Appropriation

Appropriation

(noun | appropriative, adjective)

The act of using culturally significant items or practices from outside one’s own culture in ways that trivialize, decontextualize, and/or exploit the culture(s) to which the items or practices belong. Buying mass produced “Native” items like blankets or dreamcatchers from shops that aren’t Native owned and wearing traditional cultural garments without explicit permission are two examples of common acts of appropriation.

e.g. Brian was embarrassed by his mother’s appropriative “Native” blankets.

Further reading to gain expanded context:

There’s a Big Difference Between Cultural Appreciation and Appropriation— Here’s Why It Matters | Healthline

How to Recognize Cultural Appropriation and What to Do Next | Healthline

Cultural Appropriation Is, In Fact, Indefensible | NPR – Code Switch

Cultural Appropriation Reading List | Conspire for Change

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