Summary of "Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Appreciation | Roots, Race & Culture | PBS Utah"

Summary of Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Appreciation | Roots, Race & Culture | PBS Utah

This PBS Utah episode of Roots, Race and Culture features a thoughtful, nuanced discussion about the complex distinctions between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. The hosts, Lonzo Liggins and Danor Gerald, are joined by two experts—Erika George, a law professor and director of the Tanner Humanity Center, and Paisley Rekdal, Utah’s Poet Laureate and author of Appropriate: A Provocation—to explore the ethical, historical, and social dimensions of these concepts.

Main Ideas and Concepts

1. Definition and Distinction

Cultural appropriation is defined (citing Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez) as using elements from another culture without proper recognition or respect, often leading to harm or exploitation.
Cultural appreciation involves respect, acknowledgment, and understanding of the culture being engaged with.
The line between appropriation and appreciation is often blurred and subjective, varying by individual ethics and context.

2. Ethical Questions in Appropriation

Two key questions:
- Can you appropriate? (Legally and practically, one often can.)
- Should you appropriate? (Ethically and morally, this depends on respect, intent, and impact.)
Historical context matters: colonialism, racism, and economic exploitation underpin many harmful appropriations.

3. Economic and Social Impact

Examples from music history illustrate appropriation’s economic harms, such as Black artists like Big Mama Thornton and Louis Jordan being overshadowed and financially exploited by white artists and record labels.
Appropriation can strip original creators of recognition and economic benefit.
However, appropriation can also be transformative and political, as seen in hip hop’s global spread, where marginalized groups use and reshape art forms to express solidarity and resistance.

4. Examples of Negative Appropriation

Blackface in Korean pop culture as a harmful, performative racial stereotype.
Katy Perry dressing as a geisha perpetuating Asian stereotypes.
Native American regalia used as costumes or props, which demeans Indigenous identity and perpetuates harmful stereotypes (highlighted powerfully by Shelvie James, an Apache student).

5. Cultural Appreciation in Practice

Respectful engagement involves understanding the history, significance, and context of cultural items or practices.
Wearing cultural clothing as a gesture of respect within appropriate contexts (e.g., wearing a kurta or shalwar kameez when invited or in cultural settings) contrasts with casual or commercialized use.
Intellectual property laws and concepts like “fair use” play a role in navigating cultural exchange.

6. Education as a Solution

Ignorance about the history and meaning behind cultural elements often fuels appropriation.
Education and open conversations can help people understand why certain actions are harmful and how to engage respectfully.
Appreciation includes the willingness to learn, ask questions, and acknowledge differences.

7. Race, Expression, and Stereotypes

Racial stereotypes constrain how people of different backgrounds can express emotions or identities (e.g., the Will Smith Oscars incident).
Race is a social construct that influences behavior and perception, complicating issues of cultural expression and appropriation.

8. Positive Example: Martial Arts Academy

The International Martial Arts Academy in Utah, run by Augustine Torkornoo from Ghana, exemplifies cultural appreciation: teaching TaeKwonDo with respect for its philosophy and values, while contributing positively to the community.

Methodology / Guidelines for Navigating Cultural Appropriation vs Appreciation

Ask Yourself:
- Can I do this? (Legal and practical considerations)
- Should I do this? (Ethical considerations, respect, and intent)
Consider Historical and Cultural Context:
- Understand the origins, significance, and current implications of cultural elements.
- Recognize histories of colonialism, racism, and economic exploitation.
Respect and Acknowledge:
- Give credit to the originating culture and creators.
- Avoid perpetuating stereotypes or reducing culture to costumes or props.
Engage with Openness and Inquiry:
- Learn about the culture actively rather than superficially adopting elements.
- Use cultural exchange as an opportunity for education and solidarity.
Be Mindful of Economic Impact:
- Support authentic creators and communities economically when possible.
- Avoid profiting off cultural elements without permission or benefit to the source community.
Avoid Performative Acts that Collapse Racial Identities:
- Do not use cultural elements to stereotype or caricature racial groups.
Recognize Emotional and Identity Impact:
- Understand that cultural elements may carry deep personal and communal meaning that cannot be “taken off” like a costume.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Hosts:
- Lonzo Liggins
- Danor Gerald
Guests / Experts:
- Erika George — Samuel D. Thurman Professor of Law, Director of the Tanner Humanity Center
- Paisley Rekdal — Distinguished Professor, Utah’s Poet Laureate, Author of Appropriate: A Provocation
- Shelvie James — Apache student at Southern Utah University, Native American cultural commentator
- Augustine Torkornoo — Founder and CEO of International Martial Arts Academy, originally from Ghana
Referenced Expert:
- Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez — Cited for definition of cultural appropriation

This episode emphasizes that cultural exchange can be enriching and positive when grounded in respect, understanding, and ethical engagement, but it requires ongoing education and awareness of historical and social contexts to avoid harm.