Cultural Appropriation or Appreciation: How do non-blacks view Black culture

I believe that non-black people are fascinated by black culture. The way we style our hair, cook our food, sing our songs, and present ourselves has meaning and history behind it. Outsiders looking in are inspired by different aspects of our culture and tend to appropriate it. They either “wear our culture” or expand their knowledge of it. I believe it is crucial to understand the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. 

Cultural appropriation is a gesture of taking parts of an ethnic culture in an exploitative or disrespectful way. Examples of appropriating black culture are “blackfishing” this is the act of purpousley making your skin darker in hopes of appearing black. Another is wearing braids or weaves, and mimicking African American Vernacular English (AAVE). AAVE is a form of English spoken by African Americans. Phrases such as “yasss”, “hunty”, and “homie”. 

Celebrities such as “Bhad Bhabie” and Ariana Grande are notorious for black fishing. Popular celebrities have also been known to wear hairstyles that are culturally worn by Black women Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Kylie Jenner, and Rita Ora have all wore box braids and weaves to “appreciate” our culture. This comes off as appropriation because there have been many instances where they were credited for “inventing” these hairstyles.

Cultural appreciation is expanding your knowledge about an ethnic culture or giving credit to one’s culture. Examples of cultural appreciation include taking a course about African American culture, using African American models in a fashion show, and being conscious about what you say.

There it is a fine line between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation and it is important to know the difference between these terms. The world is a very diverse phenomena and we come across people from all walks of life. We should learn how to respect different cultures.