there is a lot going round about how they used and abused people and communitites within Mexico while researching, that didn't stop the representation mattering to some kids.

I really do not get being amazed people express opinions on the internet. There are right-wing mobs just as much and as loud as SJW or any other type of internet arguers.

@BiBabbles

Sorry, I muddled my terms, I now get the distinction for future reference, I meant matts, rainbow ones etc, not actual dreds like my friends have. I wasn't blessed with decent hair. But even matts feel "wrong" someway,.

And there you go a "true" Day of the Dead altar. I say ""true" because I'm not using all the props and symbolism that I should.