Read on Twitter
"Don’t just borrow elements of a culture because “it is “cool” or “exotic,” but learn about the culture first and then decide if it is an element that makes sense for you to use in your life."
https://www.indiawest.com/blogs/when-is-indian-culture-being-appropriated-used-and-abused/article_3d97c5b2-4d8a-11e8-acb3-7716558c8d29.html
This is a (hopefully short) thread. https://twitter.com/eshwaaaaarya/status/1296131913027969024
https://www.indiawest.com/blogs/when-is-indian-culture-being-appropriated-used-and-abused/article_3d97c5b2-4d8a-11e8-acb3-7716558c8d29.html
This is a (hopefully short) thread. https://twitter.com/eshwaaaaarya/status/1296131913027969024
Sebelum saya bermula, jika anda hanya membaca setakat ini, nasihat saya kepada orang yang kurang faham tentang perbezaan antara "appreciation" dan "appropriation" - talk to Malay people in Singapore on how Malay culture is being appropriated there.
What @MFMiraFilzah did was put up a caricature - it's not Indian, it's Bollywood.
This happens all the time for South Asians - people who aren't us want to look like us (for the purposes of taking a picture) without actually being involved in the community.
This happens all the time for South Asians - people who aren't us want to look like us (for the purposes of taking a picture) without actually being involved in the community.
Because that's what it is - people who do this want to look "Bollywood" - good for Bollywood, I guess, but it doesn't change anything for me and mine.
Because my culture isn't Bollywood. Bollywood is smoke and mirrors.
Because my culture isn't Bollywood. Bollywood is smoke and mirrors.
And when people see me and say "wow macam Amitabh Bachhan / Shah Rukh Khan" - I don't feel complimented, happy or proud.
I just feel awkward. Misunderstood.
That's what appropriation does - it is a bastardization of your culture and its meaning.
I just feel awkward. Misunderstood.
That's what appropriation does - it is a bastardization of your culture and its meaning.
"Malaysians have always worn each other's traditional clothes though!"
Yes, we have, but have we done it sincerely or just as a costume?
"Oh, it's bulan Merdeka - to show how multicultural I am, I'm going to borrow a Baju Melayu / Samfu!"
One day showing je.
Yes, we have, but have we done it sincerely or just as a costume?
"Oh, it's bulan Merdeka - to show how multicultural I am, I'm going to borrow a Baju Melayu / Samfu!"
One day showing je.
It is my firm belief that if you think Indian food is roti canai and briyani and you have no Indian friends - don't wear clothes of Indian origin.
"So you're telling me not to buy these clothes?"
Yes, until you make effort to learn about the culture.
"So you're telling me not to buy these clothes?"
Yes, until you make effort to learn about the culture.
Also, Indian bridal wear (like all bridal wear) has religious and cultural significance - if you're neither Hindu nor culturally Indian (or marrying someone who is either of the above), you shouldn't wear it: http://thebigfatindianwedding.com/2010/solah-shringar-essential-adornments-for-the-indian-bride
Also, as @mastermindme6 pointed out - @yunamusic did it right, appreciating a culture and using her platform to showcase local talent as well as local culture.
Be like Yuna! (Or well, try.) https://twitter.com/mastermindme6/status/1296245601458196480
Be like Yuna! (Or well, try.) https://twitter.com/mastermindme6/status/1296245601458196480
Malaysia has a rich heritage, yes, but we've also done so much wrong.
Learning the difference between appropriation and appreciation allows us to uplift the things we love about Malaysia in a way that's respectful and inclusive.
Learning the difference between appropriation and appreciation allows us to uplift the things we love about Malaysia in a way that's respectful and inclusive.
My hope for our 2020 Merdeka is that we can once again be known as a vibrant, inclusive, friendly and truly multicultural country.
We were there once. We can go there again.
We were there once. We can go there again.
This is all anyone is asking for.
Be empathetic, take the perspective of someone else and understand why they feel that way.
Be empathetic, take the perspective of someone else and understand why they feel that way.
