Culture Vultures and Cultural Appropriation

by Eli Diomampo

“A person or an organization making profit using unhonorable practices from a culture they do not care for.” - Definition for a ”Culture Vulture”

In this modern day and age, media, fashion and music is booming. Thanks to the digital means that we have become easily accustomed to, it is easy to find ways of inspiration as it is only a few taps away from being in our wardrobe or added to a playlist. But when we are exhausted of ideas or tired of our current appearance, should we delve into other cultures and “steal” from those cultures, to differentiate ourselves and attempt to create something more authentic?

High street/fast fashion brands such as H&M and Topshop have begun to sell bindi’s which some have criticised as their customers wearing the clothing as a fashion statement and not a statement of faith

Another example is appearance that skaters use; baggy jeans and oversized clothes (normally bought from a charity/thrift shop) are a staple of their culture and showed their careless and cool personality, as well as allowing the body to freely move when performing a line. This (recently) has been widely adopted by influencers and “posers” who try to individualise themselves for no practical reason but to look “cool”. Especially the thrift/charity shopping, where influencers are known to say they charity shop (or buy second hand), to save the planet but probably don’t recycle plastic, or litter during parties.

In my opinion, I think it is fine to wear clothing from other people that you think look nice/ been inspired by or having fun with your wardrobe and experimenting, but there is a line that you shouldn’t cross - acting in a way that upholds yourself and not knowing the roots of the clothing style you wear and proclaiming that the clothing you wear is “new”, even though it was already a norm in another culture.