Here's What 'Cultural Appropriation' Actually Means — and Why It's Wrong

The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. The phrase originated in the 1980s in academic discussions of colonialism and the treatment of non-white cultures. From there, it worked its way into the modern lexicon, but decoding what does and does not constitute cultural appropriation can be tricky.

What is the definition of cultural appropriation?

Cultural appropriation, also called cultural misappropriation, occurs when a person from one culture adopts the fashion, iconography, trends or styles from a culture that's not their own. Some of the most harmful examples of cultural appropriation occur when when the culture being appropriated is one of a historically oppressed group.

What is cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation?

The line between what differentiates cultural appropriation from cultural appreciation can be razor-thin, not to mention highly controversial. Some say appropriation doesn't exist because no culture is completely original and uninfluenced by any other. Others believe creatives like designers and musical artists get a pass because their art is open to discussion and interpretation. The key to practicing appreciation rather than appropriation is to understand the culture you're borrowing from, including acknowledging its history of oppression and marginalization. It helps to support creators from that culture too, when possible.

How do I avoid cultural appropriation?

One you've researched a culture, does that mean you have permission to use it freely? Not exactly. Good intentions don't automatically absolve us from the harm that cultural appropriation does to marginalized communities. Before you "borrow" from a culture, do a gut check:

• Is what I'm doing furthering a stereotype?
• Am I using something sacred to another culture — a Native American headdress, a religious symbol — in a flippant or "fun" way outside its intended use?
• Am I engaging with a piece of ancient culture as if it's new? Am I neglecting to credit the source of my inspiration?

If you can safely answer "no" to all of those questions, you will probably be able to avoid cultural appropriation. Still, think of it this way: If you feel the need to ask whether you're culturally appropriating, it may be safer to avoid the outfit or practice that leads you to ask the question in the first place.

What are some examples of cultural appropriation?

Some Halloween costumes deemed offensive, such as a "gypsy," Rastafarian or geisha, are considered cultural appropriation because those outfits play into stereotypes that have led to the mistreatment or misunderstanding of a group of people. But they're far from the only ones. Here are a few more examples of cultural appropriation: