Thinking about the ethics of cultural appropriation and misappropriation

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I see an analogy between cross cultural borrowing, and scholarship. If one is writing a paper, one makes an effort to cite the source of an idea, or information. If one quotes, one makes sure to quote exactly. It is not appropriate to distort what another writer has written in order to make polemic. And if the other writer has expressly forbidden the use of his/her words, it is considered unethical to use those words in one's paper.

Most writers agree, and vigerously defend their copywrite.

The Hopi do not want any one using their ceremonies. The Cherokee say you are welcome to use our stuff, but do it with respect. The Reform Jews say learn from us, but do not do our ceremonies our of context. Orthodox and Conservative have other concerns.

At the superbowl last year had what appeared to be native Americans dressed, doing a modern dance, dressed in totally green lycra... that is an example of distortion and misuse of Native cultural ways .

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This page contains a single entry by Clyde Grubbs published on September 25, 2005 10:40 AM.

Why Bill Sinkford doesn't need to lead me anywhere. was the previous entry in this blog.

Universalism as subversive liberator, another take. is the next entry in this blog.

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