Definitions
The use of elements from one culture by members of another culture without proper context, respect, or acknowledgment. Often criticized when it removes cultural meaning or reinforces stereotypes.
Cultural Appropriation
This 2022 science-fiction blockbuster sequel set on the alien world of Pandora was praised for consulting Indigenous communities and cultural experts to shape the fictional Na’vi culture.
Avatar: The Way of Water
A French luxury fashion house, famous for its Lady Bag received backlash after a dress worn on the cover of Elle featured prints that were identical to those of a Delhi-based brand, People Tree.
Dior
The famous Jamaican reggae icon who helped bring reggae and Rastafarian culture to a global audience.
Bob Marley
An American TV series that follows 8 siblings on their quest for love. It’s praised for its accuracy in depicting the Regency era, from fashion to the competitive marriage market.
Bridgerton
A global fashion and lifestyle brand faced backlash after using traditional Indian religious symbols and deities in an advertisement for a footwear campaign, which many people considered disrespectful.
Adidas Hindu deity shoe controversy
The degree to which a culture is accurately and respectfully represented. Evaluates the work itself and can be strengthened through research, collaboration, and cultural awareness.
Cultural Authenticity
This 2017 animated film about a young boy traveling through the Land of the Dead was praised for its respectful depiction of Mexican Día de los Muertos traditions after extensive cultural research.
coco
A luxury fashion brand that focuses on "classic American style" announced a collaboration with Topa, a label founded by Native American designers. The founders co-designed a collection rooted in their heritage.
Polo Ralph Lauren
A white rapper from Detroit who faced skepticism early in his career because hip-hop originated in Black communities.
Eminem
A 1995 Disney movie that depicts a romance between an Indigenous woman and John Smith. The movie was criticized for portraying settlers as heroic and avoiding the true impact of colonization on Indigenous culture.
Pocahontas
A global soda company faced heavy criticism after releasing an advertisement where a celebrity model appeared to resolve a street protest by handing a drink to a police officer.
Pepsi protest commercial
Whether an artist or work is perceived as having the credibility or authority to represent a culture. It evaluates the creator and their relationship to the culture.
Cultural Legitimacy
This 2018 romantic comedy set in Singapore was widely praised for featuring a predominantly Asian cast and for bringing contemporary Asian culture to mainstream Hollywood audiences.
Crazy Rich Asians
A luxury fashion house, known for its Milan roots recently released footwear inspired by the Indian Kolhapuri sandal. The brand immediately received backlash for not crediting the Indian origins of the design.
Prada
The ‘King of Rock and Roll’ who became famous performing music heavily influenced by African American blues and gospel traditions.
Elvis Presley
A 2014 movie that follows the story of a US Navy SEAL. Critics argued the film lacked an Iraqi perspective, oversimplified the conflict and portrayed the morally complex main character largely positively.
American Sniper
A razor brand released a viral advertisement challenging “toxic masculinity,” raising debate about whether a grooming company had the legitimacy to lecture society about male behavior.
Gillette’s “The Best Men Can Be”
The three key elements used to evaluate cultural appropriation in a well-known ethical framework by Bardon and Page.
Theft, Disrespect, and Request
This 2008 Oscar-winning film about a boy growing up in Mumbai’s slums was praised globally but criticized by some in India for portraying poverty through a Western lens.
Slumdog Millionaire
An American trend-driven fashion retailer illegally used the name of the Native American tribe, Navajo for a collection of flasks and under garments. The Navajo Nation later sued the brand in 2012.
Urban Outfitters
This South Korean music genre blends Western hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music with Korean language, fashion, and performance styles.
K-pop
A 1995 American film that follows a 13th century Scottish warrior that leads a rebellion against the English. Featured inaccurate depictions of the clothing and weaponry of the time.
Braveheart
A global coffee chain launched advertisements highlighting Canadian winter culture, hockey traditions, and community gatherings.
Tim Hortons
When someone engages with another culture in a respectful and informed way. Involves learning, acknowledgment, and often collaboration with the culture.
Cultural Appreciation
This 2018 superhero blockbuster set in a fictional African nation celebrated African traditions, languages, fashion, and music while featuring a predominantly Black cast.
Black Panther
A French fashion designer known for her bohemian-inspired collections released a blouse that was an identical copy of the traditional dress worn by the Mixe community, an Indigenous tribe from Mexico.
Isabel Marant
This global pop superstar performed music rooted in Black R&B, soul, and funk. While widely celebrated, he faced debates within the Black community over his changing skin tone and facial surgeries.
Michael Jackson
A 2018 film that follows the real-life friendship between a black pianist and his American driver. Depicts the pianist as being isolated from the black community. A truth that many of his relatives later called a “symphony of lies”.
Green Book
A global electronics brand created advertisements featuring K-pop artists and Korean pop culture to appeal to younger audiences worldwide.
Samsung global K-pop campaigns