What is Cultural Appropriation?

Summary

This video explores the concept of cultural appropriation, starting with the iconic 1973 Academy Awards protest by Sacheen Littlefeather on behalf of Marlon Brando. It delves into the definition of culture, its various components, and how cultural appropriation differs from appreciation. The discussion highlights the role of power dynamics and the real-world implications of misrepresenting marginalized cultures.

Highlights

Sacheen Littlefeather's Protest and the Start of a Conversation00:00:16

In 1973, Sacheen Littlefeather declined Marlon Brando's Oscar to protest Hollywood's misrepresentation of Native Americans and draw attention to the American Indian Movement, highlighting cultural appropriation in film.

Defining Cultural Appropriation00:00:56

The term 'cultural appropriation' first appeared in 1945 and has been a topic of debate. It refers to the misuse or misrepresentation of a culture, often by dominant groups, that diminishes the contributions of the original creators.

Understanding Culture: Raymond Williams' Definition00:02:13

The video uses Raymond Williams' 1976 definition of culture, categorizing it into three main umbrellas: intellectual/spiritual/aesthetic development (ideologies, beliefs), shared way of life (interactions, communal living), and shared creative/artistic productivity (art, literature, music). Cultural production, being the most concrete, is most prone to appropriation.

The Nuance of Cultural Ownership00:04:46

While culture is shared and not owned by one person, this argument against appropriation has weaknesses. Cultural ownership belongs to the group it originates from, not a single individual. Legal protections like copyright are difficult to apply to evolving cultural products, as patenting can ossify a culture.

Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation: The Role of Power00:06:10

Opponents of cultural appropriation often cite America's 'melting pot' nature. However, people may admire cultural products while disregarding the creators. Cultural appropriation occurs when a dominant group takes elements of a marginalized culture, divorces them from their original meaning, and uses them for entertainment without facing the negative consequences that the original culture might.

The Real-World Impact: Brando's Statement and Wounded Knee00:07:24

Marlon Brando's full statement, delivered by Littlefeather, emphasized that the protest was about more than film misrepresentation; it addressed the systemic mischaracterization of Native Americans and its real-world consequences, such as the contemporary occupation of Wounded Knee. The pleasure from consuming such cultural products does not outweigh the damage caused by misrepresentation and appropriation.