Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation: Where Do We Draw the Line?

Cultural appropriation—just hearing the term sparks a mix of confusion, frustration, and debate. It’s one of those topics where intentions clash with impacts, and people often find themselves on opposite sides of a conversation. You might be genuinely inspired by another culture, but when does appreciation cross the line into appropriation? Where do we draw that line, and how can we celebrate a culture without offending or exploiting it? Let’s unpack this together.

What’s the Difference?

The distinction between appreciation and appropriation lies in understanding, intent, and respect. Cultural appreciation happens when you engage with aspects of another culture in a thoughtful, informed way. Maybe you’re invited to a friend’s wedding and wear traditional attire because you’ve taken the time to learn its significance. Or maybe you’re learning a new cuisine or dance style out of admiration.

Cultural appropriation, however, involves adopting elements of a marginalized culture, often without understanding their significance, for personal gain, entertainment, or aesthetics. It typically happens when a dominant group borrows something from a group that’s historically oppressed or overlooked. Think of wearing a Native American headdress to a music festival because “it looks cool” or using traditional designs on a clothing line without giving credit to the original community. That’s where things go wrong.

Why Does It Matter?

Cultural appropriation isn’t just about borrowing or blending styles; it’s rooted in power dynamics. Marginalized cultures have often been mocked or discriminated against for their traditions, yet those same elements can suddenly become “trendy” or “exotic” when used by someone outside the community.

For example, Black hairstyles like cornrows or dreadlocks have been stigmatized for years. Black men and women have faced discrimination in workplaces or schools for wearing these styles. Yet when celebrities or influencers adopt the same look, they’re praised as being edgy or fashionable. The issue here isn’t just the hairstyle itself; it’s the double standard.

When cultural symbols, practices, or styles are borrowed without acknowledgment, it can feel like erasure. People see the aesthetics but not the struggles, history, or people behind them. That’s why it matters.

Intent Isn’t Everything

A common response to accusations of appropriation is, “But I didn’t mean to offend anyone!” And while good intentions are important, they’re not everything. Intent doesn’t erase impact. You might wear a kimono because you love how it looks, but if you’re using it as a costume or reducing it to a fashion statement, that can be hurtful to those for whom it carries cultural or personal significance.

It’s not about shaming people for being curious or celebrating cultures outside their own. It’s about being mindful of how we engage with those cultures. Appreciation requires more than admiration; it requires understanding, respect, and credit where it’s due.

How to Appreciate, Not Appropriate

So, how do you avoid crossing the line? Here are some key ways to ensure you’re appreciating rather than appropriating:

1. Learn and Listen: Take time to educate yourself about the culture you’re engaging with. Understand the history, significance, and meaning behind its traditions, art, or clothing.
2. Context Is Key: Why and how are you engaging with it? Wearing a traditional outfit to a cultural event where it’s encouraged is different from treating it as a fashion statement or costume.
3. Give Credit: If you’re inspired by a culture, acknowledge where it comes from. If you’re profiting from it—say, creating a product or art—ensure the community benefits, too.
4. Support the Community: Buy directly from artists, designers, or creators within the culture. Support businesses run by the people whose traditions you admire.
5. Be Open to Feedback: If someone from that culture says what you’re doing feels harmful, listen. It’s not about being defensive; it’s about learning and growing.

Walking the Line

I’ll admit, this topic once felt confusing to me, too. I used to think, Why can’t we just share everything? Isn’t that what makes the world beautiful? And while sharing cultures can absolutely be beautiful, the way we do it matters. Appreciation uplifts and honors; appropriation takes without asking.

The good news is that thoughtful appreciation can lead to deeper connections and understanding across cultures. It’s about recognizing the value of traditions and the people who carry them. It’s about asking ourselves, “Am I honoring this culture, or am I using it for my own gain?”

At the end of the day, celebrating diversity means respecting where things come from and the people they represent. Drawing the line may take reflection, but it’s worth the effort. When we engage with cultures thoughtfully and respectfully, we don’t just avoid harm—we create space for real appreciation. And that’s something we can all get behind.