afropunk bk: a cultural appropriation conversation

We’re digging deep to find true insight on what cultural appropriation is, its evolved meaning, and how we see it play out in pop culture today. Cultural appropriation at its worse is a social problem, so let’s explore.

Interviewed by Bunmi, @Afro_Eclectic

Ashleigh Reddy @StayReddy

Anexis Ruiz, @anexis_r
“America loves Black culture, but not necessarily Black people. Honestly, we would be a more advanced society if this country appreciated us for more than our culture.”

“Appropriating is when you think you are appreciating another culture, but you’re really exploiting. Our entire history, we’ve heard that our style is ‘ghetto, ugly, and ratchet,’ but when Kim Kardashian does it, it’s trendy and everybody wants to rock it. They are literally profiting off of what makes us, us.”

Ashleigh Reddy @StayReddy

Monique

“If America loved Black people as much as it loves Black culture, the world would be a better place! Everybody wants to be Black until it’s time to be Black.”

Ashleigh Reddy @StayReddy

Jeremiah Irwin

“If America loved Black people as much as it loves Black culture, our country would be completely different…we see our [Black] culture everywhere because everybody wants to be Black but not have the responsibility that comes with being Black.”

Ashleigh Reddy @StayReddy

Canti Martinez

“If America loved Black people as much as it loves Black culture, America would be more equitable, peaceful, happy, and vibrant!”

Ashleigh Reddy @StayReddy

Cecil Carthen

“Culture appropriation is a lack of respect. You can appreciate something without taking it.”

Ashleigh Reddy @StayReddy

Monique LeVan
“When you appreciate a culture, you give credit to its roots. When you appropriate a culture, you take it for your own and give it a whole new name. Boxer braids…whose is that? Not mine.”

Ashleigh Reddy @StayReddy

Shae Roberts, @thine_queen_tut

“Cultural appropriation is the difference between a bought outfit and a stolen outfit! If America loved Black people as much as it loves Black culture, we would be light years ahead. Also, Black bodies would be a lot safer and I think that Black people would be a lot more free in this country for sure.”

Culture Appropriate, an obvious play off the notorious topic, cultural appropriation, is a project by Bunmi of @Afro_Eclectic. Through honest conversations, this series gets to the heart of how people feel about culture and what cultural appropriation means for people of African descent.