Cultural Appropriation in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Cultural Appropriation

The term “cultural appropriation” emerged in the late 20th century as part of critical discourse concerning cultural dynamics and representation. Its etymology is rooted in the critical examination of how dominant cultures adopt elements of marginalized or minority cultures, often without permission or understanding.

The concept of appropriation underscores the imbalance of power and privilege in society. It implies the taking or borrowing of cultural elements such as clothing, symbols, rituals, language, or art and using them outside of their original context.

It is often associated with issues of commodification, commoditization, and misrepresentation, as it tends to reinforce stereotypes or trivialize cultural practices, while simultaneously erasing their historical and social significance.

The term serves as a foundation for discussions of cultural sensitivity, identity, and the power dynamics inherent in cross-cultural interactions. It highlights the need for respect and acknowledgment of the sources of cultural elements and has spurred ongoing debates about the ethics and responsibilities of those who engage in such practices.

Meanings of Cultural Appropriation

Aspect	Meanings
Borrowing Cultural Elements	It involves the borrowing, adoption, or imitation of elements from one culture by individuals or groups belonging to another culture, often without permission or understanding.
Power Imbalance	It is characterized by a power imbalance, where the culture that appropriates is typically dominant, while the culture being appropriated from is often marginalized or disadvantaged.
Lack of Respect	It typically involves a lack of respect or understanding of the cultural elements being borrowed, often leading to the misrepresentation or trivialization of those elements.
Erosion of Cultural Significance	It can result in the erosion of the cultural significance of these elements, as they are detached from their original context and may be commodified for profit.
Reinforcement of Stereotypes	It may reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate harmful misconceptions about the culture being appropriated from, further marginalizing the affected group.
Ethical and Social Concerns	It raises ethical and social concerns about the responsibilities of those who appropriate elements from other cultures and the need for cultural sensitivity and respect in cross-cultural interactions.

Definition of Cultural Appropriation as a Theoretical Term

Cultural appropriation, as a theoretical term, refers to the adoption, imitation, or borrowing of elements from one culture by individuals or groups belonging to another culture, often without permission, understanding, or proper respect.

 It is characterized by a power imbalance where the appropriating culture is typically dominant, while the culture being appropriated from is often marginalized or disadvantaged.

This concept raises ethical and social concerns, highlighting the responsibilities of those who engage in cultural appropriation and emphasizing the need for cultural sensitivity and respect in cross-cultural interactions.

Cultural Appropriation: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Edward Said: Although primarily known for his work on Orientalism, Said’s ideas about cultural representations and power dynamics are relevant to discussions of cultural appropriation. His work highlights how dominant cultures often construct skewed narratives about other cultures, leading to misrepresentations and appropriation.
2. Bell Hooks: As a feminist scholar, Hooks has explored issues related to cultural appropriation in the context of race, class, and gender. She offers critical perspectives on the ways in which dominant cultures appropriate and commodify elements of marginalized cultures.

Works:

1. Orientalism by Edward Said: This seminal work critiques the Western portrayal of the East and how it contributes to cultural misrepresentations and appropriation.
2. Black Looks: Race and Representation by Bell Hooks: In this book, Hooks examines the commodification of Black culture and the implications of cultural appropriation, particularly as it relates to race and identity.

Arguments:

1. Power Imbalance: It is often discussed in the context of a power imbalance, where dominant cultures appropriate elements from marginalized cultures, reinforcing existing inequalities.
2. Erosion of Cultural Significance: Critics argue that it can result in the erosion of the cultural significance of appropriated elements, as they are often detached from their original context and commodified for profit.
3. Misrepresentation and Stereotypes: Cultural appropriation is associated with the perpetuation of stereotypes and the misrepresentation of cultures, further marginalizing the affected groups.
4. Cultural Exchange vs. Appropriation: One argument revolves around the distinction between cultural exchange, which involves respectful sharing and appreciation of cultures, and cultural appropriation, which often lacks respect and understanding.
5. Ethical Responsibility: Scholars and activists argue that those who engage in cultural appropriation bear an ethical responsibility to be aware of the implications of their actions and to engage with cultural elements in a respectful and informed manner.

These theorists, works, and arguments contribute to ongoing discussions and debates surrounding it, examining the power dynamics, consequences, and ethical considerations involved in the appropriation of cultural elements.

Cultural Appropriation and Literary Theories

1. Postcolonial Theory: Cultural appropriation is a central concern in postcolonial literature and theory. Postcolonial scholars often analyze how dominant cultures have appropriated and misrepresented the cultures of colonized or marginalized peoples. These discussions shed light on the power dynamics, identity, and resistance present in postcolonial literature.
2. Feminist Literary Criticism: Cultural appropriation is relevant in feminist literary criticism, especially when examining the appropriation of women’s experiences and voices. This theory highlights how dominant cultures have historically appropriated and distorted women’s narratives, reinforcing patriarchal norms.
3. Queer Theory: In the context of queer theory, cultural appropriation is examined concerning the appropriation of LGBTQ+ culture. Scholars explore how certain cultural elements, such as language or fashion, have been appropriated, often without understanding the experiences or struggles of the queer community.
4. Ethnic and Racial Studies: Cultural appropriation is a central theme in ethnic and racial studies within literature. Scholars analyze how literature often reflects cultural appropriation and misrepresentation, contributing to stereotypes and the erasure of marginalized voices and experiences.
5. Reader-Response Theory: Cultural appropriation can be assessed from a reader-response perspective, where readers engage with texts and analyze the ways in which literature reflects or challenges cultural appropriation. This theory allows for discussions of how readers respond to texts that involve appropriation and misrepresentation.
6. Cultural Studies: Cultural studies, which explores the interplay of culture, power, and identity, is directly concerned with cultural appropriation in literature. This theory critically examines how cultural elements are appropriated, commodified, and represented within literary works.

In these literary theories, the discussion often revolves around power dynamics, representation, identity, and the responsibilities of authors and readers. It underscores the need for cultural sensitivity, ethical awareness, and the recognition of the potential harm caused by cultural appropriation in literary works.

Cultural Appropriation in Literary Criticism

Short Story 1: “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson

• Relevant Literary Theory: Social and Cultural Studies
• Critique: Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” has been critiqued for it because it involves the ritualistic stoning of a character, reminiscent of ancient practices. Critics argue that the story appropriates elements of cultural practices related to communal rituals and ceremonies without a full understanding of their historical and cultural significance. This raises questions about the potential insensitivity in the narrative’s portrayal of cultural practices.

Short Story 2: “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker

• Relevant Literary Theory: African-American Studies
• Critique: Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” has been lauded for its exploration of African-American heritage and identity. However, some critics argue that the story could be seen as culturally appropriative when the character Dee seeks to claim her African heritage by changing her name and demanding traditional quilts. The story raises questions about the appropriation of African cultural elements by African-Americans and the complexities of identity and heritage.

Short Story 3: “The Last Rung on the Ladder” by Stephen King

• Relevant Literary Theory: Psychoanalytic Theory
• Critique: Stephen King’s short story “The Last Rung on the Ladder” has faced criticism for appropriating elements of mental illness and suicide for the sake of horror and suspense. Critics argue that the story may be seen as exploiting serious psychological issues for entertainment, raising ethical concerns about the appropriation of mental health themes for literary purposes.

Short Story 4: “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” by Gabriel García Márquez

• Relevant Literary Theory: Magical Realism
• Critique: Gabriel García Márquez’s “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” has been analyzed in terms of cultural appropriation due to its use of magical realism. While the story is celebrated for its unique narrative style, some critics argue that it appropriates elements of Latin American culture and folklore to create its magical elements. This appropriation raises questions about the portrayal of cultural elements in magical realism and the potential misrepresentation of Latin American culture.

These critiques of short stories illustrate how cultural appropriation can be examined within the context of literary criticism, taking into account various literary theories and their implications for the appropriation of cultural elements in storytelling.

Suggested Readings

1. Hooks, Bell. Black Looks: Race and Representation. South End Press, 1992.
2. King, C. Richard, and David E. Stannard. Being and Race: Black Writing Since 1970. Indiana University Press, 1988.
3. Said, Edward W. Orientalism. Pantheon, 1978.
4. Yaszek, Lisa. The Future Is Female! 25 Classic Science Fiction Stories by Women, from Pulp Pioneers to Ursula K. Le Guin. Library of America, 2018.
5. Young, Robert J.C. Colonial Desire: Hybridity in Theory, Culture, and Race. Routledge, 1995.