Cultural Appropriation and Representation: Key Points from the Lecture

Introduction

• Date and Event: March 27, 1973, Academy Awards.
• Significant Moment: Apache and Yaqui actress Sacheen Littlefeather declined Marlon Brando’s Oscar for "The Godfather" on his behalf.
• Purpose: To protest Hollywood's misrepresentation of Native Americans and draw attention to the American Indian Movement.

Understanding Cultural Appropriation

• Definition Ambiguity: Cultural appropriation is a familiar yet often ambiguous term.
• Historical Context:
  • Phrase first used in 1945.
  • Gained prominence post-1980.
  • Marginalized groups have historically protested cultural appropriation.
• Core Concepts:
  • Definition of culture.
  • Power dynamics in culture.
  • Boundaries between participation and appropriation.

What is Culture?

• Raymond Williams’ Definition (1976):
  • Intellectual, Spiritual, and Aesthetic Development: Ideologies and beliefs.
  • Shared Way of Life: Daily interactions based on shared ideologies.
  • Creative and Artistic Productivity: Art, literature, music, and cultural artifacts.
• Concentric Circles of Culture:
  • Innermost: Ideologies.
  • Middle: Shared ways of life.
  • Outermost: Cultural productions, prone to misappropriation.

Arguments and Counterarguments

• Cultural Sharing vs. Appropriation:
  • Ownership: Culture is shared, not owned by individuals.
  • Legal Challenges: Difficulties in legally defining cultural ownership.
  • Melting Pot Argument: Use of "melting pot" to argue against cultural ownership.
• Power Dynamics:
  • Dominant cultures often appropriate marginalized cultures without understanding or consequences.
  • Power imbalance leads to misrepresentation and misuse.

Case Study: 1973 Oscars and Marlon Brando

• Sacheen Littlefeather’s Role: Highlighted Native American representation issues.
• Marlon Brando's Statement:
  • Criticized Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans.
  • Linked to real-world issues, e.g., Wounded Knee occupation.
  • Emphasized that entertainment does not justify cultural damage.

Conclusion

• Cultural Appropriation as a Theoretical Minefield: Encourages discussion on power and representation.
• Call to Action: Invites audience interaction and further discourse on cultural appropriation.

Final Thoughts

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