appropriation without reciprocity
Intersection between womanism and Christian ethics
Originally, the term "womanism" was created for "the need for black women to name themselves, a part from white women's feminist ideals for them" (Harris 3).
Many black religious scholars started to employ this term to "highlight the complex subjectivity of black women and celebrate their religious, theological and ethical perspective" (Harris 4)
This interpretation of womanism was not universally accepted. Cheryl Sanders question the appropriation of Alice Walker's definition of womanism. She claimed that the "secular" nature and "reference to lesbianism" were difficult for Christian theologists to "embody the fullness of Walker's definition" (Harris 6). Sanders, therefore, suggested that they should not reciprocate Alice Walker, and go to sources instead.
Scholars even considered Walker's "fluid spirituality" to be an obstacle for Christian scholars to use Alice Walker's definition of "womanism" (Harris 7). As a result, there was argument among Christian theologist should not employ this term for religious purpose.
Harris, however, countered this idea and justified the appropriation of Walker's womanism for Christian Ethics analysis by going back to very core of Alice Walker's womanism, which is " at its core dedicated to expressing the ethical visions and voices of black women" (Harris 9).
cultural Appropriation?
Appropriation without reciprocity does not fail to appear in our contemporary world. It has often appeared in news with a new name "cultural appropriation".
Cultural appropriation is the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of another culture. Cultural appropriation may be perceived as controversial, even harmful, notably when the cultural property of a minority group is used by members of the dominant culture without the consent of the members of the originating culture; this is seen as misappropriation and a violation of intellectual property rights
you (yes you can have an afro)
Allure, an American multimedia brand published a post about Afro hair style. This article, however, only featured white women, and presumably tried to teach white women to create an Afro hair style. This article created much controversy surrounding cultural appropriation that Afro plays a huge and crucial part in African-American culture and history, but there was no where in the article that acknowledged such cultural and historic significance.
Example of Cultural Appropriation
waS ELVIS PRESLEY, THE KING OF ROCK, appropriating BLACK MUSIC?
- There was much controversy surrounding The King's popular songs, especially his greatist hit "Hound Dog".
- A great number of blacklash stating that Elvis's popularity was gained from stealing from Black Music.
- However, there was also an opposing view that Elvis respected and gave credit to black culture, which contributed to eradicating the racism
Two versions of Hound Dog