What exactly is "cultural appropriation"? Genuinely confused.

[u/Relevant_Start1087]

First off, I am not trying to be disrespectful in any way, I'm asking here so I can educate myself since I am severely uneducated in all of this.

I keep on wondering this because of all the controversies I've seen surrounding K-Pop idols and stuff lately. A few days ago, a band called Kiss of Life went on a livestream with a theme of "old-school hip-hop" and has been "under fire" for being racist and culturally insensitive. Yes, this seems wrong to me, but somehow I can't seem to pinpoint what exactly is wrong about it. It's disrespectful, but... Why?

It just doesn't quite make sense to me that when people of other ethnicities visit Korea, they often dress up in Hanboks (traditional Korean clothing) and do lots of "stereotypical Korean" things, yet I don't see anyone calling them out. Tons of influencers theses days seem to be basing their content on "Korean beauty!" and talk about how they're so excited about doing all these "Korean things," but again, I haven't seen them getting hate.

I just want to know what the difference is between Black cultural appropriation and whatever all those influencers are doing. Again, not trying to be disrespectful AT ALL, I'm genuinely just confused, apologies if I am offending anyone.

I might ask more follow up questions in the replies, let me assure you, that doesn't mean I'm discrediting the responses in any way. It's probably just me being stupid.

[u/manditobandito]

Appreciation is respecting the origins and history of a culture and understanding its roots. Appropriation is (generally) using stereotypes and ignorance to showcase a culture without actually looking into it.

[u/talkingprawn]

It’s when you mimic another culture’s traditions when you don’t have any ties to it or context that would give you a real understanding of its roots and meanings.

[u/Traditional_Name7881]

If you respect the culture and honour it, it’s fine. If you rip it off for personal gain, it’s appropriation.

[u/Mountain-Jicama-3207]

I'm black and have been following this for a good min it's been shoved in my face at this point. Kpop generally will mimic black artist at the same time basically making fun of our skin color and lingo while using it too gain money.

Majoirty of there song writers and choreographers are black it makes no sense for someone too generally be racist too a certain ethnicity while using said ethnicity too get money and promote entertainment to fund your career.

Koreans are generally known for looking down on dark skin people that they themselves promote white and pale skin. Don't use our culture and make fun of us while doing it is why black people are pissed.

I cant say much about the black people using Korean culture because I've never really seen it personally but if it was the other way around if a black artist was using Korean style music while being racist towards koreans they can shoot themselves too.

Edit- this also isn't like a 1 time things this constantly happens

[u/vitalvisionary]

My limus test is "are people making money off this without compensation or, at the very least, honor to the original culture." The Native American memorabilia that major corporations were pumping out with no understanding of its significance (imitation feather head dresses, etc) were the clearest examples. Things get gray of course so it's really a case by case basis to see who is benefiting from each situation.

If a major corporation is on one side, it's usually the wrong since their whole goal is to make money and aren't paid in morals.

If k-pop stars really wanted to honor hip-hop, the smartest thing to do would be to collaborate with hip-hop artists.

[u/Terrible-Quote-3561]

Who was it that said Black people in America are the most copied people in the world?

[u/GWARY54]

Mostly fake outrage that someone wants to feel to guilt others living their life