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**"Cultural Appropriation Is Important for Human Progress"**
*by Maggie Strauss*

What do a skirt from Zara, a Dior ad, and Keziah Daum's prom dress have in common? They were all criticized for taking parts of other cultures. This is called "cultural appropriation," which means using the customs or ideas of one culture by someone from another culture.

In recent years, the fashion industry has been blamed for stealing traditions from other cultures. For example, a skirt was said to look too much like an Indian lungi, a Dior ad was too similar to Mexican traditions, and Keziah Daum wore a Chinese-style dress to prom. These clothes were not meant to offend anyone. But sometimes, people use cultural ideas in a way that can be hurtful, like when they use stereotypes. This is a real problem, and it can be racism.

Cultural appropriation isn't new. It has been happening for a long time. A better word for it is "syncretism," which means mixing different cultural ideas together. Without this, people wouldn't be able to grow and learn from each other.

The United States is a good example of how mixing cultures can work. People from many different countries come to the U.S. and share their food, ideas, and traditions. Pizza, hot dogs, and soft drinks are now seen as American, but they came from Italy, Germany, and Sweden. Is that cultural appropriation? And the idea of democracy came from ancient Greece. Should we cancel America because of that?

No. But what's the difference between eating pizza and wearing a Chinese dress? Cultural appropriation is just a modern way to talk about the mixing of cultures, which has helped people grow for many years. People who try to stop this mixing are missing the point.

If everyone only stuck to their own culture, it would be like saying people should live in separate groups. This would hold society back. As George Chesterton says, "If we can only live by our own cultures, we will become smaller and separated." Learning from other cultures is what helps human society grow. Without it, we would not progress.

Answer :

Final answer:

Cultural appropriation involves the improper use of elements from one culture by individuals from another culture, often leading to economic exploitation and disrespect. While some see cultural mixing as beneficial for creativity and progress, it is crucial to recognize the origins and meanings of cultural elements to avoid harm. Striking a balance between cultural appreciation and appropriation is important for fostering mutual respect and understanding.


Explanation:

Cultural Appropriation and Its Impact

Cultural appropriation refers to the improper or disrespectful use of elements from a culture by individuals or groups who do not belong to that culture. This practice raises significant concerns, especially within the fashion industry, where garments and designs may borrow from marginalized traditions without proper understanding or respect for their origins.

Many instances, such as the use of traditional clothing designs in mainstream fashion, can lead to the economic exploitation of cultures that are already vulnerable. For example, a designer might profit from a cultural motif without compensating the community that has historically owned that design, thereby erasing cultural significance and context.

However, some argue that cultural syncretism, or the blending of cultural traditions, has historically contributed to human progress and creativity. Foods such as pizza and tacos, which blend different cultural origins, have become a part of American identity. Critics maintain that outright bans on cultural borrowing can hinder innovation, while thoughtful integration can foster understanding and respect.

The balance between appreciation and appropriation is essential. Acknowledging the origins and significance of cultural elements while engaging with them can help honor the culture being referenced and minimize the potential harm of appropriation.


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