cultural appropriation

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "cultural appropriation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation in which a person or group of people adopts traditions, customs, or elements of a culture that is not their own, usually without permission or acknowledgment of the culture’s origin. For example, you could say: "When non-Native Americans wear traditional Native American clothing, it is an example of cultural appropriation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's cultural appropriation.

The Guardian

I see cultural appropriation all the time.

The Guardian

Critics accused him of cultural appropriation.

The New Yorker

Fears of change and disorder, of cultural appropriation.

Independent

Stenberg has previously spoken out against cultural appropriation.

Independent

Huang smiled, a walking mixtape of postmodern cultural appropriation.

The New York Times

Happily, though, there are no overtones of cultural appropriation.

The New York Times

Let's talk about cultural appropriation and cultural misappropriation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cultural appropriation in this sense is an awesome thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He is notoriously resistant to sketch-comedy impersonation and also, perhaps, to simple pop-cultural appropriation.

The New York Times

Meta-cultural appropriation never sounded so good.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Acknowledge the history and context of the cultural elements being discussed to show respect and understanding.

Common error

Avoid equating "cultural appropriation" with cultural exchange or appreciation. Cultural exchange involves mutual respect and understanding, while appropriation often involves a dominant culture taking from a marginalized one without permission or acknowledgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cultural appropriation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It names a phenomenon involving the adoption or use of elements of a minority culture by members of a dominant culture, frequently in a disrespectful or exploitative way, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cultural appropriation" is a widely used noun phrase that refers to the exploitative or oppressive cooptation of elements of one culture by members of a different culture. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is frequently used in news and media to discuss instances where cultural elements are taken out of context, potentially leading to disrespect or trivialization. When using this term, consider the power dynamics at play and the potential for misrepresentation or harm. While related to concepts like "cultural borrowing" and "cultural exchange", it specifically highlights the problematic aspects of taking from a culture without proper understanding or consent. To avoid misusing cultural elements, educate yourself, respect cultural traditions, and support creators from diverse backgrounds.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultural misappropriation

Highlights the inappropriate or incorrect use of cultural elements.

cultural borrowing

Focuses on the act of taking elements from another culture without necessarily implying harm or exploitation.

appropriation of indigenous culture

Specifies the context of "cultural appropriation" relating to indigenous cultures.

exploitation of culture

Directly addresses the exploitative aspect often associated with "cultural appropriation".

disrespectful cultural borrowing

Highlights the lack of respect involved in taking elements from another culture.

theft of culture

Uses strong language to describe "cultural appropriation" as a form of stealing cultural heritage.

unethical cultural adoption

Focuses on the moral implications of adopting elements from another culture without permission or understanding.

commodification of culture

Highlights how cultural elements are turned into commodities, often for profit, through appropriation.

cultural exchange

Emphasizes a reciprocal sharing of cultural elements, differing from the exploitative nature of "cultural appropriation".

trivialization of culture

Emphasizes the belittling or oversimplification of a culture through its appropriation.

FAQs

How can I identify instances of "cultural appropriation"?

Look for situations where a dominant culture adopts elements from a marginalized culture without permission, understanding, or respect. Consider whether the original cultural context is trivialized or commodified.

What is the difference between "cultural appropriation" and "cultural appreciation"?

"Cultural appropriation" involves taking elements from a marginalized culture in a way that is disrespectful or exploitative. "Cultural appreciation", on the other hand, involves learning about and respecting another culture, often through respectful engagement and collaboration.

What are some examples of "cultural appropriation" in fashion?

Examples include non-Native Americans wearing traditional Native American headdresses, or using sacred symbols without understanding their meaning. The key is to consider whether the use is respectful and informed or whether it trivializes or exploits the culture.

What can I do to avoid "cultural appropriation"?

Educate yourself about different cultures, respect their traditions and customs, and avoid using cultural elements without permission or understanding. Support artists and creators from the cultures you admire and give credit where it's due.