Cultural Appreciation vs.

Cultural Appropriation: Why it

Matters
by Greenheart Club 6 years ago in Greenheart International, https://greenheart.org/blog/greenheart-
international/cultural-appreciation-vs-cultural-appropriation-why-it-matters/

Cultural exchange and appreciation are the core values of Greenheart Club.  Learning to understand
a culture that is different than your own is so important in becoming a global citizen and leader. 
Through our participants, we’ve heard so many wonderful stories of people of different backgrounds
coming together to exchange ideas through service.
It is important to understand, however, that there is a difference
between  appreciation  and  appropriation.  Appreciation is when someone seeks to understand and
learn about another culture in an effort to broaden their perspective and connect with others cross-
culturally.  Appropriation on the other hand, is simply taking one aspect of a culture that is not your
own and using it for your own personal interest.  Appropriation could mean of purchasing a piece of
jewellery or clothing that may have important cultural significance to that culture, but simply using it
as a fashion statement.  It could be taking a photo of a ritual ceremony simply for the sake of
getting as many likes on Facebook as possible.  Regardless, taking a part of another culture without
understanding what it truly means can be harmful not only to those whose culture you are using but
also to those with whom you share it.
So, how can you explore and take part in a culture without exploiting it for your own use?  Here are a
few great ways!

1. Examine your own culture. Through self-reflection, you will be better able to

understand differences and determine what is important in cultures across the
world.  If you realize that a specific aspect of your own cultural background is central
to your identity, and it would offend you if someone were to use it without
understanding fully what it means, consider that people all over the world, in
cultures other than your own, may feel exactly the same way.
 Think about: Would I be offended if someone wore an important
religious symbol from my culture without understanding what it truly
means?
2. Listen first.  One of the best ways to understand and appreciate another culture is by
listening to those who are a part of the fabric of that society.  Listen to their stories,
 understand the implications behind the aspects of their culture that you are
interested in, and use that understanding to broaden your worldview.
 Think about: I recently purchased a beautiful piece of handmade
jewellery.  Did I listen to the artist who created the piece to learn more
about his or her background, what their work means to them, and how it
fits into the culture of that place?  If not, I may be appropriating instead
of appreciating.
3. Consider context. What does a certain symbol mean to a particular culture? When
and where is it appropriate to use it? Understanding what the various aspects of a
culture are and what they mean are so important.  If you truly have an interest in a
person’s life, more than likely, they will be happy to share with you the things that
matter to them.
 Think about: Did I just take a piece of someone’s culture to use for my
own benefit, without knowing the significance behind it? Did I ask about
the origins of the custom, item, or symbol?  This is so important in
understanding and appreciating a culture.
4. Share your own culture. The most important part of cultural exchange – and what
best distinguishes it from appropriation is that exchange is mutual.  Through
appreciation and exchange, you are able to share something about yourself, learn
something about someone else, and partake in a mutual understanding of one
another’s background and culture.
 Think about: Am I equally interested in sharing a piece of my own
language, food, customs, and traditions? Chances are, this person is just
as excited to learn about my culture as I am about theirs.  What an
incredible part of cultural exchange and appreciation!

1) Now that you have read more about cultural appropriation, do you understand what it is and what
it implies? If so, could you tell me if you have ever truly witnessed it? It could be at school, in the
street, etc.

2) Do you think that our European society conveys cultural appropriation? Or is it something that
exclusively happens in the USA?