Arts & Culture
Cultural Appropriation in Aesthetic Judgment
Quick fact
The term 'cultural appropriation' was popularized in academic circles in the 1980s, but debates about borrowing cultural elements have existed for centuries, especially in colonial contexts.
Why this is interesting
You probably have a favorite style of music, fashion, or art—but what if that style was borrowed from a culture that isn't yours? Could the way you enjoy it actually be problematic?
Read the full explanation
Understanding Cultural Appropriation in Aesthetic Judgment
Imagine you are at a festival and see someone wearing a Native American headdress as a fashion statement. You might think it looks cool or exotic. But for many Native Americans, that headdress is a sacred item earned through acts of bravery. This is the crux of cultural appropriation: when elements of a minority culture are taken by a dominant group without understanding or respect for their original meaning. In aesthetic judgment, this means that our reactions—what we find beautiful, cool, or interesting—are not just personal preferences. They are shaped by our cultural background and the power relations between cultures. When a dominant culture borrows from a marginalized one, the borrowed element often loses its original significance and becomes a superficial commodity. The aesthetic value changes: what was once a symbol of identity becomes a trend. This is why some argue that the headdress is no longer 'beautiful' in the same way for those whose culture it belongs to.
A deeper explanation
Why does context and power matter so much? At its core, cultural appropriation in aesthetic judgment reveals that aesthetic value is relational, not intrinsic. The same object or practice can be seen as beautiful, sacred, or offensive depending on who is viewing it and why. This challenges Enlightenment ideas of universal beauty, which assumed that good taste is the same for everyone. Instead, cultural appropriation shows that aesthetic judgments are embedded in histories of colonialism, globalization, and inequality. When a dominant culture adopts elements from a minority, it often strips away their original context, flattening complex cultural meanings into a mere aesthetic style. This can reinforce stereotypes and make it harder for the original culture to control its own narratives. For example, when yoga in the West is reduced to fitness exercise, it loses its spiritual dimensions that are central to Indian traditions. The aesthetic judgment—what feels good or looks beautiful—is thus not innocent; it can perpetuate cultural harm. However, not all borrowing is appropriation. The distinction lies in power balance, respect, and reciprocity. When cultures exchange on equal terms and with understanding, it can be a form of cultural appreciation that enriches everyone. Therefore, understanding cultural appropriation in aesthetic judgment helps us see that beauty is not just in the eye of the beholder, but also in the hand of history and power.