Appropriation or Appreciation? Hop Off the Culture Vulture Trend!
Image Courtesy: @cruzemilia on Instagram
This past summer, as influencers began to take Latin-American dishes like ceviche, pico de gallo and agua fresca, dubbing them as their own creations of ‘cowboy-caviar’ and ‘spa water,’ many Latines emerged, up in arms, claiming this to be a trend of gentrification and cultural appropriation. Countless response videos have since surfaced, as people have been distraught to discover that the dishes they were brought up (and sometimes even judged for) eating are being exploited for views. While the creators of both original videos for ‘cowboy caviar’ and ‘spa water’ have since apologized (very respectfully, at that), many are still upset, speaking on how they feel that many Latin-American staples are being taken and rebranded at the expense of their culture.
Image Courtesy: Homemade Interest
The ‘clean-girl aesthetic’ is another trend that has received much opposition from largely Black and Latina women. Slicked back hair, gold hoops, edges, lip liner… “suddenly, everyone thinks they’re Maddy Perez,” says one TikToker. And why wouldn’t they want to be? Bold, sexy, confident – she’s the ultimate baddie! The issue is that the trend puts thin, wealthy White women at the forefront, when it was really BIPOC women who pioneered the look; a style that was once deemed ‘trashy’ and ‘ghetto’ is now the hot new thing, as it’s recently been sported by the likes of Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber; but the backlash hasn’t only been received in the form of TikToks and tweets.
In his highly acclaimed album of the summer, “Un Verano Sin Ti,” Bad Bunny not only explores genre-fusion and high-energy Caribbean rhythmics, but seamlessly delivers clever wordplay and lyricism. In his song, “El Apagón,” Benito comes for members of the music industry whom he’s found to take advantage of Latin culture for their own benefits; the same has been done in countless TikTok videos by Latines upset with the surge of trends appropriating their community. “Ahora todos quieren ser latinos/ Pero les falta sazón/ Batería y reggaetón” (“Now everyone wants to be Latino/ But they lack seasoning, drums/ And reggaetón”), he says in the background.
Many people think that cultural appropriation is only something to be wary of around Halloween, but in reality, it can happen at any time. So, how do we prevent cultural appropriation and instead promote cultural appreciation?
Image Courtesy: V MAN
1. Research and Listen
The most important thing is to do your research and listen to the stories people have to share. Cultures are a beautiful, intrinsic part of being, that while sometimes set people apart, also draw us closer together – and learning about them first-hand is the best way to immerse yourself; watch documentaries, listen to music, make friends, try new foods…there are so many great ways to educate yourself on the customs and traditions that exist outside of your own. Most people are open and excited to the idea of sharing their heritage, so go for it!
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2. Engage and Share Benefits
Once you’ve learned as much as you can about a culture, engage with it! It’s OK to rock a slicked-back bun and gold hoops – just be sure to give credit where credit is due; know the history, and share it with those who don’t! When it comes to using something from a culture (within reason, of course) make sure to promote the culture, its people and, if possible, give back and share any benefits you can with the community. If using certain fashion styles or experimenting with foods influenced by another culture, make sure to credit that culture and its people, especially if you’re profiting off of it on platforms like YouTube and TikTok!
Image Courtesy: @diorangxl on Pinterest
3. Support and Spread the Knowledge!
Supporting local artists and businesses is a great way to be an ally to the community! From visiting small stores and commissioning artists, to experimenting with local food trucks and listening to artists like Selena and Bad Bunny, there are so many ways to promote and encourage other people to learn more about other cultures and their cherished customs.
As Halloween approaches, remember to be mindful and respectful of other cultures – but also bear in mind that this respect should always apply, regardless of the holiday season. So, grab some paletas, blast some reggaeton, and share the culture!
Strike Out,
Writer: Sofia Ramos
Editor: Daniella Conde
Gainesville, FL
