Introduction
In 2014 Christina Fallin posted a picture wearing a traditional Native American headwear with a tongue-in-cheek title “Appropriate Culturation” that sparked an online scandal. The controversy forced her music band, Pink Pony, to publish an official statement in response to the criticism. This essay will analyze the ethical issues with the case and potential decisions to deal with the situation. While the musician claimed to do so out of love and appreciation for Native American cultures and art, it is still questionable whether that justifies her actions or not.
The Case Example
The case of Pink Pony musician is one of many cases that spark debates about cultural appropriation, what it means, and whether it does any harm at all. It is an especially sensitive topic for Native American cultures due to their long and uneasy history with other cultures and nations (Kramvig and Flemmen, 2019). Christina Fallin’s explanation of her actions as a way of appreciating the aesthetic beauty of Native American culture raises further questions.
Although Fallin’s intentions might be genuine, the tag used for the picture demonstrates her awareness of the term “cultural appropriation,” which can be viewed as making light of the issue. It can be seen as a denial of injury: in her eyes if there is any harm done, it is minimal. Therefore, it is unsurprising that many people reacted in an intense way, such as protesting the band’s shows. While some people members believe in her well-meaning intentions, it still is an ethically debatable choice.
What decisions are possible (the ethical and unethical)?
A person can resolve a case like this through two forms of decisions: ethical and unethical. An unethical decision would deny the blame, shift the responsibility on another person, or attack the people whose culture was appropriated. An ethical decision would be to take full responsibility for your actions, make a public apology, and never repeat the same mistake (Valentine and Godkin, 2019). While it can be tempting for many to defend one’s actions in such a case, it can even further conflict.
What stakeholders should be considered, and at what level of importance?
There are two main stakeholders: the music band, investors, and Native American culture representatives. On the one hand, it is clear that Native American culture is to be considered and how cultural appropriation harms it when their traditions and beliefs are treated as a fashion statement. On the other hand, a person responsible should also take their stakeholders into account: how will this affect the band’s business future, sales numbers, performance, and investors? Is the potential aesthetic advertising appeal a sound ethical and business decision? The reputation damage to the band can be significant, and it is essential to weigh it against potential business benefits.
What decision you have decided is best in this situation that you have found?
After carefully evaluating the situation, it becomes clear that using Native American headwear to promote a band show is neither an ethical nor business-savvy decision. It is more logical to acknowledge the mistake and make a public apology. Paying respect to the culture one claims to love is essential in proving to the audience that the musician meant no harm and wants to learn from their mistakes (Kramvig and Flemmen, 2019). The apology statement that follows such a case must understand that it is meant to appeal to the public and make it see the musician’s actions as justifiable or at least well-meaning.
Conclusion
The public picture posted by the Pink Pony band member, Christina Fallin, was culturally inappropriate and thus sparked a scandal that affected the band’s reputation in the eyes of the public. While the musician claims to have no ill intention, the title of the picture and the following statement demonstrates that she was well aware of the implications. In a case like this, it is most logical and ethical to acknowledge one’s missteps rather than shift the blame if one wants to make the public see their actions as merely misunderstood.
References
Ethics unwrapped: Being your best self, part 3: Moral Intent. Web.
Ethics unwrapped: Being your best self, part 2: Moral Decision Making. Web.
Kramvig, B., & Flemmen, A. B. (2019). Turbulent indigenous objects: Controversies around cultural appropriation and recognition of difference. Journal of material culture, 24(1), 64-82.
Valentine, S., & Godkin, L. (2019). Moral intensity, ethical decision making, and whistleblowing intention. Journal of Business Research, 98, 277-288.