OK. I think some folks are completely missing the point. What I mean is that if you like something, anything, especially culturally significant things, you should learn about it first and know what you’re doing. You should understand why it’s important to other people.
Also, It really doesn’t matter if you spent X amount of years researching a culture and now you feel entitled to practice what you’ve learned. That’s appropriation. These cultures are embedded into people since birth (and for generations), and the fact that their histories, ancestors, and practices are not only being erased (colonized, murdered, altered, etc.), but appropriated as well to someone’s liking? That’s just fucked up.
Always check yourself. If you find a place that allows you to practice their cultural practices, that’s fine. But, the moment that someone of that culture/community tells you that you’re racist/an appropriating asshole, back off and don’t fight them. They’re an expert in their culture, not you.
Does no one else find the title “expert on/in their culture” the least bit suspicious? I suppose this is why caucasians always designate me their de facto ambassador to black culture—especially at parties, when they’re drunk, and they want to hear a Bill Cosby impression.
(All of our reactions to race are ridiculous.)
