With Halloween fast approaching, I thought it would be brilliant to write about the topic of Cultural Appropriation.
Earlier this week I saw this post by Garnier and let’s just say I was TRIGGERED.
I posted asking why since Garnier was a French brand, they were using Mexican culture to sell their products and was deemed a Social Justice Warrior by many others who commented.
(Basically, someone who is an open activist promoting intersectional feminism [amongst other things] is branded a SJW by others.)
The internet is rife with debate on whether something is Cultural Appreciation or Cultural Appropriation.
I came across a blog post detailing a children’s Japanese Tea Party. At first I was intrigued, it detailed how a mother promised that every other year she would throw a birthday party for her little girl. Seemed reasonable. It then went on to detail how she went about throwing her a “fun Japanese Tea Party.” That’s where I got a bit funny about it.
Going through the blog, I see her creative ideas on how to recreate a “Japanese style” table, “Asian style” seating and “Japanese style” food. From a DIY crafting perspective, everything looked nicely done but there seemed to be something missing throughout.
Now far be it from me to condemn another parent (you know that’s not my style) but my stomach fell out when she said that it might be “fun” for each of the guests to “dress up and have a Geisha style photoshoot”.
Oh. Mama. No.
First things first, let’s not get it twisted, I’m all for children being exposed to different cultures. My family is a mix of many cultures and A will learn and experience the most of what he can from all of them.
(Just a little throwback from Leeds West Indian Carnival to further reiterate my point)
Anyway, I digress, for me, this was not one of those situations. For me, this was not Cultural Appreciation.
The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a cultural ceremony carried out in Japan that carries great spiritual depth. With Japan renowned for its production of tea, predating the 9th century, over time the country itself has held these ceremonies in high regard; rightly so. I am no expert on Japanese Culture and nor do I claim to be, but with minimal research it is clear to see that these ceremonies are not for the purposes of re-enactment for a “cute tea party” without being given the respect that they deserve.
Moving on to the “cute geisha dress up”, I just have to say again:
Oh. Mama. No.
Becoming a Geisha is a life decision. As an early teen, you are presented forward to begin your training on the basis that you are accepted to do so. You are required to carry out general chores throughout your training, before making your debut as a Maiko and learn further from an established Geisha. It is only when you have built your reputation and the reputation of your house that you climb the ranks and become a Geisha. This period alone can take upwards of 10 years, is gruelling and respectfully regimented. This isn’t something that can be used as a “cute dress up”.
Now back to the thing I mentioned that was missing: Respect. The reason why to me, this is Cultural Appropriation, is that there has been little or no respect given to this ceremony and to these people. If you fully knew and understood the cultural and spiritual significance, then why would you ever dream of demoting it’s importance to something you find “cute”. Why would you not explain and educate as to the true meanings and origins of something? I’m aware the blog was probably not a play by play of the day, but to omit the cultural importance of her inspiration really is true height of disrespect.
Everything was simplified for her ease, from the “Asian style seating” (Asia is a big place) to the rice, noodles, veggies and sushi. If you can’t see how that completely makes a mockery of it, well…
Culture is not a costume. This Halloween keep your Sugar Skulls, Indians and Geishas at bay. For the love of god do not paint yourself black. You can dress up as Tina Turner and be white.
If you still don’t understand, picture yourself in school. Imagine you worked really on something. It can be anything. You fail, but you find out someone else copies exactly what you did, passed with top marks and got all the credit for it?
Yeah the tea party was cute and how awesome is the mum who did it right?
I rest my case.
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