If you really want to bring out vile racists online just use the hashtag #culturalappropriation. Judging from the responses people give, it seems they really don’t understand the issue. It’s not about someone’s right to sport another culture dress, or accent, or culture, it’s about how it affects the person you are appropriating for.
Cultural appropriation ignores or doesn’t care that it can make non whites uncomfortable, set them up for racism, and on a larger scale denies, or doesn’t care that racism exists.
This issue came to my attention last year when a school in Saskatchewan canceled it’s annual Halloween party because dressing up as an Asian was prohibited by the school board. Recently a news item on social media focused on a white high school graduate who chose to wear a formal Chinese gown to her prom. There was the usual condemnation and outrage on line, and explainations as to why its offensive as well. The response to these tweets were rude, racist and angry, and mainly to the tune of “its just a dress”, “why shouldn’t we be able to wear what we want” or “it’s a compliment”.
As an Asian, I wasn’t thrilled by it to be honest, and I think I can explain why, and why it isn’t just a dress (or a hairstyle, or a headdress, or costume).
Racism is real and still very prevelent, especially during the school years. I think most Asians students, myself included, have had racist comments and attacks in our school years. So yes, you can wear a Chinese style dress to your prom but no, you really shouldn’t if it will make Asians students uncomfortable, and make them vulnerable to any direct, or implied racism. So no, you really shouldn’t, and stick instead to the millions of other non offensive, or harm giving choices in prom dresses.
Caring about other people feelings, is just a part of being a good person. Assuming those of non whites don’t matter, or matter less than your desire to have “fun” is not a mature, peaceful or progressive attitude at all, not an attitude we should be silent about, or supportive of.
All students feelings matter. Its time to allow all students to be at peace with their culture, in their school without fear. It’s time to be culturally sensitive always, and to understand why its important. That’s being really not racist, and that really should be everyone’s goal.
Not Asians are bothered by this issue but as I stated earlier it’s a bigger issue than that. Dressing as an Asian, or Native or in blackface, displaying culturally insensitive items might be fun for you and your circle of friends, but how does it make the ones you culturally mimic or mock feel? Also, many minorities have the historical baggage of slavery, grand theft and erasure of their culture, their homeland, place in society and themselves, so yes, its a sensitive and meaningful issue. Just be thoughtful and respectful, and just say no to culturally offensive wear and objects.
