What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Cultural appropriation happens when people from a dominant group take or use elements of a minority culture like clothing, language, music, or traditions without understanding, respect, or permission. This can lead to stereotypes, disrespect, or even harm to the original culture.

1. Exchange

This is a fair and mutual sharing between two cultures that have equal power. Both sides benefit and agree to the exchange.

• Example: Two communities collaborate on a music project, blending their styles with mutual respect and credit.

2. Dominance

This happens when a powerful culture adopts parts of a weaker culture, especially one it has historically controlled or colonized.

• Example: A colonizing country adopts Indigenous clothing or rituals while continuing to suppress the people who created them.

3. Exploitation

This is when a dominant group takes cultural elements from a marginalized group without permission, payment, or acknowledgment.

• Example: A fashion brand profits from tribal designs without crediting or compensating the community it copied from.

4. Transculturation

This is a complex blending of cultures where elements are mixed so deeply that it’s hard to tell where they originally came from.

• Example: Modern street food that combines Asian, Latin, and Western flavors in ways that reflect many influences at once.

Cordillera IPs Defend the Bahag from Misuse

(Read the full story from: Philstar.com)

The bahag is a traditional loincloth worn by Indigenous men in the Cordillera region. It’s not just clothing, it holds deep cultural meaning, symbolizing identity, heritage, and respect for tradition.

In 2022, controversy erupted when contestants in an international male pageant wore the bahag during a swimsuit competition. Many Cordillera Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and cultural advocates felt that the way it was worn, tucked and styled like modern swimwear, was disrespectful and stripped of its cultural context. Some online posts even sexualized the attire, which added to the offense.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in the Cordillera responded by reminding the public that traditional garments like the bahag should be treated with dignity. They emphasized that only the community has the right to decide how their cultural symbols are used or adapted. The NCIP also supported possible actions by the community to protect their heritage from misuse.

This incident sparked broader conversations about cultural appropriation, especially when Indigenous symbols are used for entertainment or profit without proper understanding or consent.

Download this Activity