Cultural appropriation is a concept that started to become widely discussed recently. However, the notion itself has several meanings based on historical relevance. A form of cultural appropriation can be considered the assimilation of a group of people who follow the traditions and cultural aspects based on the country where they have immigrated. However, the notion itself has evolved, and now it portrays the adaptation of an object, tradition, or specific aspect of one minority group by the more powerful and influential group. Figure 1 illustrates the use of a traditional native American war bonnet as a fashion item by a person who is seemingly not part of the Native American community (Millington). The action itself, while physically harmless, can offend people within a certain community.
The initial object was a symbol of respect and was worn by the best warriors and leaders. Using it as an accessory by a person who does not know the details of what the object means can be perceived as offensive by Native Americans. It is crucial to consider the broader history of the group that has been marginalized for a long time. Moreover, the action itself can be viewed as disrespectful due to the background of tribes that used to wear war bonnets. Since it is a sensitive subject for the generation that has ancestors who put meaning into the object now used by people unrelated to Native American traditions, they consider it cultural appropriation. The effects for the people who find it offensive can be a feeling of minimization and dismissal of their heritage and them as communities. Individuals who are deeply tied to their roots and ancestors may not endorse their traditions being appropriated in a rather disrespectful way.
Works Cited
Millington, Ollie. Wire Image. Web.
Appendix A
