Feuy Saephan - Week 10
As our world continues to grow into the new age, cultural practices–values, ideas, and beliefs–will be shared throughout communities. We will slowly become more diverse, and hopefully in the midst of it all, become more accepting. However, as we evolve and interconnect, we must also learn the meaning behind such practices. Spiritual practices have been passed down through centuries, with ties to specific cultures, and it is our responsibility to remember their origins.
When looking at our current society, we see several individuals appropriating other cultures. Many times, these people do not take the time to educate themselves on the background of these actions or the reasons behind why they are practiced. This not only drowns out the cultures’ voices, but it also rips away their identity.
Appropriation has also been abused by dominant cultures by appropriating disadvantaged groups for their own advantage. For example, there are celebrities who appropriate other cultures to gain benefit through money or fame. They continue to appropriate even though they know the disadvantaged are shamed for these practices, due to their low statuses.
People should make an effort to continuously have an open-mind and stay educated on cultural traditions and spiritual practices before cultivating it on their own. We need to give credit where it is due while sharing our abundance of knowledge with others. We need not forget about those who might have once suffered because of these practices. We need to always strive to educate ourselves and practice with a mindful heart, rather than stealing it for our own use.
As our cultures integrate and evolve, will everyone’s culture gradually become one?
References
York, Michael. (2001). "New Age Commodification and Appropriation of Spirituality, Journal of Contemporary Religion." 16:3, 361-372, DOI: 10.1080/13537900120077177
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