- Joined
- Feb 9, 2013
I don't think it has to be a binary decision between "accept everything" or "accept nothing". There are some things that people claim are cultural appropriation that obviously aren't, they're just cultural exchanges. And then there are some things that are offensive caricatures of foreign cultures.At the same time these hipsters wear bindis and get tattoos of other cultures symbols too. These are seen as big issues though because 'gotta fight the whites!'. Just because someone from one culture may not care much for mine and wants to wear the symbols from it, let them. We've already changed so much due to technology and other things, I don't put on my formalwear and go to concertos just because my culture used to. Let things interlock and flow together in my opinion. I'm glad I can go and read about all the things that countries used to do and believe, but now we're connected and we can evolve a new culture together.
Basically, I think it's OK to accept Eminem and, at the same time, find this sort of thing offensive.
Now, speaking of bindis, people seem to get pissy because they're becoming a fashion accessory. That is the stupidest shit to complain about. See, the basic argument is that bindis have religious significance, so it's offensive to treat it so casually. And yeah, taken at face value, I can get behind that argument. Like if mcdonalds in japan started giving away crucifix toys with red markers so you could paint the blood onto the wounds of christ. That's pretty offensive too.
But the thing is: bindis are already worn by non-hindus in southeast asia. No one complains about that. No one complains that Bangladesh is appropriating hindu culture.
To me, once we've reached that point, I don't care anymore. Until hindus start protesting all the non-hindu women in southeast asia appropriating bindis, I don't care about it happening in the US.
But the thing is: bindis are already worn by non-hindus in southeast asia. No one complains about that. No one complains that Bangladesh is appropriating hindu culture.
To me, once we've reached that point, I don't care anymore. Until hindus start protesting all the non-hindu women in southeast asia appropriating bindis, I don't care about it happening in the US.