Cultural Appropriation
The adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture
Real World Example
In East and Southeast Asia from 500-1650, cultural appropriation involved the adoption of Chinese writing, art, and religious practices by neighboring countries like Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. This was important because it helped shape national identities and facilitated diplomatic and trade relationships. It responded to the need for unified communication and shared cultural practices, which helped stabilize these societies. Today, cultural appropriation still matters because it can lead to misunderstandings and disrespect when elements of a culture are borrowed without proper acknowledgment or sensitivity. For example, wearing traditional clothing like a kimono as a costume without understanding its cultural significance can be seen as disrespectful and offensive to people from that culture.
