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.