From getting tattoos to wearing braided and/or twisted hairstyles, from the “fashion” of headdresses to the festival wear of bindis; profound cultural items/acts are often appropriated in numerous inappropriate ways. Cultural appropriation is the act of adopting or using elements from one culture by members of another. By that definition, it becomes clear how quickly the circumstance could become problematic.
Several elements of rich culture are constantly being appropriated in daily life around the world:
Sometimes it is difficult to notice when you have be raised to believe and see these instances as naturally occurring aspects of society. But do realize that the orange chicken you order at Panda Express™ is not from an original Chinese recipe. In fact, orange chicken itself is not a traditional Chinese meal in the first place. The problematic component to cultural appropriation occurs when the adoptive culture either begins to claim the cultural aspect as their own creation (and not that from the original culture), or when the heart and soul of the original culture is lost due to the adopted element losing its significance through the misguidance of appropriation. This can be seen in the art of tattooing, as previously mentioned. Many indigenous cultures used tattoos as a mark of growth. Rite of passage ceremonies often featured the application of tattoos to show a boy’s transition into manhood. These elements could be seen in cultures dating back to 2000 B.C. and are most commonly linked to Polynesian peoples. Nowadays tattoos are viewed as body art. In this instance of cultural appropriation, the art form is so far gone that people cannot undo the wrongs. It is too late to give meaning back to the cultural significance, in other words, it would be impossible to force the removal of all tattoos except of those on the individuals who have the cultural right.
Other aspects of culture that are often appropriated also deal with fashion and cosmetics:
Braided hairstyles, dreadlocks (also known as locks), and/or twists have been worn for thousands of years by peoples of various African cultures. Due to the coarse textures and natural oils unique to the hair, exposure to wind, cold weather, humidity, and excessive amounts of heat are extremely damaging to the follicles. These styles are a means of protecting their ethnic hair. When attempted by peoples whose hair is not synonymous with African hair (in texture, thickness, or appearance), the styles are viewed as “bold and edgy” fashion statements. This occurs while black people are shamed for the appearance of their hair, and are at times forced to straighten it in order to “better fit in” with society’s standards. It is as if people are taking away options for people’s lifestyle choices by appropriating their given culture. As previously mentioned, bindis and headdresses can now be seen as a common wardrobe accessories. Saaris also fall into this category. In many Indian cultures as well as similar ones located around that region of the world, these articles of clothing have religious and ceremonial ties. This includes their use in weddings, birthdays/coming-of-age celebrations, as well as everyday religious practices. Peoples who were born into, or converted and follow these lifestyle choices value their profound meanings as they should. But when worn or adorned with these articles for pure appearance, the meaning is lost. Imagine if a wedding dress was part of your weekly wardrobe (because that is actually what is occurring). Another common fashion trend is the use of henna for body art. Sometimes they are referred to as henna tattoos. The art form derives from the Prophet Muhammed using natural substances to create a mud-like substance, which was basically mud within itself. It helped distinguish between men and women through its specific use and differentiation between genders. This can be found within some Islamic tradition, as well as that of Hindus and Sikhs. It is a means of purifying, not just beautification. Therefore the use of it by people who are purely seeking the aesthetic of having body art, are out of place.
There is in fact a difference between taking and/or making fun of one’s culture, and the act educating oneself, learning the elements 
unique to the given culture as well as their own individual significance:
Everyone has the right to be proud of their own culture and showcase its elements in a vast availability of ways. Everyone also has the right to appreciate cultures in which they are not members of. Fortunately there are ways to do this without appropriating the given culture at hand. Do not take what is not yours, admire from a distance. If you fall into the category of an individual wishing to brush up on their knowledge of other cultures and the elements that make them unique, the information is out there. Whether it be the internet, a library, or museum, go seek knowledge. In most cases, our friends and coworkers come from different ethnic backgrounds and cultural upbringings. Never be afraid to refer to them to ask questions as well, humans are resources too. Be aware of how you are asking questions or seeking information though. It is easy to come across in an ignorant and offensive matter when it comes to discussing things we do not have prior knowledge to. Stereotypes and schemas we have previously encountered do not account for the actual teachings and realities of the cultures people come from in this world.
If we allow elements of culture to be appropriated for extensive amounts of time, they will inevitably lose their cultural depth. Understand that there is nothing wrong with sharing our cultures. Spreading awareness, knowledge, and past experiences help us to grow as human beings. Cultural appropriation leads nowhere. Coexistence and harmonious living cannot exist without a basis of understanding amongst peoples. And it us up to us, the individual, to make that effort and change. – Aliyah Hurt
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