Cultural appropriation can be so confusing. We all want to learn about and celebrate other cultures while making sure we don’t cross any lines or embrace stereotypes and caricatures. In this episode I answer the 5 most common questions that I get from you about cultural appropriation. We cover everything from authentic cultural artifacts to costumes. This episode will bring you the clarity you need to make sure you are appreciating and not appropriating.

1. When I ask cultural insiders about appropriation I always get different answers, how do I navigate that?
2. How do I avoid appropriating when it comes to children's costumes?
3. When is it acceptable to wear authentic cultural artifacts?
4. How can I support the Black economy without appropriating?
5. What do I do if I realize that I've been purchasing appropriated items?

 

First Name Basis Patreon Community 

 

First Name Basis Instagram

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 16: “How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation”

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 11: “Cinco De Mayo Is NOT Mexican Independence Day”

Think Before You Appropriate 

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo*

 

Arizona’s ban on Mexican American studies was racist, U.S. court rules Arizona judge declares ban on ethnic studies unconstitutional

 

Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes) by Mindy Kailing

How to dress your Pākehā child up as Maui or Moana without appropriating Pasifika culture Please don’t tell your kids they can’t dress as Moana this Halloween

 

Opposition to my opinion on costumes:

PSA: Don’t Let Your Kids Dress Up In These Costumes

Why your white kid probably shouldn’t dress up as Moana for Halloween

 

Traditional Cultural Clothing:

Little Koto’s Closet by Emi Ito

 

Appropriation of Indigenous Culture 

Podcast with Robin Wall Kimmer

 

The Complicated History of the Moccasin 

 

4 Ways  to Honor Native Americans Without Appropriating Our Culture 

Alternatives to Freshly Picked Moccasins: 

LL Designs 

Wiwinu

*affiliate link

 

Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams and “Dive Down” by VYEN