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HelpRe: Honest Question About Cultural Appropriation and Names
in reply to a message by RuralRuna
Cultural appropriation requires something to be sacred to that culture. People take anything to be cultural appropriation nowadays and its really watering down the true meaning.
The name Cohen is culturally appropriated when you aren't Jewish. The name Bodhi is culturally appropriated if you aren't Buddhist. The name Jesus is culturally appropriated if you aren't Christian. Many Native names can be culturally appropriated as many are considered sacred within their religion.
Its not cultural appropriation just because someone of a different race uses it. It goes beyond that.
If you want to compare it to objects its like thus:
A Christian wears a rosary so that they can practice their religion wherever they go. Not appropriation.
A non-Christian wears a rosary because its a subversive and "cool" fashion statement. Appropriation.
A native American wears a headdress because they have earned it through their sacred beliefs. Not appropriation.
A non-native American (or even native American who hasn't earned it) wears a headdress because it looks cool in photos. Appropriation.
There are a lot of things that have been co-opted by other cultures that are not appropriation. The mohawk hairstyle, wearing kohl around your eyes, having a tattoo as examples.
The name Cohen is culturally appropriated when you aren't Jewish. The name Bodhi is culturally appropriated if you aren't Buddhist. The name Jesus is culturally appropriated if you aren't Christian. Many Native names can be culturally appropriated as many are considered sacred within their religion.
Its not cultural appropriation just because someone of a different race uses it. It goes beyond that.
If you want to compare it to objects its like thus:
A Christian wears a rosary so that they can practice their religion wherever they go. Not appropriation.
A non-Christian wears a rosary because its a subversive and "cool" fashion statement. Appropriation.
A native American wears a headdress because they have earned it through their sacred beliefs. Not appropriation.
A non-native American (or even native American who hasn't earned it) wears a headdress because it looks cool in photos. Appropriation.
There are a lot of things that have been co-opted by other cultures that are not appropriation. The mohawk hairstyle, wearing kohl around your eyes, having a tattoo as examples.
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