Understanding the difference between Cultural Appreciation and Cultural Appropriation is important all year round. The differences are especially important during the Halloween season when many choose to dress in costumes to be someone else or an identity other than their own. Cultural Appreciation can be described as a way of honoring another culture through exploration and seeking an understanding as a way to honor that culture, beliefs, and traditions. There is a thin line between Cultural Appreciation and Cultural Appropriation. If one uses the knowledge that they have learned for personal gain, they have crossed that thin line.
As explained by Anti-Racist Daily, Cultural Appropriation is the misuse of “creative or artistic forms, themes, or practices” of marginalized communities by socially dominant groups. Examples of mainstream cultural appropriation can include adopting a false or mocking accent of a culture or language, sports teams with offensive names or mascots, and a fashion designer creating pieces dedicated to a culture they don’t belong to and not involving cultural members to participate in the design process or the fashion show.
An easy way to remember the difference between Cultural Appropriation and Cultural Appreciation is to remember that Cultural Appreciation is about honoring a culture whereas Cultural Appropriation is dishonoring or demeaning a culture. As you are preparing to celebrate Halloween, if you are choosing to do so, please be aware of the differences between Cultural Appreciation and Cultural Appropriation, as well as the potential harm that can be caused to by choosing to appropriate someone’s culture.
Reflection Questions:
Below I have listed questions from Preemptive Love that will assist one in determining whether or not they are honoring or dishonoring a culture.
- Do I understand the significance of what I’m doing here?
- Am I honoring this culture or simply imitating it?
- Am I perpetuating a stereotype that might hurt those who belong to this culture?
- Am I doing this as a personal opportunity to interact with and experience another culture, or am I doing this for a photo I can post online?
Upcoming Holidays & Observances
- Global Diversity Awareness Month: celebrate and increase awareness about the diversity of cultures and ethnicities and the positive impact diversity can have on society.
- LGBTQ+ History Month: a US observance started in 1994 to recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer history and the history of the gay rights movement.
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month: This observance was launched in 1945 when Congress declared the first week in October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1998, the week was extended to a month and renamed. The annual event draws attention to employment barriers that still need to be addressed.
- National Bullying Prevention Month: A campaign to unite communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention.
- Polish American Heritage Month: celebrated to commemorate the first Polish settlers, and celebrate the history and culture of the Polish community in America.
- Filipino American History Month: honors the history, culture, and accomplishments of Filipino Americans, highlighting their significant contributions to American society and recognizing their unique heritage and identity.
- 10/10/2024 – World Mental Health Day: First celebrated in 1993, this day is meant to increase public awareness about the importance of mental health, mental health services, and mental health workers worldwide.
- 10/11/2024 – National Coming Out Day (United States): For those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, this day celebrates coming out and the recognition of the 1987 march on Washington for gay and lesbian equality.
- 10/11/2024 – Indigenous People’s Day (Native American Day): Celebrates and honors Native American history and culture. [The second Monday of October is also marked as a U.S. federal holiday, Columbus Day. Many people are opposed to the celebration of a man who led and committed atrocities against Indigenous people. Some states and cities in the U.S. have officially changed the day to Indigenous People’s Day. Similarly, it is celebrated as Día de la Raza, “Day of the Race,” in Spanish speaking countries and communities.]
- 10/11/2024 – 10/12/2024 (sundown to sundown) – Yom Kippur (Jewish): the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, a day of atonement marked by fasting and ceremonial repentance.
- 10/12/2024 – Dasara, Dussehra, or Vijayadashami (Hindu): in the eastern and northeastern states of India, marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to help restore dharma.
- 10/14/2024 – National Indigenous Peoples Day: an alternative celebration to Columbus Day, gives recognition to the indigenous populations affected by colonization.