Insights on Cultural Appropriation by Tanya Cushman
Dec 9, 2024
Notes on Tanya Cushman's Presentation on Cultural Appropriation
Introduction
Tanya Cushman shares her journey from being a teacher to becoming a content creator.
Found fulfillment during the pandemic by creating educational content on TikTok.
Focus on UK black history and cultural commentary.
Transitioned from teaching in a classroom to reaching a broader audience online.
Cultural Appropriation
Definition: The unacknowledged, inappropriate adoption of customs, practices, ideas from one culture by members of another culture (Oxford Dictionary).
Discussion of cancel culture and its connection to cultural appropriation.
Lack of safe spaces for dialogue on cultural appropriation.
The Survival Toolkit: The Three P's of Cultural Appropriation
Cultural Property
Essential elements identifying a culture.
Example: Dreadlocks, their significance in Rastafarian culture.
Historical context of dreadlocks: Origin of the term and its colonial implications.
Importance of distinguishing cultural significance from mere hairstyles.
Privilege
Discussion of privilege in the context of cultural appropriation.
Privilege derived from societal structures benefits the dominant culture.
Example: Halloween costumes and the use of blackface as a blatant form of cultural appropriation.
Call to responsibility for those with privilege to address societal issues.
Profit
Issues of profit derived from cultural appropriation.
Example: Louis Vuitton's misrepresentation of Jamaican culture in fashion.
Call for economic awareness and support for black-owned businesses.
Mention of Black Pound Day as a platform for supporting UK-led black businesses.
Conclusion
Encouragement to use the three P's as a tool for identifying cultural appropriation.
Emphasis on the responsibility that comes with power and privilege.
Final thoughts on creating a more equal, diverse, and inclusive society.