To ask your views on the met gala theme?

[MyOtherUsernameisaPun]

I've just had a look at the outfits and while the theme - Catholicism - was amazing fashion wise and tied in with exhibitions on papal clothing currently at the Met, I've also seen a lot of criticism on the basis that it was insensitive and appropropriative.

On the one hand, I christians generally are not persecuted in the US and so the power dynamic is not one of oppression. But it wasn't long ago that Catholics specifically were discriminated against. And Catholics in some places worldwide face terrible persecution for their faith and have to hide it for their whole lives. Also, I feel like if the theme had been another religion, it would have seemed very inappropriate.

What do others think about it? I'm not catholic so it's not my fight - and the Pope doesn't seem to have objected! But I'd be interested to know what the general consensus is!

If this had been other religions then there would be an outcry. Therefore next year perhaps the theme should focus on one them

I find it truly interesting how 'cultural appropriation' is misunderstood on MN, it's so easy to educate oneself yet so many people are wilfully ignorant.

I'm not going to do the work for anyone, save to say that Catholic iconography being used as an inspiration in couture clothing is not cultural appropriation.

There is no reason why one religion should be treated differently to another.

I've no real opinion on the theme other than this year's dresses and theme being by far my absolute favourite. Blake Lively's whole thing was just heavenly.

The artistry and effort and time and sheer talent it would take to design some of those outfits is phenomenal.

I was born and raised Catholic and still practicing.

Doesn't bother me. We love our iconography and on the whole I don't think we get worked up about these things.

I like the fact that nobody seemed fearful of doing it. It was a homage to our love of imagery. It wasn't as if people were doing anything literal, like wearing "fuck the Pope" t shirts or dressed as stripper nuns.

It all looked quite respectful to me.

I noticed Piers Morgan was up in arms about it stating that they wouldn’t use Judaism or Islam in the same way and if they did there would be huge outcries.

I’m not hearing Pope Francis making noise about Rihanna looking ridiculous in a pope hat so I don’t think it really matters too much if Piers Morgan is fucked off about it.

Some of it was horrendous. Jared Leto at Jesus for example.
Some of it was beautiful. Blake Lively's dress was incredible.

As with all things, the theme had the possibility to offend, it's up to people to choose if they are offended or not.