Cultural Appropriation

From the fashion label Dior being accused of cultural appropriation after using Native American imagery in an ad campaign for its “Sauvage” fragrance featuring Jonny Depp, to the backlash against Kim Kardashian''s hair braids, debates about cultural appropriation have reached fever pitch. In this much-needed analysis of the phenomenon Jennifer M. Page and Aurélia Bardon step back and ask: what is cultural appropriation and when are we right to criticise it?

They consider cultural appropriation the context of three clear questions: whether it constitutes theft; perpetuates structural injustice; and how it might show disrespect. They also examine the political questions raised by cultural appropriation and whether the state should intervene and if so, what policies should be adopted. They examine arguments concerning whether harmful and disrespectful forms of cultural appropriation should be banned but also reflect on whether this could this threaten freedom of speech. They also consider whether the state should be neutral between appropriative and non-appropriative forms of artistic expression as well as interpersonal responses to wrongful cultural appropriation, particularly online shaming.

Using examples from music, fashion and the arts Cultural Appropriation: Wrongs and Rights will be of great interest to students and researchers in philosophy, politics and related subjects where cultural appropriation is an important issue, such as race and ethnic studies and anthropology.