My Culture is NOT a Costume

Culture appropriation seems to be a reoccurring problem in the modern world. Many uses items that are a part of a culture as accessories or as a fashion choice. Personally, I've come across many offensive "costumes" on the internet. Most have no bad intentions with dressing up as a different culture, but some use it as an excuse to mock. They think it's okay to stereotypically dress up as a different race or culture. 

There are many examples in which caucasians model as African Americans, with stereotypical hair. They also dress up as "Mexicans" with huge sombreros, wearing ponchos and mimics them using a Spanish accent. Many also dress up as aboriginal people, painting tribal symbols on their faces and wearing overly exaggerated headdresses. There are many more examples of cultural appropriation and not enough people realize how offensive they truly are.

There's a difference between the two terms 'cultural appropriation' and 'cultural appreciation'. Cultural appropriation is problematic, it makes a mockery of someone's culture by enforcing stereotypes. 

 The photo on the right shows a K-pop group called Bubble Sisters using blackface and wearing stereotypical African American hairstyles.

Cultural appreciation on the other hand is honouring and respecting another's culture and its practices, as a way to gain knowledge and understanding. People who appreciates culture don't just dress up stereotypically, they learn about the culture and respect it.