Cultural Appropriation, Revisited

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  • Опубліковано 13 жов 2024

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  • @LOLquendoTV
    @LOLquendoTV 5 років тому +2126

    I think one of the best examples of correct cultural exchange would be Avatar the Last Airbender, they incorporated a lot of traditionally eastern cultural elements but they did their homework, they did it respectfully and even hired an expert in traditional chinese calligraphy to do all the writing in the fictional world.

    • @MRuby-qb9bd
      @MRuby-qb9bd 5 років тому +293

      It also helps that the show was good--with complex and interesting characters. If it were hammy I wonder how the response would have been, experts or no.

    • @LOLquendoTV
      @LOLquendoTV 5 років тому +41

      @@MRuby-qb9bd a good point

    • @Enzaio
      @Enzaio 5 років тому +55

      That reminds me of Jade Empire, my favorite video game. They made a fictional world based on Chinese and Japanese culture, which really made me interested in those cultures because they seemed totally awesome.

    • @BRobMint
      @BRobMint 5 років тому +20

      My favorite show of all time :)

    • @LOLquendoTV
      @LOLquendoTV 5 років тому +85

      @@BRobMint still cry when "leaves from the vine, falling so slow, like little tiny shells, drifiting on the foam. little soldier boy, comes marching home, brave soldier boy, comes marching home"

  • @dabwiso784
    @dabwiso784 5 років тому +3457

    "Don't base your political opinions on reactions to teenagers on social media"
    I truly hope this is one of the lessons we take away from the 2010s
    Also: I think that the most egregious instances of cultural appropriation are when corporations take symbols and imagery from disadvantaged people and profit off them, see America's long history of the use of Native peoples imagery in all sorts of products.

    • @BRobMint
      @BRobMint 5 років тому +76

      Lol this is pretty much how the anti-sjw community was formed

    • @CoryMck
      @CoryMck 5 років тому +32

      That "learning Spanish id cultural appropriation" argument was fully satirical as far as I've ever seen it. I've only seen it used to mock actual arguments against cultural appropriation.

    • @alexc.5204
      @alexc.5204 5 років тому

      Wisdom

    • @IncognitoSprax
      @IncognitoSprax 5 років тому +2

      I’ve been saying that from the get go. It’s stupid, and people that do that are naive, ignorant, and arguing with false pretense on purpose.

    • @eagle3676
      @eagle3676 5 років тому +15

      Another is Israel taking dishes from Palestinians and calling it theirs as if they invented it

  • @Bluemagedood
    @Bluemagedood 5 років тому +703

    When you started discussing the 'white protector' set of behaviors I pretty much immediately recognized it in myself. And I'm glad I did. I'm going to watch that behavior a little more and work on it. I can totally see why it'd be really offputting and more than a little patronizing. But I worry more that a lot of people are really invested in their self-appointed protector status that they won't view their stances critically.

    • @Enzaio
      @Enzaio 5 років тому +19

      Same here, I think just being conscious of it will go a long way.

    • @DavidLindes
      @DavidLindes 5 років тому +36

      @@Enzaio: being conscious of it, and giving priority to voices from the group one is trying to ally with.
      As a random example, it's quite different to say "Dude, she told you she's not interested" [after someone rejected an advance and someone continued advancing], and quite another to say "Dude, she's not interested" to someone making an advance after seeing the person reject *someone else*, and assuming the former rejection meant the latter would follow, without having any specific knowledge of the person's level of interest (or lack thereof) in being approached by other people than the person she rejected first.
      The former is amplifying a voice that wasn't being heard, the latter is... well... problematic (without specific knowledge of the person's wants).
      That all said, T1J's comments on this did give me pause, as well, and I'm fairly certain I'm not perfect at finding the difference between allying oneself in a respectful way and white knighting. Indeed, I'm hopeful that my example above isn't ridiculous... and that if it is, I'll get called out on it, so that I can continue to get better.
      It can be hard, too, because different people are different (as T1J says), and sometimes even the same person will have a different take at different times, etc. So there's not some easy formula for getting it right.
      But one piece of the nuanced formula? Listen to the voices of marginalized groups, and take cues from them.
      Thank you for sharing your voice with the world, T1J. I enjoy listening to it. And I hope I mostly hear when I listen.

    • @nr0802
      @nr0802 5 років тому +10

      @@DavidLindes good example you got there.
      My "one piece of the nuanced formula" is ask the question, to the "offender" in a way that leaves space open for marginalised to speak if there is anyone (like, if you don't know who's reading online) and if they are comfortable to speak up.
      Street Epistemology/Magnabosco made me aware of the power of just asking good thought provoking questions, which is imo better for instigating change in other's ppl thinking, and my own, sometimes! But since I have a lot of its use in my other "sjw" :D activism.

    • @Enzaio
      @Enzaio 5 років тому +3

      @@DavidLindes That's a great example!

    • @DavidLindes
      @DavidLindes 5 років тому +1

      N R: thanks for another piece! I like the idea of leaving space open. And I'm glad folks like the example. I'm iffy on it, frankly, but hopefully it helps. :)
      And yes, also yay for SE. :)

  • @rochelledliu
    @rochelledliu 4 роки тому +1696

    As a person with Chinese background born in the US, it's fascinating to see what Chinese-Chinese people deem as "offensive" or "non-offensive" and what Chinese-Americans deem as "offensive" or "non-offensive". Those born and raised in China never had to experience the bullying that Chinese-Americans went through in elementary/middle/high school about their food, their clothes, their "small eyes", their language, etc. So when you ask a Chinese person, "do you think this-and-this is racist?", they may not have the same answer as a Chinese-American. But that's not to say that one is wrong and the other is right--these are incredibly different experiences and come from a different framework of knowledge.
    I appreciate the videos you make because it allows a springboard from which we can begin discussing issues, and helps maintain a respectful tone while we listen and explain our differences. Ultimately, I'll always bounce ideas off of a few friends and have discussions so I can better understand how I can be a better ally, or better understand where I stand in the world and who I want to be.
    Thanks for your videos!

    • @catgirlgrunge
      @catgirlgrunge 4 роки тому +38

      You brought up a really good point

    • @amyill9280
      @amyill9280 4 роки тому +81

      I've noticed that difference too. In addition to that, I also have noticed different generational attitudes on cultural appropriation in the US. For example, if a white person wears an Indian (India-Indian, not Native American Indian) sari because they like it, most of the people being offended are Millenials and Gen Z-ers (both non-Indian Americans and Indian Americans). But most of the US-nationalized Indian American grandparents respond positively and tend to view it more as, "Oh it's so nice that others are appreciating our culture."

    • @dawnssful
      @dawnssful 4 роки тому +45

      @@amyill9280 I can imagine that part of the reason why some Indian Americans have that reaction is because of the racism they have faced. I will say that 30 years ago it was a different political climate, and while there was most certainly racism Asian-Americans might not have collectively pressed against it as much. Now Asian-Americans, to a degree, have started to realize that the ways in which they choose to dress have underlying meanings to some Americans. Take for instance the turbans Sikhs wear, those turbans don't make them Muslim but so many Americans are ignorant about Islam in general and people don't know the difference. I think it is somewhat fair to say that some Indian-Americans have dealt with some jolting racism and xenophobia while wearing or having sari's turbans, bindi's, and etc. As a result people understand and realize that the clothing they wear is supposedly political even when they themselves are not. With that in mind it makes sense why people feel really hostile and skeptical about outsiders wearing those garments.

    • @babagalacticus
      @babagalacticus 4 роки тому +9

      respectfully, u might consider using the term "a chinese NATIONAL" as opposed to "Chinese-Chinese" which looks terrible & is rather confusing. 🙏🏽

    • @cubeofcheese5574
      @cubeofcheese5574 4 роки тому

      +

  • @henrycolestage4249
    @henrycolestage4249 4 роки тому +170

    "You are allowed to like stuff", is spot on. There is a huge difference between appropriating and enjoying/using something. I have spent a great deal of time in the Middle East. You might be surprised to know that people who live in the hottest places on earth might have come up with the best ways to deal with it. So, yeah, I wear a shemag (Arab scarf headgear) when I'm working in the desert or even at home working in the heat of the day. I give full credit to my Arab friends for it and how well it works. In fact, I tell everybody who asks that they should wear one too in these conditions. It WORKS. Would I wear a full thobe and ghutra (typical full Arab male dress) just because? No, probably not. I would never do it for a 'costume'. But if you like a kilt, wear one. If you can rock it like Samual Jackson, go for it. If you find a sarong at the beach is more comfortable than board shorts, go for it. You get the idea. Just be respectful and give credit.

  • @mdstevens0612
    @mdstevens0612 5 років тому +2108

    "Don't base your political associations on reactions to teenagers on Tumblr"
    LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK

    • @edgarroberts8740
      @edgarroberts8740 4 роки тому +4

      We need to make that a gif.

    • @holdentudiks3608
      @holdentudiks3608 4 роки тому +4

      I don't know why but I read this as
      "LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BLACK 😭

    • @bugeater2763
      @bugeater2763 4 роки тому +2

      thats such a good quote cuz it honestly goes for all sides of political views

    • @HessianHunter
      @HessianHunter 4 роки тому +10

      Steven Crowder's whole thing is looking like the "reasonable logical guy" compared to 19 year old college students he intentionally provokes on a topic that's emotionally resonant to them. It's pretty easy to "win" a debate when you're not emotionally invested in the outcome and your opponent is a flustered college student.

    • @sipeolusoga5817
      @sipeolusoga5817 4 роки тому +1

      @@HessianHunter I guess but I don't think the point is to win the debate, it's just to discuss about important issues and a lot of those college students are hyper sensitive and think the world should be their safe space and that's all on them.

  • @morganlefay195
    @morganlefay195 4 роки тому +1693

    As a Spanish person I'm happy with anybody, of any ethnicity, who wants to learn Spanish, so we can understand each other.

    • @EricChoiniere
      @EricChoiniere 4 роки тому +75

      That's great! I think learning a foreign language invites you to learn more about the culture(s) behind it and thus to be more respectful of them.
      But cultural appropriation has more to do with ignorant use. Like someone getting a tattoo that's in Spanish because it "looks beautiful" but they can't actually read what it says.

    • @morganlefay195
      @morganlefay195 4 роки тому +85

      @@EricChoiniere And I want to add that, in the case you mention, having a tatoo in Spanish that you can't read does not harm Spanish culture in the slightest; only the bearer can be harmed: for god's sake, don't write "gilipollas" onto your skin!

    • @EricChoiniere
      @EricChoiniere 4 роки тому +27

      @@morganlefay195 For sure! I couldn't really think of any other examples involving language specifically. I'm reminded of Ariana Grande getting a tattoo in kanji (Japanese) that was supposed to be the title of her new song, but instead it said something like charcoal or barbecue.

    • @Garvm
      @Garvm 4 роки тому +21

      Absolutely. But no paella sandwiches, please.

    • @elizabethreynoso4748
      @elizabethreynoso4748 4 роки тому +3

      Pues si ;)

  • @MESIRlX
    @MESIRlX 5 років тому +936

    The veteran analogy was incredible. Thanks for it TJ, really helped me understand the topic better!

    • @itzscritz
      @itzscritz 5 років тому +18

      interestingly, a lot of countries do sell army print clothes, popular for 12-30 year old boys, and traveling americans often react angrily when they see how common it is

    • @gs2tab
      @gs2tab 5 років тому +21

      @@itzscritz Same as travelling Americans are insulted when they see instances of blackface in another country. What Americans might interpret as blackface doesn't have derogatory connotations in most cultures, yet you get Americans outraged on behalf of others in a completely different culture, which becomes a ridiculous extra degree of separation of offense. I would argue that most instances of supposed cultural appropriation also come from a poor understanding of the cultures involved, ironically poor generalizations and stereotypes of the supposed victim culture, leading to overall far more harm than good, not just due to the number of false-positives, but also the needless cultural protectionism that it promotes, and it is therefore a toxic concept to propagate generally. Better concepts to propagate are tolerance, acceptance, pride in aspects of culture being adopted and shared, and in worst-case scenarios, resilience, not this sensitive, negative, easily offended mentality that cultural appropriation relies upon.

    • @nr0802
      @nr0802 5 років тому +1

      @@gs2tab
      You seem to be missing a point/the difference what cultural appropriation is and is _not_ and basing your judging of "mentality" on the wrong idea.
      Negativity towards disrespect+exploitation IS fine concept, just as towards any other harm in the world.

    • @dreamdiscounts
      @dreamdiscounts 5 років тому +11

      It's a bad analogy, because there is a difference in claiming to be a soldier and putting on a costume to look cool. One is unethical while other is neutral.

    • @gs2tab
      @gs2tab 5 років тому +4

      @@nr0802 That's another problem with the idea of cultural appropriation in that it is defined so differently by different people, often interpreted simplistically. The line drawn between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation is subjective, poorly defined and often ignored completely. You may say "that's not *my* idea of cultural appropriation", but is the case for calling out, what you may see as genuine cases of cultural appropriation, which in my mind are very few and far between, worth the tradeoff when a cultural appropriation awareness campaign results in far more negative consequences than good? The whole taking offense culture movement is taking the wrong approach, often ignoring intentions. As much as one can find examples of supposed cultural appropriation which showed a lack of understanding of the culture being appropriated, there are just as many or more cases where the accuser has a wrong understanding of intentions or the supposed victim culture. Offense culture *is* predicated on negative interpretations and sensitivity. There is a simple solution, and it doesn't involve the mostly futile approach of trying to change others and shaming others, regardless of their original intent.

  • @aprili.3802
    @aprili.3802 5 років тому +126

    Thank you for the cultural appreciation bit! I got in an argument with a non-Japanese coworker in Japan because she didn’t think it was acceptable for her to buy a yukata and wear it to the yukata matsuri (festival), even though she really wanted to buy one and wear it to the festival. EVERYONE there was going to be wearing one and are welcoming to you wearing one as well and participating in the matsuri. I was like “GIRL. It’s not👏appro 👏pri 👏a👏tion 👏! Wear the yukata!! Enjoy the yukata! Love the yukata!!!

    • @hamburgerbrain
      @hamburgerbrain 3 роки тому +13

      I was given a Yukata by my Japanese host family and was asked to wear it. It would have been disrespectful to the family if I refused to wear it.

  • @daniellenicholle6670
    @daniellenicholle6670 4 роки тому +138

    First rule of debate: you gotta agree on what terms mean or you're incapable of discussing the topic. A great distinction you make right away.

  • @natasharaezer6050
    @natasharaezer6050 5 років тому +1831

    "White-knighting" was a huge problem on my (extremely small, very rich, very white) college campus. Listening to conversations with my non-white, LGBTQIA+, etc friends really taught me a lot about how it's very difficult for (largely white) "allies" who are acting with good intentions (including myself) to draw the line between amplifying the points made by people in marginalized communities vs. speaking over them, and I think the conversation around cultural appropriation suffers from that disconnect. So often, people who really do mean well jump to the defense of said communities without listening to people in those communities first. I've met a lot of "woke" people who forget that they're always learning in their eagerness to help, and that often just alienates their peers who probably have more salient and nuanced takes on the issue.

    • @camwad1238
      @camwad1238 5 років тому +53

      A lot of these white nights can also push some people who might agree or who might help away because of some of their methods

    • @AzaleaJane
      @AzaleaJane 5 років тому +113

      I still maintain that "SJWs" have gotten such a bad rap *partially* because of middle-class white teenagers on Tumblr taking subtle topics like this, misunderstanding them, and yelling at everyone about it based on a distorted parody of the original idea. That may be an unfair impression, but wow I've seen some real headdesk takes on Tumblr.

    • @camwad1238
      @camwad1238 5 років тому +9

      Tangopianist to be fair some extreme sjws don’t help with some of the stuff they say and do like antifa

    • @AntsanParcher
      @AntsanParcher 5 років тому +55

      @@camwad1238 Learn what Antifa actually is and does. Also maybe look at statistics about political crime.

    • @camwad1238
      @camwad1238 5 років тому +7

      AntsanParcher maybe you should look it up because I’ve seen the shit they do just because their anti fascist doesn’t mean they have the right to attack people bc that’s terrorism

  • @GoblinsAreAGirlsBestFriend
    @GoblinsAreAGirlsBestFriend 5 років тому +345

    I'm so nuance starved in today's society that your videos bring me incredible joy. It's so rare to find anyone willing to calmly talk about complicated things, grey areas, and opposing truths. It's too rare. We're forgetting what it's all about.

    • @potato-dx6vu
      @potato-dx6vu 5 років тому +16

      Fawn Whisperer “nuance starved” is a great phrase that explains what I’ve been feeling.

    • @JustNopeX
      @JustNopeX 5 років тому +3

      @@potato-dx6vu Agree. I am overjoyed every time T1J releases a video. I always come away feeling like I've learned something worthwhile.
      Edit; He is teaching me to be a better person. Which a lot of people could use.

    • @mermaidtingzzz
      @mermaidtingzzz 5 років тому +5

      "Nuance" is a word rightfully repeated throughout this comment section. It's truly refreshing hearing someone reevaluate their ideas and expand on the complexities of the subject matter.

    • @emARTix
      @emARTix 4 роки тому +1

      You put into words what I've been thinking watching this!

    • @carolannhook554
      @carolannhook554 4 роки тому

      @Fawn Whisperer. I got here through a recommendation after watching some more of Pop Culture Detective...you might like his stuff too. He does amazing work exploring gender roles and representations.

  • @amanenoyume5718
    @amanenoyume5718 5 років тому +4101

    Here in Japan people don't even know what cultural appropriation is, if a non-japanese person wore a kimono they would probably say that they are really cute.

    • @bxnnyxniie666
      @bxnnyxniie666 5 років тому +264

      @Ada Pieńkowska I think that's because they're always been close cultures and they don't mind sharing their culture, not cultural appropriation though as people say as he explained.

    • @narcis3720
      @narcis3720 5 років тому +461

      I feel like most citizens of broadly mono-cultural countries are honored by foreigners "appropriating" their culture. Only seems to be an issue in the US tbh

    • @sherrybopcherrypop
      @sherrybopcherrypop 5 років тому +580

      @@narcis3720 not true. Indigenous peoples from all over North and South America feel very different about cultural appropriation for legitimate reasons, as do people in Australia and New Zealand. The truth is different cultures have different relationships and stigmas attached to them and its more complicated than just "____ people don't care about cultural appropriation only Americans have this issue". Read more about Canadian, South American, Australian indigenous people and you'll see similar issues.

    • @narcis3720
      @narcis3720 5 років тому +111

      @@sherrybopcherrypop Well alright maybe I'm not informed on lesser known cases, but in general I still think it applies. E.g. Africans feel entirely different about non-black people wearing locks than Black Americans.

    • @ivyssauro123
      @ivyssauro123 5 років тому +390

      Let's remember Japan was a imperialist, dominant nation over Asia and not subjugated by the western powers up until the mid 1940's
      It's reaaaally different from you know, three centuries of slavery

  • @RisingSunfish
    @RisingSunfish 4 роки тому +106

    During that whole controversy where Kim Kardashian tried to trademark "Kimono" as a brand, a Japanese artist I follow retweeted a thread about it. Twitter's translation tool spat out "cultural plagiarism" instead of cultural appropriation, and I think that's a much more readily-understandable term (even if it was accidental!). You're getting credit and capital for something that not only isn't yours, but that you put zero effort into understanding, contextualizing, or innovating upon. However, when it comes to plagiarism of the written word, it's totally okay to use other people's ideas so long as you give due credit and contribute to the general understanding in your own way. I also feel like this is one of those issues where firebrands on social media waste time and energy going after average people- many of them literal children- who are almost certainly participating out of appreciation or who are at least unaware of the cultural context they may need to know (in which case everyone will be best served by gentle education).

    • @rickeybernard8156
      @rickeybernard8156 3 роки тому +2

      My reasons for not liking it. Thank you for that well written comment.

  • @dk3212
    @dk3212 4 роки тому +289

    Re Avril Lavigne: She is very popular in Japan and it's my understanding that the video was a homage/thank you for their support/fan base/whatever the word is. She did it for them as a thank you.

    • @morreamanha
      @morreamanha 3 роки тому +4

      that's cool! I really like her.

    • @thankunext5602
      @thankunext5602 3 роки тому +1

      EXACLTYYY

    • @MNGN101
      @MNGN101 3 роки тому +26

      The fact that she got bullied for that from condescending non-Japanese people really pisses me off.

    • @thankunext5602
      @thankunext5602 3 роки тому +3

      @@MNGN101 ikrrr

  • @Annaleebie
    @Annaleebie 5 років тому +1301

    The Hello Kitty mention was interesting because, as far as I can tell, Japanese Americans often react to things in a different way than Japanese citizens who never left the country. I think they might have different ideas as to what is marginalizing and what is not because they aren't the majority group over here the way they are in Japan.
    The Boston Museum of Fine Arts once had a recurring event where they let visitors wear kimono and, while reactions among Asian Americans were mixed, there were tons of protests against the event. Meanwhile Japan was like "uhhh what controversy y'all should buy kimonos its good for the economy"

    • @redsnowpenguin
      @redsnowpenguin 5 років тому +146

      I remember the bmfa kimono issue. Same for the utah girl who wore a slightly gauche qipao to her prom. Reactions from asian and Asian american netizens were split. But take it from an asian(american), asian people totoally understand when asian americans explain the history as diaspora people experience them outside asia. A japanese scholar even penned her feelings on why japanese americans felt differently from japanese in japan, and criticised the logical fallacy of using one group of japanese people to dismiss concerns from another group of japanese people.

    • @dogmatil7608
      @dogmatil7608 5 років тому +59

      because Americans obsess about race all the time and take offense at everything. People around the world outside of the US/Canada are NOT like that. They are not conditioned to see racism everywhere that is why we are totally fine with people enjoying our culture.

    • @hopedean6424
      @hopedean6424 5 років тому +138

      @@dogmatil7608 I don't think it's as simple as one culture seeing race more than another. After all, there must be a reason they think that way. I think the reason Japanese Americans would care more is that they actually have to live with the insensitivities and discrimination that comes with living in a country such as America. Even as a Thai person in Australia, I find things to be offensive and ignorant that Thai people from the mainland would joke about or excuse simply because "those people are foreigners. That's the way they think". If we are going to paint a culture as "race-obsessed" we should think why that is - of course largely homogenous populations would care less about racism than multicultural ones.

    • @dogmatil7608
      @dogmatil7608 5 років тому +46

      @@hopedean6424 I think it's because race has always been a big deal in the USA. first natives against white, then slavery, then the oppression of black people, then trying to "integrate" natives forcefully ... having so many different cultures pushed together in one place will create problems. and I think that is why americans are more sensitive about race when most people in the world just don't care. I mean just listen to interviews with american people, they constantly state their race "as a black person" " as a native" "as a white person" ...
      and they aren't only like that with race, but they want to label themselves about everything! "Me as a gay man", "I as a woman" " as a whatever" ... they start almost every conversation like that as if that changes their argument.
      I never heard people talk like that anywhere else. I have been in many european countries and here different cultures live together as well. I have been in africa and asia ... it's never like in the US.

    • @hopedean6424
      @hopedean6424 5 років тому +21

      @@dogmatil7608 Maybe because there's heightened political and social discussions in America compared to other places? There are conversations that would happen in certain western countries around society that would take years to happen in other countries.

  • @liaozalia
    @liaozalia 5 років тому +264

    Me and my fiance (both british) met with her family (Indian) and they suggested I wear a turban to our wedding. I don't want to and probably won't, though we will have Indian food and some other culturally appreciative elements. However, it made me think - avoiding cultural practices/clothes/traditions etc in some cases maybe cultural disrespect. Hardly a new idea I know. (Thanks for your work btw!)

    • @benschach108
      @benschach108 5 років тому +18

      James Field That's a really good point. Never thought about it that way.

    • @TeagueChrystie
      @TeagueChrystie 5 років тому +31

      Generally speaking, *when requested to,* follow the custom.
      (Because, generally speaking, NOT-following the custom as requested runs a high risk of becoming about how you seem to be *denying* the custom, which introduces that question.)
      ((To be clear, I'm just a random white guy. This is advice I've been given by people who aren't.))

    • @cutequeen9405
      @cutequeen9405 5 років тому +24

      My opinion is that this is your wedding so wear whatever you want I don’t think it would offend them if you did or didn’t

    • @cutequeen9405
      @cutequeen9405 5 років тому +4

      Maybe do it for part of the wedding but not the whole thing?

    • @itsbekasaur
      @itsbekasaur 4 роки тому +2

      I understand that! Like being asked to wear a sari at a wedding and then not doing it.

  • @LindsayEllisVids
    @LindsayEllisVids 5 років тому +2613

    We stan a Sir Applesauce

  • @samiam9925
    @samiam9925 4 роки тому +1001

    I have a question: what do you think about cultural appropriation within the same race? I am West African living in the US, and when black panther came out, I felt that a lot of black Americans were wearing "African" prints without knowing what country they came from or the significance, totally gatekeeping, and getting mad if others wore stuff. I have a lot of friends that are non black, including my Hispanic husband, who I bought African clothes for. They felt like they could not wear the stuff in public, because even though most Africans don't care about white people wearing natives, most AFRICAN AMERICANS do. I found it so off putting. Isn't that cultural appropriation (I know it's a very controversial opinion) but aren't African Americans too far removed from African culture to gatekeep about whether or not white people can wear African prints respectfully?

    • @flibnit1
      @flibnit1 4 роки тому +384

      This holds water to me. As a black person I personally decided not even to refer to myself as African American for this reason. I am too far removed from African culture and don't feel that I have any claims on it. I respect and revert it as part of my heritage but I'm just about as African as Americans are European. We use African culture to make us feel different and special which is really well meaning but often misguided because we really don't take the time to educate ourselves. We assume having the skin color is enough but it's not. Many American black people couldn't even name 10 African countries. Which isn't their fault (it's America's) but still. We talk a lot about what we don't know

    • @chelseaxcx8881
      @chelseaxcx8881 4 роки тому +251

      This is something that actually bothers me a lot. I see a lot of people (not just black people) thinking that all Africans are the same and sort of have the same culture, I am Angolan, and we definitely are different from Nigeria, Ghana, etc., but they all think we are the same.. this really annoys me. I wish they could search and learn more about the different countries, culture, symbolism among this continent.

    • @denisavoinescu7961
      @denisavoinescu7961 4 роки тому +114

      I’m reading this now, You gave voice to my thoughts!!! I always wondered why americans are so pissed while Africans are happy in finding their culture being appreciated outside of Africa, I live in south Italy and here are lots of African people that often sell statues and clothes and even do hairstyles for people like me who are clearly white, they are most of the times happy to see the appreciation we have for their culture, I aways try to understand the meaning of everything they do or wear, of every piece of art, while in America seems illegal to go out with an African related hairstyle, why can’t everybody be supportive? Most of the times we do not want to discriminate a certain culture by wearing or taking inspiration of their style and culture, we just like it the same way black people may like something from another culture

    • @chelseaxcx8881
      @chelseaxcx8881 4 роки тому +19

      Denisa Voinescu I’ve seen some sayin we’re happy with they buying our artefacts and more because we’re ignorant about what’s cultural appropriation

    • @RaeB171
      @RaeB171 4 роки тому +69

      Don’t mind me! Just a Ghanaian-American commenting so I’ll be notified when others comment on this thread. Cause this sounds like a truly interesting discussion!

  • @limacnaughton3352
    @limacnaughton3352 4 роки тому +192

    It's something that people need to be careful of, who they accuse and how they respond. A friend of mine got a LOT of abuse in the US for having traditional Maori tattoos - because he looks white (very fair, red hair...).
    What they didn't understand is that his father is Maori. They are representative of his culture and community, he had never been expecting to "choose" between his mother's heritage and his father's. They weren't in any way disrespectful.

    • @limacnaughton3352
      @limacnaughton3352 4 роки тому +41

      @@pawnshopbluez he's fine. He was surprised that people, who knew nothing about Maori culture felt they could lecture someone with an obvious New Zealand accent about something like that.

    • @bryanwoods3373
      @bryanwoods3373 3 роки тому +5

      @@limacnaughton3352 In a way, this is the thing that gets me when people complain about Emma Stone's role in Aloha. My understanding is that her character is supposed to look white but identifies with her other heritage, part of which was Hawaiian. I see people saying that they should have at least gotten a half-Asian actor, but they don't get that it doesn't work. You're not going to believe Danny Trejo whining about how the Latin community doesn't accept him for not looking right. But you'd believe any of the passing Mexican actors. I'm half-Korean, and I don't feel any angst because you can see both sides of my heritage. But I have been confused for being white. I've been confused for Hispanic by other Hispanics as well. I know I will never truly understand what it feels like to have part of my heritage dismissed by others like me. So, I wouldn't expect someone that looks like me to play the part of someone that does.

    • @Nadia-nt8gb
      @Nadia-nt8gb 3 роки тому

      i am part maori, but most is white so i look really white. i dont think id fele comfortable getting a maori tattoo because people would say things like i am not able to get one. i still think that non-maori people should be able to get maori tattoos as long as they respect the culture and understand it

  • @chromeclaws
    @chromeclaws 5 років тому +127

    re: avril lavigne...
    japanese =/= japanese-american or japanese-canadian (since avril is from canada). their outlooks are going to be extremely different. just something to consider for future discussions.

    • @sudoit7278
      @sudoit7278 5 років тому +90

      I think this is very true. Like you can look at some of the 'Japanese' photo-shoots that have been done in the fashion world, for example the one in Vogue a couple of years ago where the caucasian model dressed in 'Japanese' traditional clothing designed by European designers, including 'geisha' photos (let's not pretend that that isn't fetishized) and some deliberately disheveled poses. However, it was apparently approved by a lot of Japanese people in Japan on Twitter.
      But here's the thing. They don't have to deal with the impact of negative stereotype in their daily lives. They don't need to face fetishistic stereotypes when dealing with the 'dominant' culture. They're not looking at being regularly passed over for roles in that self-same (fashion) industry, or facing the tendency for Asian roles in pop culture reinforcing that Asians have a particular position in society.
      So, I think, while their opinions shouldn't be discounted, the feelings of people of that ethnic group who are actually living in the places that that media is being consumed, and are therefore the ones affected by it, should matter a lot more.
      edit: forgot to mention that the model was caucasian

    • @chromeclaws
      @chromeclaws 5 років тому +15

      @@sudoit7278 hit the nail on the head thank you. i'm too exhausted recently to get into this much detail so i'm glad someone did it!

    • @Zimuahaha
      @Zimuahaha 5 років тому +8

      I was going to comment about that too, but I'm glad somebody beat me to it.

  • @Bootsii
    @Bootsii 5 років тому +176

    I originally subbed to you for that very video in 2014, so it's great to see you touch on it again! Unfortunately, there are still people in the spaces I'm in who vehemently believe to do anything beyond learn the language of another culture in terms of appreciation is to completely disrespect that culture. It's tiring, especially considering the way in which it's said; not so much shared like an opinion but condescending and scolding. I can only hope they come around as I and so many others have on any given topic over time (god knows I was someone completely different back in 2014).

    • @DavidLindes
      @DavidLindes 5 років тому

      Random joking side-note: I've got a friend with a cat named Bootsie... I wonder if I should have a talk to them about appropriating your name? ;) [100% kidding.]

    • @Bootsii
      @Bootsii 5 років тому

      @@DavidLindes LOL. You're totally appropriating my dead cat's name! 😂

  • @SuperRichie321
    @SuperRichie321 5 років тому +385

    T1J still has the knack to communicate sensitive topics that might come off preachy coming from someone else.

    • @NegativeAccelerate
      @NegativeAccelerate 4 роки тому +8

      Prolly cuz he’s black. I feel like hearing this from someone who isn’t directly affected by it isn’t as affective in my opinion

  • @JemRochelle
    @JemRochelle 4 роки тому +302

    "Well meaning white people have a bad habit of getting offended on behalf of other groups." This is something that really irks me! As a white person, I just feel weird when other white people try to tell me what is offensive to non-white people. Like maybe let those people tell me what offends them?

    • @baconoverlord7982
      @baconoverlord7982 3 роки тому +12

      I just think it's stupid when people of any race think they know what people of that ENTIRE RACE think. Kind of like BLM supporters or BLM in general. It's all racist.

    • @DepoverS
      @DepoverS 3 роки тому +6

      @ENTJ gal I jumped into this whole 'Black Lives Matter' rabbit hole as a yte person and realised how difficult and complicated the fight for equal rights can be.
      So finding Black People who critisize the movement really help me look at it with diffirent mindsets and give me a higher chance of staying grounded whilst informing myself.

    • @utryping
      @utryping 3 роки тому +1

      @@DepoverS Good

    • @WiiMan25
      @WiiMan25 3 роки тому +4

      Let minorities speak for themselves? B-B-But then, how can the "well meaning white people" get off on their savior complex if they actually let the poor, poor victims speak for themselves??

    • @Slaanash
      @Slaanash 2 роки тому +3

      The issue is when people use that as an excuse to say shit when there's no (for example) black people in the room

  • @yelircaasi
    @yelircaasi 3 роки тому +52

    I love this guy's whole way of being - caring about issues that matter without being obnoxious, strident, or self-righteous. We need more people like this. Hell, I need to be more like this.

    • @baconoverlord7982
      @baconoverlord7982 3 роки тому +1

      Yeah, he's also racist and ignorant though. Soooo.. remember it's just one ignorant racist's point of view.

    • @lucqq3792
      @lucqq3792 3 роки тому +6

      @@baconoverlord7982 ?

    • @baconoverlord7982
      @baconoverlord7982 3 роки тому +1

      @@lucqq3792 Did you have a question?

    • @lucqq3792
      @lucqq3792 3 роки тому +6

      @@baconoverlord7982 1) what racism? 2) why do you like your own comments

    • @baconoverlord7982
      @baconoverlord7982 3 роки тому +1

      @@lucqq3792 Huh? Wait.. first of all, did you watch the video. Second, do you know what racism MEANS? It's not "ok" to tell a whole group of people based on nothing more than their race what to do or what to think. Much less support racist and racially discriminating groups like BLM or racist events like "black history month". I hope you're joking and just being obtuse. All his videos I've seen to-date are racist and racially discriminating. Plus, half the information he gives out in them isn't just false, it's usually the latest phrase from the lefties trying to score points with black racists. Things that only a racist could even possibly imagine could exist like "white privilege", etc.

  • @mickthetic
    @mickthetic 5 років тому +63

    Dude I disagree with you a lot when I watch your videos but I still love them. The way you present your opinions is very respectable and it really challenges my views on different things. I really think watching your videos has made me a more open minded person. Thanks for the great content

  • @thegai8989
    @thegai8989 5 років тому +120

    Funnily Anime is also a cultural exchange between traditional japanese art and american cartoons after World War II.

    • @maximeperez-raymond3346
      @maximeperez-raymond3346 4 роки тому +2

      Even a metal japanese band called Versailles.

    • @charliekahn4205
      @charliekahn4205 3 роки тому

      I see basically all of Japanese-American cultural relations (mostly) as a constant, fluid cultural exchange. We give them things, they give us things, and in turn both parties take those things, improve or spin off of them, and give them back. This has created anime, matcha flavoring, digital appliances, bullet-train infrastructure, maglev, hyperloops, idols, new music, and more.

  • @world_musician
    @world_musician 5 років тому +60

    Lovely insights! As a white guy that plays traditional musical instruments from the Middle East and Asia this subject resonates with me strongly. Always give credit, and shine a light on the beauty and humanity of the place of origin!

  • @l0stnam312
    @l0stnam312 4 роки тому +689

    I'm Slavic/Hispanic and in high school a Vietnamese girl use bullied me and call me a racist for taking Japanese class.
    She said I was appropriating the culture by learning the language at school and playing Nintendo video games.
    While she gave herself a free pass to act like an anime character and call people "senpai" all because she was Asian (Although not Japanese).
    She also said I was racist because I don't like kpop, but I also told her that I don't like American pop either. I like Heavy metal. But she didn't listen and still said I was horrible for not liking kpop.
    So I am called a racist because I want to learn Japanese, but not listen to kpop?
    I am still very confused about how this girl's brain works.

    • @PumpkinLeaLeas
      @PumpkinLeaLeas 4 роки тому +198

      She sounds like an idiot, do not worry about it my friend.

    • @marymyers4751
      @marymyers4751 4 роки тому +64

      be yourself live your life

    • @Wendyzee1612
      @Wendyzee1612 4 роки тому +61

      Learning a language goes a long way toward knowing where the line is in any culture. Good for you - tough language.

    • @kissimora
      @kissimora 4 роки тому +17

      She’s just a lil slow

    • @pastushi2883
      @pastushi2883 4 роки тому +3

      It sounds like you like her deep inside, don't you? :))

  • @HamzaAzouziGrimchou
    @HamzaAzouziGrimchou 4 роки тому +369

    When ever i see a foreigner wearing something or doing something related to my culture i feel happy and proud not offended, it's an honor.

    • @adiellaishere
      @adiellaishere 3 роки тому +7

      Yeah

    • @HamzaAzouziGrimchou
      @HamzaAzouziGrimchou 3 роки тому +22

      @@karolinaswider3206 this how we all should feel, life is too short to get offended, let's just enjoy sharing different cultures

    • @kiamichelleee.
      @kiamichelleee. 3 роки тому +6

      @@HamzaAzouziGrimchou I mean not everybody can feel that way, because of certain things but, I do see what you're saying.

    • @rustyshaaaakleford
      @rustyshaaaakleford 3 роки тому

      zz1

    • @rustyshaaaakleford
      @rustyshaaaakleford 3 роки тому

      1

  • @lexscarlet
    @lexscarlet 5 років тому +113

    "I believe being a responsible Creator involves taking into consideration how your ideas might be interpreted or misinterpreted."
    Take my upvote, sir.

    • @raylaughlan5324
      @raylaughlan5324 4 роки тому +1

      @@bonniesensai you go back to Reddit

    • @bonniesensai
      @bonniesensai 4 роки тому +1

      @@raylaughlan5324 I, obviously, am not from Reddit

  • @emilycannon3419
    @emilycannon3419 5 років тому +66

    Thank you for the detailed explanation. As a white person living in the Virgin Islands, I often find myself walking a fine line between participating in the local culture out of appreciation and trying not to undermine the culture by participating in it. Because the history of these islands is filled with white imperialism, I understand that there are some locals who would be very upset if a white non-local were to participate in certain island-wide cultural events. But I have also been invited to these island-wide events by other locals who believe in sharing the culture and history with outsiders so it can be better respected and appreciated. The compromise I usually reach is to attend the events as a spectator rather than a participant. While I would love to actually participate and I know many people on the island wouldn't mind, I also don't want to hurt anyone who would see my presence as another white person trying to take away their culture. The local events here are amazing and I strongly recommend Americans come and spend some time in these American territories where white people are a minority. These islands are worth so much more than a Caribbean vacation, they and the people who live here are an absolute treasure.

    • @randallanderson1632
      @randallanderson1632 5 років тому +6

      Question. How would you feel if there were a women's knitting club, for example, in a white neighborhood and a new neighbor moved in who was a black woman who had an interest in knitting? Do you think she should feel as though she doesn't have the right to ask to join the knitting club because the club is traditionally a white women's club and she is black?

    • @emilycannon3419
      @emilycannon3419 5 років тому +32

      @@randallanderson1632 I don't think it is a comparable case. In my specific situation, the entire culture and history of this island comes from white people oppressing black and indigenous people. The white women's knitting club was not borne of oppression by black people, so the fact that there is a racial difference doesn't have the same weight or meaning.

    • @randallanderson1632
      @randallanderson1632 5 років тому +7

      +Emily Cannon Where there is a significant similarity is that both your case, and the knitting club scenario are based in racial identification. To say you share any blame for action of other white people is problematic. How about this: imagine a black motorist in a parking lot backs his car into my car and damages a fender. He then drives off and I am stuck with a bent fender. Should I be able to get financial restitution from a random black person? How about if a white person backs his car into a car owned by a black person, should the black person be able to receive restitution from me, a random white person?

    • @emilycannon3419
      @emilycannon3419 5 років тому +16

      @@randallanderson1632 Again, you are ignoring the larger message of my first comment. You are trying to prove a point via fallacy and frankly I don't care about your opinions. This conversation isn't going anywhere and therefore I am going to end my part in it. If having the last word is important to you, go ahead and respond, but I'm not even going to read it. Have a nice weekend.

    • @m0tm0t2
      @m0tm0t2 5 років тому +6

      Emily Cannon I totally understand the context of your situation: trying to balance your interest within the local culture with the perhaps disrespectful nature of doing so for certain individuals within that group. I think it’s probably best to appreciate that no matter the context or cultural history, there will always be some individuals within a community who will reject you based on your identity. Perhaps ask some people who already belong to the culture to see what their thoughts on it are: do generational barriers exist?, is there a wider diversity of opinion regarding this topic in the community than perhaps perceived from the outside? I think that would be a good starting point, but I’m sure if you were to act in a completely respectful way towards their culture, traditions and history, you would receive very little backlash. Perhaps for me a sort of example (though not perfect) would be if a straight guy wanted to join a gay rugby team. I myself personally wouldn’t care that much as long as x individual involved treats the sport properly and his teammates with respect. There may be other guys in the team who disagree but generally speaking over time they would become more comfortable with the idea, even if they view this guy as an exception. But maybe that’s a bad example idk. Do whatever you feel comfortable with.

  • @SARUBI_OK
    @SARUBI_OK 3 роки тому +78

    i remember how all my mexicans friends got mad, like, really angry when nintendo removed "Sombrero Mario" from the game cover

  • @federtm2
    @federtm2 3 роки тому +1179

    As a greek person, I'm offended by other cultures using math.

    • @phedreBiOn
      @phedreBiOn 3 роки тому +39

      Not thta math is greek, lol. Western historical propaganda : )

    • @federtm2
      @federtm2 3 роки тому +93

      @@phedreBiOn I'm not greek either. It's a joke.

    • @phedreBiOn
      @phedreBiOn 3 роки тому +22

      @@federtm2 No problem, I stand by what I said. Lol : )

    • @AmazonWarriorQueen
      @AmazonWarriorQueen 3 роки тому +42

      @@phedreBiOn it’s a joke, ‘cause in math they like to use Greek letters to symbolize things.

    • @phedreBiOn
      @phedreBiOn 3 роки тому +4

      @@AmazonWarriorQueen Tanks buddy x

  • @MadeleineSwannSurreal
    @MadeleineSwannSurreal 5 років тому +194

    Thanks for the nuanced and thought provoking video as usual. Back in the turn of the century I had dreadlocks and still think of them with affection, but I probably wouldn't have them now because the potential for stepping on toes is too high and I wouldn't want to do anything that could upset a person. Some weird guy did have a go at me online for learning Spanish though and, yeah, that was just daft

    • @SecondVelcory
      @SecondVelcory 5 років тому +12

      How do you know where to draw the line though? A few years ago you yourself believed that wearing dreads was fine, now you believe it's not fine because of the current atmosphere. At the moment you believe learning Spanish is fine but how do you know that in a few years from now you won't be "proven wrong" by a more extreme atmosphere?

    • @MadeleineSwannSurreal
      @MadeleineSwannSurreal 5 років тому +26

      @@SecondVelcory i don't think people are going to get angry with me over dreads, it's just a personal choice that it would make me uncomfortable now

    • @camwad1238
      @camwad1238 5 років тому +2

      If someone tells you of and refuses to have a debate or see your side don’t listen to them bc they only want to make themselves look good especially on the internet just do what you want to do

    • @MadeleineSwannSurreal
      @MadeleineSwannSurreal 5 років тому +12

      @@camwad1238 nobody has done that though, I just personally wouldn't have dreadlocks now because their such a cultural thing for some people

    • @camwad1238
      @camwad1238 5 років тому +2

      Madeleine Swann okay I wasn’t sure I know people have done it to other people like I said do as you wish don’t let other people who don’t have the cultures interests in mind tell you what to do

  • @grandsome1
    @grandsome1 5 років тому +449

    I think the real problem cultural appropriation is pointing at is better described as "cultural exploitation" when a foreign culture is used for profit without care for the original context.
    Also, don't wear any-colour-face, unless you are a mime wearing ghost-face.

    • @prometheus5202
      @prometheus5202 4 роки тому +9

      The ghosts are offended LoL

    • @amyill9280
      @amyill9280 4 роки тому +14

      Hmm... I'm still gonna paint my face blue and dress up as Mr. Meeseeks for Halloween haha

    • @stick-itproductions.3307
      @stick-itproductions.3307 4 роки тому +10

      They're called Phantoms, you Aliveist.

    • @sissymarie2912
      @sissymarie2912 4 роки тому +4

      There goes my she hulk cosplay

    • @marteung
      @marteung 4 роки тому

      Are you expropriating me of my Halloween tradition?

  • @Glee0k
    @Glee0k 5 років тому +39

    I love how you always approach these topics with nuance and sensitivity. The Stolen Valor comparison it's such a great way of helping people empathize.
    I've always had a lot of anxiety about the metapolitical aspects of the cultural appropriation conversation. I feel like when it devolves into a Twitter mob of harassment and death threats towards someone who has been perceived to have committed cultural appropriation, all it does is provide ideological fodder for the right to convince people that the left is crazy, and the potential that has to empower the right wing gives me tremendous anxiety. In my home City there was a burrito business run by 2 non-hispanic women who were perceived to have been culturally appropriating and as a result of harassment they had to close their business. I myself am half Mexican and grew up in Mexico and I feel borderline threatened by that kind of attitude, because those kinds of strict cultural boundaries never existed in my culturally mixed upbringing(also Americans eat burritos much more often than Mexicans so...)

    • @downsjmmyjones101
      @downsjmmyjones101 5 років тому

      Can you think of another comparison because I don't care if someone wears medals/uniforms/etc. they didn't earn? I'm having a really hard time understanding this whooe thing. It doesn't make sense.

    • @TheBeatle49
      @TheBeatle49 5 років тому

      Well said.

    • @DeoMachina
      @DeoMachina 5 років тому +1

      @@downsjmmyjones101 Okay I'm gonna give it a shot:
      Imagine you have a good friend you can really trust and rely on. If they need help or money or anything, you got their back and vice versa. Think of cultural exchange as being like that. Good friends.
      Now imagine you have another friend. You get along well, but they always flake when you need help. Yet when they're the ones in need, they expect you to drop everything and make them the priority. And in group settings, they make you the butt of every joke to increase their own standing. That's not fair! That's sorta like cultural appropriation. Being unfair to others while expecting them to be accommodating towards you.

    • @downsjmmyjones101
      @downsjmmyjones101 5 років тому +1

      @@DeoMachina I din't see how appropriating culture is like unfairness. Just because one person from a group appropriates culture doesn't mean that someone in the culture that is being appropriated isn't also doing the same. That would then be fair. I just watched a video about a Japanese community that appropriates chicano culture. So it would be fair if chicanos and chicanas appropriated Japanese culture.
      Also, how can an entire groups be treated like individuals when parts of that group don't think the same?

    • @DeoMachina
      @DeoMachina 5 років тому +7

      @@downsjmmyjones101 Right, and this is where the relationship between advantaged cultures and disadvantaged cultures come into play.
      A good example of this would be the one in the video. "Black" hairstyles are happily worn by white people to their benefit, while black people are routinely forced to give up the same hairstyle to attend school or get certain jobs. Is that fair? The dominant culture gets the freedom to wear any hair they like, but the culture which invented the hairstyle isn't allowed to use it!

  • @eliaspreston4355
    @eliaspreston4355 4 роки тому +10

    Thank you for being one of the most reasonable and respectful humans on the internet. Nuance is so often lost in this age of communication, but you do an excellent job of breaking things down in understandable and relatable ways.

  • @ayshatc
    @ayshatc 3 роки тому +46

    I love how he roasted himself from 2014. It takes a big person to do that.

  • @ahr4296
    @ahr4296 5 років тому +26

    This is really good. I would state that I think there is sometimes an issue where people only focus on, say, the reactions of Japanese people from Japan, but ignore the reactions that Japanese-Americans might have. Sometimes it's not about the country of origin that is at risk, but the people affected by it in the country it's happening.

  • @pakkmann
    @pakkmann 4 роки тому +8

    Whew... I appreciate this video. We live in a world ruled by tweet when sadly we need more reflection on things. I love how even over the course of 13 minute video T1J manages to continually speak truth but also continually remind everyone that THINGS ARE COMPLICATED.

  • @anubis2814
    @anubis2814 5 років тому +20

    Thank you for this clarification. The concept was always really murkey to me, and now I will be sharing this video when someone isn't getting it

  • @gatb4387
    @gatb4387 Рік тому +2

    As a blond hispanic cis gay guy (lots of labels, I know), I love your classy videos. Well argued, balanced, and I definetly feels more informed when I watch your vids without feeling judged at all. Please continue doing the good work. *subscribed*

  • @ellybean7354
    @ellybean7354 3 роки тому +58

    Zendaya was GORGEOUS. absolutely goegeous with that hairstyle.

  • @MicahRion
    @MicahRion 5 років тому +10

    White folks wearing dreadlocks came up in a class discussion in a sociology class I took my freshman year of college some four years ago. My professor brought up this video in the next class and I’ve been subbed ever since! Thanks for continuing on this topic. Always get a lot out of these videos.

  • @cinnabarred8841
    @cinnabarred8841 4 роки тому +7

    "Everything is complicated." So true. It's very easy to get polarized on this topic. I enjoy your nuanced approach.

  • @grievouserror
    @grievouserror 4 роки тому +6

    I recently came across this channel by chance (or algorithm) and have been quickly pulled in. T1J seems like a guy who thinks a lot, and thinks well. It makes him hard to not like and impossible to not respect.

  • @JaninesMusicRoom
    @JaninesMusicRoom 11 місяців тому +1

    This is one of the best explanations I've found on these topics. Thank you!!

  • @augustlunaonline
    @augustlunaonline 4 роки тому +24

    Cultural appropriation is when Kylie Jenner said, "I started wigs, and now everyone is wearing wigs."

  • @gota7738
    @gota7738 5 років тому +149

    I think one of the biggest bugs I have with discussions on cultural appropriation is that it often conflates race and ethnicity with culture. I'm even hesitant to throw round binaries like 'dominant and marginalised' cultures. Most nations will have their own minority cultures, indigenous and diasporic, as well as religious or lifestyle cultures and subcultures, all of which usually are placed in some sort of cultural hierarchy.
    At this point discussions on cultural appropriation can get really complicated. For example the debate around cultural appropriation of the Kimono; often encouraged by Japanese nationals as a helpful promotion of culture, but viewed and experienced by some Japanese Americans as harmful. Globally America holds more status than Japan but locally, Japanese Americans may be more likely to experience the direct effects when or if appropriation is carried out by the White population of America.
    Even within nations; what if a Somali Swede appropriates Sámi culture, how is that framed?
    TL:DR Culture is complicated and while it absoloutely has a place in conversations about race, only framing it as such risks cutting out a lot of other marginalised experiences.

    • @benl2140
      @benl2140 5 років тому +41

      I agree. I don’t like it when people refer to a single "dominant culture", usually presumed to be white. "White" is not a culture, nor is "black", but they each contain many different cultures, and I think it does a disservice to those cultures to refer to them as if they were a single unified thing. This is especially troubling since it's also kind of what white nationalists are trying to do; build an identity around an imagined "white" culture, often disregarding the differences between the different cultures considered "white".

    • @Mabasei
      @Mabasei 5 років тому +5

      Ben L in America white and black are something of cultures unto themselves. Like take how black Americans we all tend to eat the same soul food from coast to coast or how we easily pick up on each other’s dialects and slangs. There’s a real case to be made that “black” in the American context is a culture. I would sorta say the same for white Americans but the overarching connecting thread there appears to be white supremacy. Whether you’re some liberal in nyc or some toothless Alex Jones listener in rural Arkansas if you’re white you appear to be mostly okay with the country and its white supremacist tendencies. Just as there are blacks who hate soul food there are whites who hare white supremacy but both are anomalies not the rule. Also note here I am calling blacks who have no recent ties to any other African or black nation mostly in America due to slavery as “black Americans.” And conversely I mean assimilated European descendants such as Irish Americans or Brit descendants and the likes when I say “white Americans” so like groups that have no other homelands for being too removed from their ancestral point of origin.

    • @zerowing6031
      @zerowing6031 5 років тому +19

      @@Mabasei "I would sorta say the same for white Americans but the overarching connecting thread there appears to be white supremacy. Whether you’re some liberal in nyc or some toothless Alex Jones listener in rural Arkansas if you’re white you appear to be mostly okay with the country and its white supremacist tendencies"
      I think you might need to clarify this point a little more as what you're saying on the surface here is a very harmful attitude. I don't want to be the kind of annoying Shapiro-esque person who demands factual evidence or a lengthy explanation, but I don't think that this is acceptable discourse.

    • @pepperonilover7878
      @pepperonilover7878 5 років тому +1

      Its often conflated with race (in the west anyhow) because in a capitalistic system it is commodified, mined and then sold until it is depleted. So, while it is often sold back to various sub groups, that exchange is always transactional.

    • @abcxyz-cx4mr
      @abcxyz-cx4mr 5 років тому +18

      Gota - Indeed. I wrote a comment about how complex and multifaceted historically marginalised communities are, or ethnic groups, cultures, LGBT+ people etc are, but what discussions about cultural appropriation often miss out is how US-centric the discussion/topic usually is.
      In other countries excluding someone from partaking in an activity (even a cultural practice) because of their ethnicity is considered racist...whilst it’s often the opposite in the US. I want people from the US to be aware of how US-centric they often are, and how *their* social conventions/social issues usually don’t apply to other countries (even to other western countries).

  • @KatTalks
    @KatTalks 5 років тому +5

    I really enjoyed this! It was measured, balanced, sensible, and covered a lot of viewpoints, as well as considering where people might be coming from. Sending love.

  • @vaellyth
    @vaellyth 5 років тому +4

    You've always had such a thoughtful and well-spoken way of breaking down such topics, putting into words what I often cannot. Keep up the great work dude! It's hard to believe I've been watching your videos for so long!

  • @ddd8-
    @ddd8- 3 роки тому +8

    I had my second meeting for a job interview. This time I had my hair not up, but my own curls. And they were like 'Ooooh your hair is so different, you're so different than in this picture (referring to my CV)'. I'm not black, I'm from Turkish orgin, but I think many many people don't see curls or our natural hair as beautiful, we have to straightening it to fit in. And I didn't get the job. And I am happy, because I don't wanna be or work at a place were I am not accepted.

  • @RoryStarr
    @RoryStarr 4 роки тому +1

    I don't know your background because I just stumbled on your videos, but I wanted to say your argumentation is fantastic--well above the average for UA-cam. As someone that studied it, I was really blown away by how thorough in the details and consistent it is.

  • @TheAjcostello5672
    @TheAjcostello5672 5 років тому +75

    "Stolen Valor" isn't just, to me (as a veteran) getting mad about people wearing military badges or insignia. To me, it's when someone wears a uniform and insignia and the like for the express purpose of getting discounts and benefits that are earned by veterans when they, themselves, have not earned them. That's what makes me mad. I do think that it's interesting, and kind of flattering in a weird way, when people express admiration for veterans and the military or whatever, but it does bother me when people lie about having served. It's a complicated topic, to be sure, but I wanted to add my two cents to the conversation.

    • @epicsamurai5
      @epicsamurai5 5 років тому +19

      TheAjcostello5672
      I definitely see that. But, in the case of Native Americans, headdresses often are their equivalent of war medals.

    • @Siefer323
      @Siefer323 4 роки тому +3

      In believe that there is a difference between claiming that you are something and asking for the benefits and various perks often given to that group versus adopting certain aspects of a group’s identity in a way that no is mistaking you for a member of that group.
      I’m feeling the video but I don’t think “stolen valor” was a good parallel.

    • @zladut
      @zladut 4 роки тому +5

      As a former servicemember anybody worshipping the military weirds me the hell out. It's still more often than not coming from a place of identifying yourself as something in order to reap some perceived social benefit for supporting some group. It's disingenuous, and is often coupled with a war hawk mindset that directly contradicts with the needs of veterans.
      Like, cool, you've got a pair of BDU trousers and a P.O.W. M.I.A. hat on, but when was the last time you advocated for veterans benefits or, like, did anything at all to help homeless veterans? You just want to reap the benefits of being seen as "supporting the troops" by wearing some clothing without putting in the legwork.

    • @haidengeary8277
      @haidengeary8277 3 роки тому +1

      So people join the military to get .50 off at McDonalds?

    • @henrycolestage4249
      @henrycolestage4249 3 роки тому +1

      @@zladut all e "thank you for your service" stuff really weirded me out when I retired and returned to the states. But I learned it has everything to do with civilians need to feel part of the burden. Less than 1% of the US population is a veteran or on active serving. So shaking my hand and being thankful if their only way to connect as they no longer-term have uncles, brothers, grandfather's, v etc that are vets. Still kinda wired but now I understand and just say " my pleasure". Kind regards,

  • @ConcertsAtHome
    @ConcertsAtHome 5 років тому +14

    I find that advantaged people often have to speak for disadvantaged people at first because there are other advantaged people with bubbles that exclude the voices of those disadvantaged people so its the only way anyone reaches them with those positive messages. But those conversations don't necessarily have clear beginnings and ends, so at some point because someone else started it, eventually a disadvantaged person is able to get in there and reach those people. Noticing when that has happened and basically knowing when to pass the baton in a sense is often difficult and extremely context dependent.
    If you can do things like link to or share screen shots of wise words on the topic from those disadvantaged people that can really help it come from them without having to directly drag people from that group into every conversation about the issue. But that requires more time and effort and sometimes it's easier to just tell somebody, "yo, stop being racist" or something like that yourself. Convenience is the enemy of nuance essentially. The nuance is often worth the effort, hence why I love videos like this one. But sometimes it's a struggle to find the right balance, so I try to be at least understanding of that when people are well intentioned, including myself as I'm sure I've said or done something that someone else viewed as being that kind of 'knight in shining armor' thing before too.

  • @jwf2125
    @jwf2125 4 роки тому

    My first of your vids. I applaud your objectivity, clarity, and esp. your recognizing that, "Everything is complicated."

  • @luluviana9602
    @luluviana9602 3 роки тому +2

    This is it. The moment you adressed Sir Applesauce I had no other choice but to subscribe (also, that E.A. Poe picture, so sexy)... And let's be clear, what a speech, my man

  • @jgonsalk
    @jgonsalk 4 роки тому +8

    This is a well thought out video, I appreciate the balanced thinking you brought to the table. I will say that I fundamentally disagree with most points, but respect your views here (duh!). Keen for respectful discussion.
    - Sacred items: I definitely agree that mocking sacred items from cultures you are not a part of is bad. This counts double if that culture is part of your country and has a difficult relationship with yours. I'm Australian and would never where anything that disrespected Aboriginal Australians. So, complete agreement there.
    - Dominant vs. marginalised cultures: I find these ideas are discussed as if they are a given but have seen little empirical support and doesn't seem to be particularly useful. There are certainly experiences that certain groups have that others will almost never have so you should be mindful. For example, as a guy I rarely receive unwanted sexual attention and it's almost never involved anything indecent. The worst was once having my ass grabbed and, after a life of being largely invisible this was just amusing, it would be different if people constantly sexualised me. So, you need to be mindful of these things and be open to the fact that you'll often be blissfully unaware. But does that mean that one culture is dominating the other? How do we define group membership? My parents come from Sri Lanka but I was born in Australia, don't speak Sinhala or Tamul and identify as Australian. I'm more an Aussie who happens to be brown than a brown Aussie. So, besides from knowing how to cook a decent lentil curry and having to deal with racism and discrimination on occasion, am I really part of another group? And how do we draw these lines? Many people have taken race, gender, abled / disabled, sexuality etc. to define these groups. I find it makes these characteristics more important than they actually are and far more important than they should be. Are these truly identities? Are minority identities marginalised by dominant identities? How? And what evidence supports this?
    - Stealing culture: Given that I don't agree with the idea of these groups being coherent, cohesive groups, that makes stealing ideas quite different when you based it around these lines. It's simple when you have a small tribe in the Amazon and a fashion company in Europe. That is IP owned by that tribe and you could employ a similar logic to copyright infringement. But what about hip hop culture? Many non-black people are raised in that culture and therefore a part of it whereas many other African Americans are not but are considered part of that culture due to their racist. I think the idea that Neil de Grasse Tyson is more hip hop than Eminem is quite racist. Moreover, ideas often do get stolen within these groups where the original creator of the idea is not the one who gets rich from it. The first mover advantage is not very substantial, so this is expected. In a society where most people are white and ideas flow freely, you would expect more white people to be the beneficiaries of these ideas by chance. We should push to make sure people get credit, but I don't see why this should be done at a group level. I also think that the issue of whitewashing can be separated from here. I would prefer to focus on removing barriers to non-white artists rather than problematising white artists.
    - Double standards: This seems like a very simple problem. Where one group gets treated favourably for adopting a cultural idea but others get mistreated, I think we should just be very quick to call that out. You should be able to have whatever haircut you want and celebrate your natural hair. If white people are treated well for one thing but black people are lambasted, then we just call it out. I think we can separate this from cultural appropriation so we can address it more effectively.
    What do you think? Trying to have a decent discussion with people who believe in this view of society and have well-thought out views rather than listening to people on the other side destroy straw men. I am left-leaning and want everyone to be able to enjoy the best of life without their gender, sexuality, race or any other personal attribute hold them back or be used to justify unfair treatment. Genuinely hoping for a conversation here. :)

  • @solomon948
    @solomon948 5 років тому +10

    cultural appropriation is super difficult to talk about because of it's nuanced nature and the right-wing appropriation (haha) of the term to joke about "identity politics", but i think you elaborated upon your 2014 video in a way that was very easy to understand. this doesn't apply to all cases, but i think many instances of white-knighting are in efforts to gain social capital. angie speaks does a great job talking about this in her video about social justice and clout. also, the bad sonic fan art is fabulous. many thanks for the video!

  • @Mintzik
    @Mintzik 5 років тому +12

    Love this, it goes into so much detail One thing that I was never sure on though is actions that the 'home group' is fine with but the diaspora is not. Japan is an example of this - a lot of reactions from Japan on things involving Kimonos and Harajuku styled shoots and all the rest is happiness that their culture is being enjoyed and appreciated by others, as with the Hello Kitty video - but I saw a lot of disagreement with it not just from white people but from the Japanese-American side who were tired of being constantly fetishised and reduced to these same things. Being white myself I found the only way to go in that situation was to shut up and listen, which usually works, but you still have two sides of entirely relevant cultural groups who are in complete opposition to each other and it's hard to know what's going on in that situation.

    • @jannepeltonen2036
      @jannepeltonen2036 3 роки тому

      I think one way to approach this is that sometimes the world just doesn't add up nicely. For instance, the Lavigne video - a Japanese-American person has all the right to experience it as racist, whereas a Japanese person living in Japan has all the right to experience it as a fun and respectful take on their culture. And what should Lavigne have done? Go figure. As it appears, the Japanese people living in Japan were her main audience there. In the days before Internet, she might've gotten away with just publishing it in Japan and making sure it never saw daylight in the Western world. These days, it's harder.

  • @wendymadera9824
    @wendymadera9824 4 роки тому +2

    Okay I'm only 2 minutes in and I have to say, I love that you began this by addressing that our ideas and beliefs evolve! We're all learning and trying to understand one another. Thank you for your videos and contributions to this conversation. I'm very happy to have found this page!

  • @calsaver
    @calsaver 4 роки тому +1

    Bravo on your channel. You are informative, intelligent and not bias in your discussion. I am an Art historian/Painter who is heavily influenced by a variety of Asian art and I have often been accused of "cultural appropriation" because of it. It has always bothered me; for one because its only ever other white people who have a problem with it (my Asian critiques were always positive) and for two, because I always make sure I am well researched and portray the culture in a positive light. I believe the of use of another culture should be based on good intention, proper research and accurate portrayal. Everyone makes mistakes when an outsider and there is always room for growth and understanding. As long as you do things respectfully and are willing to take constructive criticism from the group you are appreciating, then I do not see what the issue is. Like you mentioned, I consider myself someone who is an appreciator, not appropriator. I love the cultures I am inspired by and want others to see the beauty I see, that is my aim.

  • @meownover1973
    @meownover1973 5 років тому +211

    Japan is a country which literally commodifies their culture and sell it overseas.
    Good god. I love this video. It's very well put :)

    • @Mabasei
      @Mabasei 5 років тому +29

      @b- dubz and natives hate disney for it by in large as they should

    • @loonachan
      @loonachan 5 років тому +32

      The commodification of Japanese culture happened largely because it was trying to grow its economy after the post war period, mostly starting with selling cheap electronics to the world. Consider kimono- few people in Japan where kimono outside of special occasions, selling kimono to foreigners is a way not only to keep the craft and industry alive, but also improve the image of Japan around the world. Japanese swords are an even more extreme example, as people in Japan are not even allowed to buy traditionally crafted katana, so the vast majority of that industry is selling overseas. A country that spent most of its history isolated and unknown to the world, then spend a small chunk of it as a hated brutal empire now has tourism and cultural exports as one of its bigger industries.

    • @cius2112
      @cius2112 5 років тому +6

      @b- dubz that is not true at all. commodification of culture is a byproduct of the spread of culture from powerful and influential civilizations and that has been going on since civilization was a thing. think about all the culture that is still relevant today from hundreds and thousands of years ago. oh and btw ramen was originally Chinese. China was exporting culture to Japan long before the existence of the US.

    • @spelcheak
      @spelcheak 5 років тому

      @MrHotPinkBanana Do you think that not putting the flag on things is part of the constitution? It's not.

    • @Udontkno7
      @Udontkno7 5 років тому +1

      @MrHotPinkBanana It's a rulebook, but it isn't law. It isn't the Constitution either.

  • @aylbdrmadison1051
    @aylbdrmadison1051 4 роки тому +18

    I like the phrase _"cultural exchange"._ As a musician who loves history and all genres of music, I know that all music genres are the result of cultural exchange, especially in the U.S. Jazz, the blues, country, rock, bluegrass, and soul, etc are all genres that without all the various influences (in particular from Africa and Europe, but Asia and South America also), we wouldn't have those genres. But none of that gives license to be a dick. It's an exchange only when things are equitable.

  • @84DanielK
    @84DanielK 5 років тому +4

    Thank you. I always wondered where the line of cultural appropriation and appreciation was at and this gave me a better road map for that.

  • @vikcatilhoon
    @vikcatilhoon 4 роки тому +1

    perfect video, spot on. i think you summed it all up perfectly.
    from now on if i see someone trying to understand what cultural appropriation is, i will refer them to this video.

  • @MM-wm9lj
    @MM-wm9lj 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the video. I think you are approaching the topic in a very thoughtful adequate way. I can fully connect to what you say, feel the same. I specifically enjoy the calm non-partisan way how you speak about the breadth of these aspects connected to “cultural appropriation” versus “appreciation” and alike.
    Being white German male, I only follow some of the fierce discussions going on in the anglosphere from remote, and sometimes wonder... For me: I just love traveling, meeting people from all over the world, enjoying the diverse cultural encounters and diversity, the fascinating spectrum of food, and clothing styles etc etc. And indeed, if one travels the world, one of course is aware that the cultural exchange goes multilateral ways, which I believe always was the case, will continue to be so, and generally I believe is a good thing.
    Learning other languages is the paramount prerequisite not only to travel, but to actually being able to have a good and meaningful exchange with other cultures... and most importantly: it prevents our archaic instinct from jumping to short conclusions, based on any xenophobia, and as such is literally war-preventing.
    The experiences of the Second World War was why my father decided to drop his medicine studies and become a language teacher instead. I am still grateful for that.

  • @nacoran
    @nacoran 5 років тому +10

    Great job! Good examples.
    I play blues. (I'm a harmonica player). It's a weird thing... a musical instrument that was designed by Germans to play oompa music, but then taken and used so differently, largely by black America. On the harp forum where I'm a member we've had this discussion a few times, the line between appreciation, appropriation, respectful use vs. ripping off other people's culture... we eventually had to break it off into a sub forum because the debates got so heated. There are blues festivals with all white lineups sometimes. I write lyrics (and some fiction) and there are times I need to write a character, or in a style that is not my own and I always try to do my best to stop and make sure I'm not slipping into parody (except when I do country songs... I love doing a parody of a country voice with all that twang!).
    Most of us do try to do our best. It can be frustrating too, because at least online, harmonica (or at least talking about harmonica online) is a thing that seems to be dominated by middle aged white guys.

    • @hotnspicy474
      @hotnspicy474 4 роки тому +1

      As if anyone with brain cells is going to listen to an idiot like you with your type of username. Sir take a seat. There’s no excuse for ignorance nowadays with the internet.

  • @grizlerber
    @grizlerber 5 років тому +12

    Thank you for defying your terms which literally NO ONE DOES and it infuriates me to no end. WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHEN YOU SAY THE THINGS YOU DO!!!!!

  • @chronzerg
    @chronzerg 5 років тому +28

    Every time I watch a T1J video, I feel realigned. Thank you for reminding me of perspectives I sometimes forget to consider.

    • @DiableJambe_rt
      @DiableJambe_rt 5 років тому

      It's called brainwashing

    • @chronzerg
      @chronzerg 5 років тому +1

      @@DiableJambe_rt Ha! This is exactly why it's important to weigh several sources against each other.

  • @eddardstark5034
    @eddardstark5034 4 роки тому

    just binged a bunch of your videos, so glad I stumbled upon your channel. I really appreciate how you try to drive home the fact that EVERYTHING is complicated and not a black/white, good/evil issue. Everything is a sprawling interconnected grey area in my opinion, and it's always nice to hear someone opine after taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture.

  • @brendatinoco4448
    @brendatinoco4448 4 роки тому +1

    I loved your video. I was really confused about what would or should be considered cultural appropiation and now is a little bit clear. Obviously is a huge subject and we all should take our time to understand it, but this was a good start. Thanks.

  • @Tanamontana
    @Tanamontana 5 років тому +57

    Im obsessed with you

  • @CyanAnn
    @CyanAnn 5 років тому +22

    I wish you would've addressed the differences in sub-cultures a little more. For example, a lot of people didn't understand why asian-americans were upset at Ghost in the Shell because "japanese people think it's fine so that means you're overreacting"

  • @Yougaljuboja
    @Yougaljuboja 4 роки тому +6

    Thank you it was very educational.
    I'm french and it's pretty hard to understand some americans problems, it's nice to have a respectful and intelligent point of view on the subject !
    PS : your horse's name is amazing !!! love it !

    • @brookenjonas
      @brookenjonas 3 роки тому

      America is just weird (coming from an American)

  • @latedawns1797
    @latedawns1797 4 роки тому +2

    I agree so much, especially with the don’t speak for other cultures, I’m biracial Indian and British, but like I was saying how my palms are white on a post about how POC have lighter hands (I’m brown) and someone said it was because I was white, I said I wasn’t and they kept saying I looked white, and said at one point, “I’m black I know what brown people look like” I think I know my skin tone

  • @juandreferreira5532
    @juandreferreira5532 4 роки тому

    dude the veteran badge example actually helped shed some light on this issue for me, I understand this concept a little better now, thanks :D

  • @samspade1620
    @samspade1620 4 роки тому +10

    I'm so glad that the culture of UA-cam has changed to the point that longer videos with more nuance are more the norm.

    • @Nadia-nt8gb
      @Nadia-nt8gb 3 роки тому

      it depends on what you search really

  • @WTFDSDT
    @WTFDSDT 5 років тому +11

    As a white person with a 'protector' instinct, I think a possible solution that allows us to be allies to the marginalised without talking over/for them could be to work more with questions than statements and judgements. If someone says something or does something ignorant or hateful about a culture, you can say things like "what's informing that opinion?" "have you spent time with that culture" "Is it possible your negative assumptions are putting you on the wrong foot and that's why you have negative experiences with these people?"
    "Are you sure that assertion is completely fair/informed/accurate?"
    Would be happy to hear anyone expand on these thoughts, as i don't ever want to give up advocating for the unity and fair treatment of all people.

  • @Debtwarrior
    @Debtwarrior 4 роки тому +50

    It's weird that so many people can learn to be offended when they weren't before.

    • @artalcoolique3341
      @artalcoolique3341 3 роки тому +5

      Evolution of society and listening to disadvantage people usually does that.
      Crazy!

    • @JSStuart100
      @JSStuart100 3 роки тому +1

      No. Marxist professors at universities have talked critical race theory Marxism etc. in order to further international communism which must end capitalism in the west for one world government Left us are ponds and I called useful idiots and are the first to be lined up against the wall and shot when the revolution actually begins. Thomas sowell defector from KGB

    • @artalcoolique3341
      @artalcoolique3341 3 роки тому +4

      @@JSStuart100 the fuck?

  • @tbxvividos
    @tbxvividos 4 роки тому

    i dont know who you are or why this appeared on my front page, but this is a really well thought out video and you have a respectable opinion on this subject that i hope people who might not have already thought this way will also find.

  • @eraigames
    @eraigames 4 роки тому +1

    I like your soft-spoken delivery and the way that you organized your thoughts on the topic. Nonetheless, I disagree with the basic premise. If one learns about history then one will start to notice that culture is constantly in flux. Ideas enter and are adopted or rejected, readopted later, and fall in and out of favor. Some things become staples of the culture and some mere fads. History is the evolution of culture over time and I strongly argue that, like how biological evolution needs a diverse gene pool, cultural evolution needs a diverse idea pool.

  • @DMMA0726
    @DMMA0726 4 роки тому +41

    Most important take from this: Avril Lavigne is still around????

  • @dogmatil7608
    @dogmatil7608 5 років тому +54

    honestly though, when blakc or asian people have blond hair, straight hair and so on, they are also seen as cool and edgy. I agree, claiming a culture as your own is wrong, but if you like wearing certain clothes, hairstyles ect, no one should care. Actually this problem is only a real thing in American which should be a melting pot of cultures. I never heard it used in Europe, or Asia. No one seems to have problems with that there.
    Sure, claiming to be native american when you are not is wrong, wearing signs of honour from any culture that you did not earn is wrong, not crediting cultures is wrong, BUT wearing normal clothes from a different cultures, eating their food, sharing their hairstyle is fine. Most people around the world are happy to see their culture (even if not correctly) represented. Seems only US leftist freak out about it and it's most often not even their own culture.

    • @bryanwoods3373
      @bryanwoods3373 3 роки тому +4

      That having blond hair and such is kind of what irks me about cultural appropriation. It's unacceptable for others to do certain things, but it's okay when others appropriate white culture. Blond or red hair or various holidays that are known to go back to European traditions. Like a lot of racism and sexism, the hypocrisy of doing exactly what you speak out against. Either the action is bad or it's not. Being part of a particular group doesn't make it okay to do. It's just a different type of discrimination.

    • @pomponi0
      @pomponi0 3 роки тому +10

      @@bryanwoods3373 You both are missing the point. The problem isn't that white people are seen as cool when adopting dreadlocks. The problem is that black people often face discrimination for having those hairstyles.
      Are white people seen as unprofessional for having "white people hair"? Are they at risk of having the cops called on them for walking on a park with their straight blonde hair?

    • @bryanwoods3373
      @bryanwoods3373 3 роки тому +3

      @@pomponi0 Or, and here's a crazy thought, let white people wear those styles and normalize it. Kind of hard to be racist about hairstyles if they aren't associated with one race. And I would argue that we aren't missing the point when the argument is that the hairstyles are part of black culture and history that white people are trying to steal. It's hard to argue that it's about racial discrimination when one of the accusations given is "they're trying to be black".

    • @pomponi0
      @pomponi0 3 роки тому +4

      @@bryanwoods3373 Who's forbidding white people from wearing them?
      "Kind of hard to be racist about hairstyles if they aren't associated with one race"
      Are you suggesting that black people shouldn't have their own culture because white people can't help but discriminate them for it? That's wild!
      ---------------------
      "It's hard to argue that it's about racial discrimination when one of the accusations given is "they're trying to be black""
      Wrong. The accusation isn't that white people want to be black, but that they find other cultures appealing and sometimes they try and steal these cultures disassociating them from its heirs. Would you argue that when British colonialists plundered civilizations all around the globe it wasn't racism because they happened to enjoy tea, curry and Egyptian mummies?

    • @bryanwoods3373
      @bryanwoods3373 3 роки тому +1

      @@pomponi0 Make up your mind. Either wearing these hairstyles is taking black culture or it's because blacks are pushed down by racism.

  • @carcebe9622
    @carcebe9622 5 років тому +7

    Seriously great insight on the subject, I feel like the term "cultural appropriation" was getting really blurry and confusing.

  • @MikeFilsaime-com
    @MikeFilsaime-com 4 роки тому

    You have a great channel dude. I don't agree with EVERYTHING you say, but I see you as agreeable and generally agree with you. And by the way, there is no person I agree with EVERYTHING they say. You are NOT an ideology... rather an educator to help people advance their views. Bravo. I'm subscribing and look forward to more.

  • @sean_mccadden
    @sean_mccadden 4 роки тому +2

    Moral of the story from what I’ve gathered is be respectful and educate yourself. Thank you for the great video!

  • @The482075
    @The482075 5 років тому +6

    A very complex and nuanced take on a confusing issue handled with sensitivity. Now my head hurts.

  • @lauraln3704
    @lauraln3704 3 роки тому +7

    Once, in screenprinting class, I made a poster that had a goldfish and red circle. During critique time, a white girl said my poster had elements that looked Japanese, and therefore my piece was cultural appropriation. I had to take a deep breath and explain that my father is half-Japanese and that in my home country of Brazil, we have the largest Japanese community outside of Japan, and therefore the cultural influence is very big.

  • @kobaltocr6927
    @kobaltocr6927 4 роки тому +7

    A clear example of this in my country was when one of the government companies used a native american word to promote a brand.

  • @boodlesofdoodles9992
    @boodlesofdoodles9992 3 роки тому

    I’ve only just recently found your account, and I’m really loving your videos and insight. I specifically want to thank you for adding captions manually. I am not hard of hearing, but sometimes I have a hard time processing words so I always have subtitles on, so I really appreciate you taking the time to add them. Most people don’t and I just have to rely on the awful auto generated captions. Thank you.

  • @dmh6666
    @dmh6666 4 роки тому

    I have add and usually my attention span is so short,that I get bored within the first 2 minutes of a 5 minute video ,but I was able to watch your video back to back, because you talk in a way that keeps me focused and interested ,so thank you for that :)

  • @angelakelley3332
    @angelakelley3332 4 роки тому +13

    1:36 "These days I try to be more mindful about the ideas I express" we stan a responsible creatorrrrr

  • @sweddybob8864
    @sweddybob8864 3 роки тому +9

    I'm British and I think that everyone needs to understand that my culture has always appropriated other cultures. Therefore to stop me appropriating other cultures is actually curtailing my culture.

    • @jannepeltonen2036
      @jannepeltonen2036 3 роки тому +2

      I mean, your language is the gratest appropriator of all :D

    • @Cowz19999
      @Cowz19999 2 роки тому +1

      @@jannepeltonen2036 As if other languages don't adopt a lot of English words cause English is so dominant, lol.

  • @karenp144
    @karenp144 4 роки тому +2

    Thank you for this video, I watched just one other and I learn things from you. I'm an old white woman so have things to learn. I grew up with pretty simple understanding. That all people have intrinsic value as human beings. I like the perspective you give helps me to not rub anyone the wrong way without realising it. Thanks again.

  • @roberttaylor2328
    @roberttaylor2328 5 років тому

    Very happy to have found your channel. The Spouse and I were discussing "Appropriation" recently, and your perspective eloquently informs the subject. Well spoken.

  • @bronxbl0gr
    @bronxbl0gr 5 років тому +4

    I'm glad you're still out here, good vid😎✨👍

  • @noitibmar
    @noitibmar 5 років тому +13

    I think it should be noted that the stereotypes against Japanese people are not very prominent in Japan. It's unlikely they'd see problems with that video as their culture is fairly detached from the west where this is a stereotypical depiction of Japanese people.
    Though I will say I was mostly offended by the Hello Kitty song because it was an awful song.

    • @gingganggoolie
      @gingganggoolie 5 років тому +6

      It's important to listen to the perspectives of (in this example) Japanese people living in the west because Japanese people living in Japan aren't discriminated against because they're Japanese, but Japanese Americans certainly are. Always keep your eye out for the reactions of Asians in Asia being used to defend against criticism from Asians in Britain, America etc. because it happens every time like clockwork

  • @Panthro-lo2lh
    @Panthro-lo2lh 5 років тому +16

    I'm black, I still think RDJ in Tropic Thunder was great. No way he could do that today, but he was hilarious.

    • @bryanwoods3373
      @bryanwoods3373 3 роки тому

      The sad thing is that he couldn't simply because no one would care about the context. At no point in the movie was he ever accepted by the other characters for it. I think even the news cast at the beginning called to attention how problematic is. But that doesn't matter today. The fact that it exists is racist. I always keep thinking about how an episode of Golden Girls has been pulled form rotation because the characters wore charcoal beauty masks. I recall many years ago some rumbling about charcoal beauty masks in general being black face, but it blew over quickly because most people recognized that the masks wouldn't be black if it could be helped. What company wouldn't market those things in an array of different colors.