The Difference Between Cultural Exchange and Cultural Appropriation — Everyday Feminism

This is not in response to to this article. The stream of thought below is in response to the whole discussion of privilege that has really been making itself felt online in last few years. It is always a good thing to call out the realities of a situation, I’m all for it. I thoughts about whether or not it continues to achieve the goals behind it.

I am so over the use of the privilege verbiage. We need to move on to a state of awareness that is less centered on the self and more centered on others.

I would propose that instead of, “So as free as people should be to wear whatever hair and clothing they enjoy, using someone else’s cultural symbols to satisfy a personal need for self-expression is an exercise in privilege.” one might say, “People are and should be to express themselves by wearing whatever hair and clothing they enjoy. Always be respectful when you are someone else’s cultural symbols in your self-expression.”

Privilege is an erudite way of saying, ‘don’t be an ass, be respectful.’ Despite the overwhelming good intention behind conversations about privilege, it comes off as self-satisfied and holier-than-thou.

There’s another real dry and pragmatic thing I don’t like about it. Talking about constant guilt earned by something a person doesn’t get a choice in isn’t exactly a sell-point. It’s not like the first impression a person has upon hearing about privilege guilt is, ‘That sounds awesome! Where can I sign up for some that?’

There’s this aspect of permanence to the idea of privilege. Privilege isn’t a way of working past differences. It’s a constant responsibility without a light at the end of the tunnel. Framing the conversation that way seems to make it harder to convince anyone get on board.

Why not have a conversation about respect instead? That’s a much more empowering and rewarding conversation for everyone.

I’m not saying sweep anything under rug, I’m saying it would be nice if was about respect instead of guilt. I think it would accomplish much, much more that way.