Topic 4: Cultural Appropriation to Cultural Appreciation.

Topic 4: Cultural Appropriation to Cultural Appreciation.

Cultural Appreciation: The adoption and use of the elements of one culture by members of another culture or the same culture on forms of celebration, praising, and showing their love of the different traditions in a non offensive way. Typically by educating one's self about the culture and taking part in their customs.

Cultural Appropriation: the adoption or use of the elements of one culture by members of another culture. Typically being used in form of mockery or costume therefore being offencive.(unfortunately I couldn't exactly find 1 set definition of Cultural Appropriation so from my understanding based of of the multiple definitions this is my conclusion.)

~(C.A is going to be the shortened form of cultural appropriation today.)~

Question: What is cultural appropriation to you?

My Answer: When I first heard of C.A I was basically told it was a case where someone wears something cultural or traditional from cultures that are not theirs. Then it was followed up as a question and I was asked if i agreed with it or not. So based off of that I was fine with it. Looking further into it and now knowing what a majority of people say it is i'm in a middle ground on it.

Question: What is a common case of cultural appropriation?

My Answer: The most common situation i've seen people call out C.A for is when a person (in this case usually caucasian) wears something like a Kimono, Dashikis, Bindi, Hijab, or has their hair done in cornrows/dreds or box braids. I rarely ever see anyone that is African-American, Hispanic/Latino , or West Asian get called out on this but rather Caucasian and East Asian. Most of this I particularly find stupid. Mainly the hair situation. I see no reason why a White woman can't do her hair in cornrows. Cornrows are a protective and growth style for your hair. So why the hell is it seen offensive for a woman to want to take care of her hair or just likes the style? But there's other things like what i stated before. For example let's take Kimonos. Here in america I've seen Traditional Japanese Kimonos , modern/urban Kimonos, cosplay Kimonos, costume Kimonos and sexy Kimonos. Now for someone who is not from the culture in which they originated I don't really have much say in what is appropriate and what isn't. Although Kimonos are typically made for the purpose of wearing to festivals or (from my understanding) informal occasions. There are Kimonos for formal occasions and have differences and are from what I know a bit more complex. As common sense these things shouldn't be used in forms of sexualization or to make mockery nor stereotype (which is always offencive) because that's not their purpose. This goes for all traditions and religious items. So on that note I don't necessarily agree with the costume ones (not including cosplay because they follow the traditional aspects but they are just made for the purpose of costume. The way I phrased that is contradicting to my argument here) or the sexy ones because they don't resemble the basic aspects of the original item. Seriously have you ever seen a sexy Cheongsam before? The whole thing is lace and most of them are crazy short. Cheongsam is suppose to be long. But what do you expect for something that is suppose to be sexy...

Question: What are some things that are from other cultures that can also be seen as cultural appropriation?

My Answer: The common things are gowns, headwear, makeup, and hair but there are things that are looked passed such as tattooing, piercings, accents, wearing wigs, Henna tattoo, body modification in general, eating with chopsticks and so on and so forth. Tattooing is believed to be originated as Tahitian thing. While lip and tongue piercings were historically found in African and American tribal cultures. People act as if things like cheongsam (長衫), Hanfu, Dashikis, Kimono, Hanbok (한복), Geisha (芸者), geiko (芸子), or geigi (芸妓), or Irezumi, Kosovorotka, Fez, Turban, Burka, Kippahs, (So on and so forth) aren't modernized, But I have yet to hear anyone get called out for having snake bites, pale foundation, long bodycon dresses, Their hair in a bun or tattooing... These can all be seen as C.A. Costume that are a mockery, micic/resemble other tradition, customs and religion are all factors of C.A. Hippies, gypsies, irish, etc. That's still all under this category.

Question: Why is cultural appropriation so offencive?

My Answer: When I hear about C.A offending people in terms of actual cases I see why it's offencive. If i wasn't born & raised in america and I was born into a native based culture I would be very offended. Simply because there are things that are being stereotyped, mocked, and sexualized that shouldn't be. Something that is traditional and cultural are beliefs much like religion and are passed down from generation to generation. Is something that you have with your ancestors therefore it means a lot to people. It's a form of connection and love. But it's being overdone, racist and sexualized. So thats a massive level of disrespect. On top of that the majority of the time when it's being stereotyped is during halloween when someone wears clothing that isn't necessarily correct. People are doing shit like wearing a piece of cloth or animal skin on their crotch then a headband with big feathers and some colorful war paint and going around saying shit like "Look at me i'm an indian" then mocking/ mimicking traditional dances and rituals. Or getting drunk and wearing green then saying "I'm an irish" or asking a ginger where you can find a pot of gold... But that's how most indians are portrayed on the tv mostly in kids cartoons. So now is a factor of kids learning racist and offencive shit and growing with that because they have no other knowledge on it actually is. That's disappointing and shameful.

Question: Where is the issue sourced at?

My Answer: If you ask me it's costume companies, stereotypes and the most common factor which is media. Like I stated before. There are kids and teens and adults learning things that are not necessarily true and basically racist/ offencive. It's a matter of miseducation that influences the offensive behavior and that's why it's a problem.

Question: What's appropriate to wear?

My Answer: I think whatever you like is appropriate so long as you're educated on what you are wearing and is not derogatory to others. I see no reason why a person from one culture can't express their love and appreciation of another culture by adopting their traditions. There is never anything wrong with finding something you love and wanting to be apart of it. That means I'm ok with the kimonos, war paint, bindi, piercings and shit even the big feathers but understand where these things are coming from and know the difference between what is offencive and what is cultural appreciation.

Question: In a relationship (preferably interracial) Should you have to get on your partner about what they wear in terms of cultural appropriation?

My Answer: Hell yes. If it offends you speak up. Educated them on why it's offensive. Show them what isn't offensive. Then after that's all said and done take time to really get into your culture with your partner and get into theirs too. Show them the customs let them adopt the traditions and support and enjoy your background. Simple.

Question: What do you think is best regarding this issue?

My Answer: Instead of cultural appropriation we should have cultural appreciation. We should be able to correctly educate others and ourselves on our backgrounds. Let the native things live on. Support and adopt traditions/ customs of other cultures. Find your place in this world even if your place isn't something you were born into. Culture and tradition is beautiful and should be shared. Don't make negative stereotypes. Celebrate who you are, celebrate who others are. Have fun and make peace and spread love. (And when people say stuff with the words love and peace in the same sentence don't call them a hippie). Also because the media is a grand factor of this whole miseducation let's get more people on this topic and also make a hashtag being #CulturalAppreciation not to offend people but to let them know that they are supported on this issue and that Culture should be respected. 

So what do you think?

Topic 3: Apparel In A Relationship.

Topic 3: Apperal, In a relationship does apperal matter?

Question: Should you have to get on your partner about what they wear?

My Answer: Have to, No. You shouldn't have to say anything about what they choose to wear. Can you, Yes you can. I don't think you should have to ever open your mouth about what your partner wears but If that time comes let it be Maybe approach it in a more kind way though. Don't go up to them like "Yo I know you not going outside like that/ What the hell are you wearing/ Naa not that go change." be more like "You look good in that but can you maybe cover up more or change into something else. I'm not really comfortable with that outfit."

Question: What's appropriate to wear in a relationship?

My Answer: Whatever you like. whatever makes you comfortable and happy. Do take into consideration that you have a partner now though. Understand that other people will look at you some even approach you because of how your dress. Some people do assume status by the way you dress so consider that. When you dress in a relationship you should dress mainly for yourself but remember their are stubborn people in this world who go "Hey this girl is wearing a short cut dress she wants this kind of attention". Or "Hey this guy Isn't wearing a couple shirt and they are here alone maybe I should go make my move." Then a lot of people will be in a relation and are insecure or dating someone a certain kind of way with a certain kind of personality that will make their partner go "Listen maybe you shouldn't being wearing that cuz you like to drink and party or you flirt a lot so I'm not really comfortable with that". So what's best to wear is whatever you please just have something that you like that's also considerate of others.

Question: What you you consider considerate apparel?

My Answer: Ok for girls, if they wear like a sexy dress that maybe is tight fit or backless or low cut pair it with a long cardigan/ cloak/ sweater or one of those light weight scarves that are kind of long and wide or even pick a dress that's still sexy but classy too like a long bodycon dress with long or medium sleeves and if it low cut wear like a big necklace to cover your cleavage or get like a matching mesh top or even if you long hair let it hang in front of the exposed area so you can still wear what you like but still be covered more than what you were before.For guys, maybe wear like a couple bracelet or chain, or when people approach you kindly reject them or show no interest. Or for the guys that dress flashy maybe cut back on that because some people are attracted by materialistic things. Because there isn't really a certain way I know of that guys dress when they are trying to attract others I don't have much to say.People are going to look at you regardless but try at least.

Question: Should the person change their way of dressing when in a relationship; prior to when they aren't in a relationship?

My Answer: If a person has their style of clothing before you get in a relationship don't expect them to 100% switch up just for you. Never change who you are for your partner. Compromise is different but

So what do you think?

Topic 2: Body Modifications In A Relationship.

Topic 2: Body Modifications, Being in a relationship or marriage with a person who has had body modifications.

Body Modifications: (or body alteration) is the deliberate altering of the human anatomy or human physical appearance. This includes: piercings, plastic surgery, tattoos, liposuction, waist training and so on and so forth.

Question: Would you Date and/or Marry a person with body modifications?

My Answer: It depends. My overall answer is yes for both marriage and dating but it depends. I don't mind dating anyone with body mods mostly the most common ones like piercings, tattoos, waist training or even liposuction but when it comes to plastic surgery i'm not fully there. Like i don't mind if someone got their nose done or breast or double eyelid surgery but when it comes to things like implants for facial features of an animal or most of their body is silicone rather than flesh there's a lot that comes with that in which I do not want to handle. I can't see myself settling down with someone who has changed their body that much. I'm a person who is mostly attracted to authenticity but at the same time i don't really care if you aren't just to a certain extent. So 85% yes I would definitely. I can do the tattoo's, piercings/ body jewelry, hair removal/ hair coloring/ hair cutting,  tongue splitting, fangs (although there might be a problem with that when it comes to kinks... *cough cough* biting *cough*), and lobe stretching but I can't do lip plates, eye ball tattoos, neck rings, heavy implants or subdermal implants. Those are a bit too much for me. The only one i haven't really made up my mind on is scarification. I don't mind it but it scares me a little bit. I don't mind any form of body mod' over all but my thing is if i'm in a relationship with you don't try to get me to do it. If it's not for me it's not for me. 

Question: What about it would make you say yes/no?

My Answer: The thing that would make me say yes is I could almost care less about what your appearance is like weather you are short, tall, fat, skinny, two toned or missing limbs especially if it was how you are born because if i'm looking for a relationship i'm not looking at all that. I'm focused on you, what you are like, what you do. None of that shit bothers me. But I say no because if you decide that you want the snout of a pig the eyes of a goat and the facial and head structure of a komodo dragon i'm not stopping you from doing whatever makes you happy but I can't see myself being with you. Simply because it's not in my ideal or i don't mind it preference areas. That's just not what i'm into. I'm not saying like It's not a possibility that i won't like you because of it but i won't stay with you for a long time because of it and because of that i'd rather not start anything in the first place. On top of that for other people their relationships are sometimes heavily influenced by their family and most people's parents are all ways going to be in that kind of "What the hell is this" kind of state of mind so there's that. 

Question: Does body modifications play a role to something beyond appearance?

My Answer: Of course. It can be a lot of things from emotions to fetishes to mental state. But i wouldn't just jump to those things. Like i wouldn't go 'Oh this person got a breast lift because she can't deal with her insecurities and has no self esteem so she's dull.' and this, this and that to the third because I don't believe that. It's bullshit to me. Everyone has their different reasons for why they do things. Yeah maybe it is because of insecurities or self hatred but i can't just assume that. Some people just like body modifications. Shit I think piercings and tattoos are beautiful. And even if someone was to do it because of insecurities you shouldn't just knock 'em because of it. You should try it out maybe even help them overcome their self problems. Why not? It will build a bond. Yeah it's not like they can go back and reverse everything but why would they need to. People should accept what their life brings because once the damage is done it's done all you can do now is learn and grow from it.

So what do you think?

Topic 1: Feminism.

Question: Why is Feminism considered a bad thing?

My Answer: Feminism is seen as a negative thing only to those who only see the negative part of feminism. As a feminist I believe in equality for both females as well as a male. Yes I do express this mostly when the time is appropriate in an appropriate manner whereas other feminist don't. A huge amount of people usually are exposed to the feminist that don't. There are people who consider themselves feminist but do not care for the other party, that other party being males. On occasion a handful of "feminist" are actually misandrist and/ or miseducated on what being a feminist really is. Those are usually the people who are televised or making a scene when acts occur that require a "feminist response" or response in defence of a woman's right. On top of that those same people make it voiced that they are a feminist in those negative actions giving the feminist community a bad reputation. This same situation occurs in racial activities too and is part of the reason racism and discrimination still drags on today, because of the set stereotypes.

Question: What is feminism to you?

My answer: It's a juggernaut. To me feminism is expressing equal rights and reducing the set standards for females and males. Things from who should pay the dinner date bill to jobs females can have or who can make the first big step in a relationship to who cleans the house. Feminism can be applied to big and little topics because they all add up. Feminism is freedom, to help people of all gender be freed from the shackles, shells and mask of set standards by our ancestors. That's what feminism is to me.

Question: What is the cause of discrimination towards the female community? How does Feminism play a part in that?

My Answer: For the majority of my life I assumed that the whole situation regarding the set standards for females and how they are treated was created by insecure men along time ago. Men who wouldn't let their pride and ego's relax so they created rules to undermine women. The women who didn't agree with it they either beat them into fear or to death because they were too much of a punk to overcome their own insecurities and actually show their strengths without violence. Funny, feminism reminds me a lot of race issues. I got this image not from my own family but I learned it as I grew up mostly on media and in school. Teachers I've had would always state how men do this and females do that, that men run the world and women sit back and give them whatever they demand because men do everything. Of course growing up in my family that is easily proven and to be a pile of stool and any talk like that is usually just air. How feminism plays a part in that is to try and cut that tie or sever from the past so we don't continue drag it into the future because the next generations shouldn't have to suffer the consequences of the behaviors of the past generations at least not the bad ones.

Question: Is being called a feminist offencive?

My Answer: No, not at all. To some people yes, indeed it is, for reasons I have stated before. To me it is an empowerment. To be considered a feminist as a female is a label for the me, for the world to know that I am a woman of reason and strength and wisdom because those are the traits that come with being a female or even a male feminist. They are enduring positive traits and they shouldn't be looked down on. I feel if people were better and properly educated on certain topics it would dwindle the amount of commotion. There should be a panegyric for feminism (maybe not that might be unnecessary).

Question: Does feminism have a tie with failing or just relationships in general?

My Answer: Absolutely, but not how most people assume. People aren't feminist because of struggling relationships or because they "can't find a man", in fact a majority of feminist are not in relationships because they can't find or keep someone but rather they are trying to prove a point. Because it's assumed that women "can't live for themselves" and are "dependant of men", which are the main things you will hear when addressing most topics towards women, women then choose to stand up for themselves and take action. Which then leads to refusal of relationships; and because they do so people mainly men will state unsolicited comments about it causing the women to act bitter to anyone who opens their mouth about it right off the back, as instinct. This gives you the basic snooty woman that is usually the face of feminism. That is what we are represented by to outsiders/ people at first glance. The other way feminism plays a role in relationships is a topic of it's own.

Question: What about people who think feminism is women being superior to men?

My Answer: That's nonsense and it goes against what feminism truly is in fact it just flips the problem to the other side. If that's the case then it would be a matter of masculism, get it? We are going for equality not trying to overpower the other. Have everyone on the same level not one low and one high.

So What do you think?