Sty le

04 05 2020

STIR FRY

Cultural appropriation has been around since forever, except this time, everything is magnified thanks to retweets and shares of social media. Countless celebrities in Hollywood have been “canceled” for it, with some actually suffering backlash while others simply coasting through a scandal. What some people call appropriation, some write off as “preciousness” and misplaced righteousness. Kim Kardashian wearing locs is one thing, but Kim Kardashian calling shape wear Kimono is another. Spot the difference?

The idea that Asians in Asia don’t understand appropriation is false, as every social notion or impact is a product of different cultures. Also, being considered as a minority isn’t at the top of everyone’s minds. People are too busy trying to get out of poverty to take a step back and look at social issues. But this doesn’t mean we rarely experience xenophobia, racism or oppression the way other people do. Appropriation and appreciation is a muddy place. If in doubt, just don’t do it, no matter how cute that Qi Pao looks on the rack. Remember, what we choose to wear is an expression, even when we think we’re not making a statement.