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\u2019t understand the issue. It\u2019s not about someone\u2019s right to sport another culture dress, or accent, or culture, it\u2019s about how it affects the person you are appropriating for.<\/p>\n
Cultural appropriation ignores or doesn\u2019t care that it can make non whites uncomfortable, set them up for racism, and on a larger scale denies, or doesn\u2019t care that racism exists.<\/p>\n
This issue came to my attention last year when a school in Saskatchewan canceled it\u2019s 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 \u201cits just a dress\u201d, \u201cwhy shouldn\u2019t we be able to wear what we want\u201d or \u201cit\u2019s a compliment\u201d.<\/p>\n
As an Asian, I wasn\u2019t thrilled by it to be honest, and I think I can explain why, and why it isn\u2019t just a dress (or a hairstyle, or a headdress, or costume).<\/p>\n
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\u2019t if it will make Asians students uncomfortable, and make them vulnerable to any direct, or implied racism. So no, you really shouldn\u2019t, and stick instead to the millions of other non offensive, or harm giving choices in prom dresses.<\/p>\n
Caring about other people feelings, is just a part of being a good person. Assuming those of non whites don\u2019t matter, or matter less than your desire to have \u201cfun\u201d is not a mature, peaceful or progressive attitude at all, not an attitude we should be silent about, or supportive of.<\/p>\n
All students feelings matter. Its time to allow all students to be at peace with their culture, in their school without fear. It\u2019s time to be culturally sensitive always, and to understand why its important. That\u2019s being really not racist, and that really should be everyone\u2019s goal.<\/p>\n
Not Asians are bothered by this issue but as I stated earlier it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019t understand the issue. It\u2019s not about someone\u2019s right to sport another culture dress, or accent, or culture, it\u2019s about how it affects the person you are appropriating for. Cultural…<\/p>\n