Introduction
Culture is an important concept that affects a large part of humanity. According to Matthes (2019), culture is defined as the totality of ways of life and beliefs of an individual, group, or society that is transmitted from one generation to another. Cultural appropriation has been particularly outlined in music, art, museums, and fashion (Matthes, 2019). An example is the controversy surrounding Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars, who have both faced allegations of misappropriating cultural elements in their music. However, museums have been accused of reducing cultures to commodified objects, while fashion brands have been criticized for exploiting cultures through their designs. Therefore, it can be argued that an individual can own culture, but only if they are knowledgeable about it and sensitive to its customs and traditions.
Arguments in Favour of Cultural Appropriation
One argument favoring cultural appropriation is that it is a form of cultural exchange and appreciation. Many cultures have contributed to the world’s style, with designers and fashion houses incorporating elements of their traditional dress (Matthes, 2019). This movement has led to sharing ideas, with creative elements from different cultures inspiring each other. For instance, Bruno Mars, accused of cultural appropriation, has adopted R&B, funk, and more into his music (Andrews, 2018). Although some have criticized this as cultural appropriation, Wilson argues that “Bruno’s songs are original and not different from other artists pulling inspirations from genres before him” (Andrews, 2018, para 13). Thus, cultures should be used as a stimulus to influence the existing operations.
Another reason supporting the concept of anyone owning a culture is that it enables the exchange of ideas and creativity. Cultural appropriation involves taking elements from a culture and using them to create something new (Matthes, 2019). As an illustration, museums are a great way for individuals to learn and discover different cultures. Through museum anthropology, people can acquire more information about a culture, appreciate it, and even use elements of it to create something new. This indicates that people can use museum artefacts to create art, music, and fashion demonstrating respect and honoring the culture. Likewise, some fans defended Justin Bieber’s wearing a Native American headdress, as it was seen to be a form of cultural exchange (Lifestyle Desk, 2021). Thus, cultural appropriation promotes the exchange of ideas and creativity, which is important for developing culture.
The argument in favor of the idea that anyone can own a culture is that it can benefit education and research. When individuals or groups take ownership of a culture, they can create educational resources and foster a greater understanding of various cultures (Matthes, 2019). For example, museums are frequently regarded as a way to protect and exhibit pieces of cultural heritage, which can give visitors an understanding of various cultures (Renaissance Reframed, 2021). Most people consider museums to be a method of preserving and displaying cultural artifacts, which can provide visitors with an insight into different cultures (Renaissance Reframed, 2021). This demonstrates how people can use museum objects to produce polite, culturally-reflective art, music, and fashion. Therefore, different cultures are important sources of knowledge, especially when learning about values and artifacts.
The point of view supporting ownership of a culture is that it can provide economic benefits to those who own it. If people take ownership of a culture, they open the door to new business opportunities and position themselves to profit from the sale of cultural resources (Matthes, 2019). For instance, the musician Bruno Mars has been criticized for borrowing from African American culture inappropriately because of a song he released in 2018 that contained elements of music from that genre (Andrews, 2018). On the other hand, Mars defended himself by claiming that he was motivated to create something fresh and original by the music of African Americans and that that music inspired him. Mars successfully developed a novel and lucrative market niche by exploiting the commercial potential of certain aspects of African-American music.
Another opinion supporting cultural appropriation is that it can help break down cultural barriers. One such institution is the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts originating from Africa. By displaying these artifacts, they are assisting in bridging the gap between various cultures and promoting understanding and respect for one another. Similarly, artists such as Justin Bieber are contributing to dismantling cultural barriers and promoting understanding and respect by incorporating aspects of other cultures into their musical compositions (Lifestyle Desk, 2021). Therefore, through access to different cultures through museums, people can acknowledge the value of cultural elements.
Cultural appropriation can be seen as creating a more inclusive society. In the case of fashion, the cultural seizure has enabled individuals from various cultures to unite and embrace common styles and trends. For instance, the emergence of fashion, which incorporates aspects of hip-hop culture, has made it possible for individuals from many cultural backgrounds to interact and adopt similar fashions and trends. Similarly, in the case of Bruno Mars, his music has been accused of appropriating aspects of African-American culture, such as funk and soul (Zaru, 2018). However, it could be argued that this is beneficial because it creates a more inclusive society where people from various cultures can come together and share the same music.
Arguments Against Cultural Appropriation
One of the arguments contradicting the idea of anyone owning a culture is that it is wrong to use a culture without understanding its history. This can be seen in the case of the Royal Ontario Museum, which often displays artifacts from a culture without understanding the history and significance behind them (Renaissance Reframed, 2021). For example, the museum can be seen as disrespectful as it fails to acknowledge and honor the cultures from which the artifacts are taken. As a collection of African artifacts, the museum intended to expose the Canadian public to the delights and charms of African art (Renaissance Reframed, 2021). However, the problem was that visitors took different meanings from the exhibition. Therefore, ownership of culture can lead to people misunderstanding the purpose of the artifacts.
The other reason, in contrast to anyone possessing a culture, is that it can erode cultural identities. When a culture is appropriated, it can lead to the deletion of its unique identity because the culture is used in a way that does not reflect its original self (Matthes, 2019). For example, Justin Bieber, who encountered accusations of culturally insensitive appropriation for playing racial ambiguity to cross-genres, is not black (Lifestyle Desk, 2021). The elements of a culture are implemented through the dominant culture; they can become commodified and stripped of their original meaning. This is common in the music industry, where the appropriation of certain musical styles can lead to the commodification of that style. By owning a culture, it is possible to erode it due to misuse.
Those who argue against ownership of a culture believe it is wrong to culturally appropriate items from a culture that is not theirs. They believe it is disrespectful and perpetuates the power imbalance between the cultures (Matthes, 2019). For instance, Bruno Mars was accused of cultural appropriation for using elements of black culture in his music (Andrews, 2018). Many were outraged and felt that he perpetuated the power imbalance between black and white cultures. Similarly, Justin Bieber was accused of cultural appropriation when he shared a picture of him wearing his hair in a style resembling locs (Lifestyle Desk, 2021). This hairstyle is usually associated with black people and becomes problematic when a white person wins it. Therefore, one should not adopt a cultural artifact if one lacks a good understanding of that culture.
The opinion against allowing anyone to own culture is that it can be offensive and hurtful to those who belong to it. When an individual outside of the culture appropriates it, they may not understand the complexities of the culture and the implications of their appropriation (Matthes, 2019). For instance, cultural misappropriation can be seen when celebrities like Bruno Mars appropriated cultural elements in their music or fashion (Andrews, 2018). This can be seen as invasive and spiteful to those who belong to that culture, as it shows a lack of respect and understanding. Individuals are supposed to respect other people’s cultures and use them after being permitted. As a result, some people believe that cultural appropriation is an offense to the owners of the culture.
Some people have a view that culture is not something that can be owned. Culture belongs to an entire group, not just an individual or a few people (Matthes, 2019). It is the shared beliefs, values, and ideas of a group of people, and as such, it should not be owned by any one person. Furthermore, culture is constantly changing and evolving, and as such, it is impossible to own something so dynamic and ever-changing. Cultural appropriation is seen by many as a form of cultural imperialism, where one culture is taken and appropriated by another, often without permission or understanding (Matthes, 2019). This can be seen in how cultural practices such as music, art, and fashion are appropriated by people who do not truly understand their meaning and significance.
Conclusion
Ownership of culture is a complicated issue with no clear answer. On one hand, certain cultural practices, such as music, art, and fashion, can be adopted and adapted to create something new and beautiful. However, it is crucial to respect the culture and its people and acknowledge the source of the cultural influence. Attaining a balance between creativity, innovation, and cultural respect is essential to ensure that cultural appropriation does not occur. People should value the culture of others and should strive to seek permission before they are used. Therefore, the decision of whether or not an individual can own a culture must be made on a case-by-case basis, and all the parties should be able to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
References
Andrews, T. M. (2018). Bruno Mars was accused of cultural appropriation. Charlie Wilson, among others, defended him. Washington Post. Web.
Lifestyle Desk. (2021). Justin Bieber debuts cropped hair after being accused of cultural appropriation. The Indian Express. Web.
Matthes, E. H. (2019). Cultural appropriation and oppression. Philosophical Studies, 176 (4), 1003-1013. Web.
Renaissance Reframed. (2021). The Wrong Place at the Wrong Time: The Failure of the Royal Ontario Museum’s “Into the Heart of Africa.” Renaissance Reframed. Web.
Zaru, D. (2018). After Bruno Mars is accused of cultural appropriation, black celebrities come to his defense. CNN. Web.