Cultural appropriation is when someone from one culture participates in something that is from a different culture.
Halloween is a time when people frequently dress up in a costume and appropriate or stereotype other cultures.
It has happened to Native Americans with headdresses, which in their culture, is given to the men who have earned a lot of respect in their tribe.
The kimono is used in Japanese culture at various events like weddings, child births, and more.
Sugar skulls are used during the Day of the Dead to help remember loved ones.
Hairstyles and “accessories” can also be culturally appropriated.
For African Americans “our hair represents not just where we come from, but also what we have to go through on the daily basis.” This quote is from a Tumblr post on cultural appropriation.
A turban is meant to worn by Sikhs of Islamic faith for religious purposes
A bindi is a forehead decoration worn by women in South Asia. It comes from the Hindu culture and religion.
It’s important to realize that there are ways to appreciate and admire a culture without offending those in certain cultures.
Next time you decide to wear an object or draw something on your body, ask yourself if you’re appropriating another culture.Â