Spiritual appropriation or appreciation?
I read once about a young woman who wore a Chinese dress to her graduation, much to the dismay of some folk. Their displeasure regarded the fact that she was not Asian. So therefore, she shouldn’t have donned Chinese apparel.
A similar situation was when people expresses disapproval at a government official who they believed was unfriendly towards immigrants for eating at a Mexican restaurant. He shouldn’t be eating there, they thought, because it was hypocritical.
Some members of society become alarmed over Halloween costumes they feel are misrepresenting their heritage or someone else’s because it adds to negative stereotyping.
This is called cultural appropriation, which the Cambridge Dictionary defines as the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture.
So if one group of people develops a food, music, clothing, style or slang that others outside that group want to embrace, who has to give permission?
Is there such a thing as cultural copyright?
I am convinced that most of society is willing to share with others, but it does bring up an interesting point: What is appropriated (disrespected) and what is appreciated (respected).
It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So if the imitation is done because of appreciation, then why the fuss?
This brings up another similar observation. I call it spiritual appropriation.
Some people don’t want others to adopt their symbols, speech, customs, etc. because they are not one of the groups. However, all around me, I see non-Christians doing the same thing to the Christian faith.
How many celebrities adorn themselves with crosses worn as earrings or necklaces when they are anything but Christian?
They wear present a sign of the most Holy faith to 100s of millions as nothing more than a piece of jewelry. They have no allegiance to the faith it represents. Long before some groups started calling each other brother or sister, The Bible repeatedly referred to its people as such. I hear folks say Amen to the most innocuous things, which have nothing to do with agreeing with spiritual affirmation.
The most inappropriate appropriation is taking the Lords name in vain.
I guess all should be forgiven when spiritual appropriation is done respectfully, but then it would be called spiritual appreciation. I am reminded of what I should do.
“Love is not easily offended,” reveals 1 Cor Ch13, any version.
I think I should be appreciative of the fact that Christian culture has enough influence to be imitated. Perhaps that should be a lesson for all of us concerned about our group identity. Let’s discern what is respectful and appreciative and what is not. Let it become a meeting ground for us to come together and share what is respected and to stand up against what is not. Let’s not become knee jerk reactionaries to every imagined slight, but rather balance that with thoughtful responses to those who intentionally cause division.
I for one will share with you whatever spiritual appreciation you wish to respectfully express from my Christian culture, even if you’re not a Christian, because if I can somehow show you the love of Christ, perhaps you’ll identify with and join Him.
If there is one thing that transcends all self-identities, it would be for any individual in any identity group to become a Christian. God himself has that copyright and gives permission.
Matt 11:28 NIV: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”
My previous work can be found at traceygardone.com.
Blessings.