Overview
What cultural appropriation is, how it is deployed in public discourse, and if and when it is harmful.
What exactly is cultural appropriation? At one extreme are those commentators who suggest that any borrowing of elements outside of one’s own culture is cultural appropriation, and therefore, always wrong; at the other extreme, are those who argue that the history of human civilization just is cultural exchange, and therefore, never wrong. This book offers a clear and straightforward account of what cultural appropriation is, how it is deployed in public discourse, and if and when it is wrong.
Patti Tamara Lenard and Peter Balint define cultural appropriation as the non-consensual, knowing (or culpably ignorant) taking of something of cultural value, usually a symbol or a practice, to others. Alleged acts of cultural appropriation generate substantial contestation in public discourse. But the fact of contestation, over whether an act is in fact cultural appropriation, is not sufficient to mean that someone has done something wrong and thereby merits criticism. The authors show that there are particular conditions—including power imbalances and potential profit at the expense of the cultural group—under which cultural appropriation is inarguably wrong, and therefore, worthy of criticism.
What exactly is cultural appropriation? At one extreme are those commentators who suggest that any borrowing of elements outside of one’s own culture is cultural appropriation, and therefore, always wrong; at the other extreme, are those who argue that the history of human civilization just is cultural exchange, and therefore, never wrong. This book offers a clear and straightforward account of what cultural appropriation is, how it is deployed in public discourse, and if and when it is wrong.
Patti Tamara Lenard and Peter Balint define cultural appropriation as the non-consensual, knowing (or culpably ignorant) taking of something of cultural value, usually a symbol or a practice, to others. Alleged acts of cultural appropriation generate substantial contestation in public discourse. But the fact of contestation, over whether an act is in fact cultural appropriation, is not sufficient to mean that someone has done something wrong and thereby merits criticism. The authors show that there are particular conditions—including power imbalances and potential profit at the expense of the cultural group—under which cultural appropriation is inarguably wrong, and therefore, worthy of criticism.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry Cultural Appropriation, we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Cultural Appropriation.