It's just clothing, and it's actually resurging as a cloth trend, so ponchos for everyone! What about international shipping, or just people that are based in the U.S. already? It describes acculturation or assimilation, but can imply a negative view towards acculturation from a minority culture by a dominant culture. Men, it is widely observed, are viewed as dominant, macho figures in media and pop culture. In other words, cultural appropriation can become more clearly harmful when a trend takes from a minority culture and deems that trend more societally acceptable when the majority culture adopts it. This, however, more often exemplifies assimilation than appropriation. Namaste is better than another form of greeting how are you kaisa ho, kem cho or kasa kay or Kemon achhen etc. The question of whether it is racist to wear a poncho has been a topic of debate for many years. A simple definition of cultural appropriation is the idea of someone adopting something from a culture that is not their own. This is particularly true for the poncho, which has a deep cultural significance for many indigenous communities. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Today, among Hindi speakers throughout the world, namaste is a simple greeting to say hello. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Ultimately, this article will provide readers with an understanding of the complexities surrounding the question of whether it is racist to wear a poncho. The theory stems from the broader post-colonial movement which argues that former imperial countries give unreliable social and historical narratives and silence the voices of the oppressed. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Other markers of appropriation include presenting elements of a culture in ways that: give a skewed or inaccurate perspective of that culture. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. They are usually made out of wool or cotton and are worn to provide warmth and protection from the elements. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Ponchos, serapes, and jorongos from Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina are used as stylish and practical garments to keep the wearer warm and dry in the Andes and Patagonia during the cold and harsh winter months. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The short answer is yes, but it's important to understand the historical context of the poncho, as well as the contemporary implications of wearing one. Are Ponchos Cultural Appropriation? Borrowing is not inherently bad. Cultural appropriation means using a racial, religious, or social group's customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits without authority or right. Noticias, imgenes e informacin y todo lo dems que tenga que ver con Argentina en reddit! Is It Racist To Wear A Poncho? The 520 woollen cape from the Paris fashion house. The Oxford Dictionary defines cultural appropriation as: the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. This is a Gaucho, and This is a Guacho. as far as I'm aware, there is no particular 'significance' of the poncho in any kind of rituals or holidays or what have you, nor any 'rules' to them, and so you simply wearing a poncho would be perfectly in line with what the thing was created for (to just be worn.) As the Latin-American diaspora continues to expand, the pocho concept will be an even more powerful symbol of unity and identity for many people. Try wearing a long sleeve shirt, t-shirt, dress, or even a hoodie underneath your poncho for extra warmth on those cold days. Mexican cultural appropriation is a controversial issue, as it involves people taking elements of Mexican culture without proper respect or acknowledgement. Ponchos have been used by the Native American peoples of the Andes and Patagoniasince pre-Hispanic times, from places now under the territory of Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina and are now considered typical South American garments. Its frankly fairly easy to find examples of artists using cultures outside their own for the sake of achieving an aesthetic. From Katy Perry and geishas to Miley Cyrus and twerking, cherry picking parts of another culture and ultimately diluting and profiting off of them is cultural appropriation at its most clear. Cultural appropriation is an increasingly debated topic in todays society. Is Healthy Weight Loss Possible for Pasta Lovers? The growing popularity of ponchos, which have become popular as a way to express ones Latin-American identity, is an example of this. At the same time, it is important to recognize the cultural significance of ponchos for Native Americans and other indigenous groups. But cultural appropriation is more than just a cheap, straw imitation of the wide-brimmed hat. Is it wrong to wear clothing from another culture? For example, some argue that wearing a poncho without understanding its cultural significance is disrespectful to the original culture, while others view it as a way to show appreciation for the culture. However, much of the public remains confused about what the term actually means. Experts: Dr. Kelly H. Chong, professor of sociology at the University of Kansas. These garments are revered by these people for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, which have become iconic symbols of their culture and traditions. While some argue that it is a sign of respect and appreciation for a culture, others contend that it is a form of cultural theft, where a cultures traditions and styles are taken and used for someone elses gain. In recent years, the topic of cultural appropriation has become increasingly prominent in conversations about fashion, art, and music. For example, designers should be aware of the cultural significance of the poncho and take steps to ensure that their designs are respectful and not appropriative. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Marant's is the latest fashion brand to be condemned by the Mexican government, with similar allegations levelled against Spanish retail giants Zara and Mango. Traditional gender roles in Mexican culture have made men idealistically strong, authoritative, and emotionally stable, and machismo is a natural part of Mexican society. And, of course, you must be using these items in a way that honors and reveres Mexican culture. Add in a simple belt for a cinched-in look or a hat for an exaggerated casual look. The ruana, once a beloved and personal treasure, fell from grace to become a poor mans garment, worn only by those conquered, and it eventually became little more than a symbol of the lowest class. As long as you know your reasons for needing a poncho, youll be able to pick the right one regardless of style. Theorists argue that cultural appropriation 'fetishises' and that a deeply significant societal object can be reduced to an 'exotic plaything' which demeans it. There are many different looks for women. I actually don't care much about cultural appropriation because, speaking as a biology-minded person, it is really just (un)glorified cultural transmission, which is what you are talking about. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Ponchos are lightweight and simple to use, and they can be worn in almost any weather condition to keep warm and dry. It is considered impolite to stand around with your hands in your pockets. You can also wear boots such as cowboy boots or suede boots. These pants are designed to work well with jeans and a turtleneck for a more fashionable look. There is no relevance for this topic right now. Its definitely more cultural appreciation. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. I'm not here for that, particularly in a cultural moment when hate crimes against Latinos has increased at least by 24% according to the FBI, we are harassed in public for speaking Spanish and. It's a controversial topic, one that activists and celebrities like Adrienne Keene and Jesse Williams have helped bring into the national spotlight. They can be used as a shelter cover as well as a variety of other applications. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. A more egalitarian approach to gender roles is required, as both men and women are respected and regarded as equals. You should give it directly to them rather than waiting for them to give it to you. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They may not have the ability to keep you warm or dry. The student activist group . Additional Questions. Honestly, I don't think anyone will care. Its definitely more cultural appreciation. The greeting how are you is normally not with literal meaning, the expected response is . You talk for example about the poncho. What are 4 examples of cultural appropriation? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. That's how humans learn, that's how humans develop their culture. Yeah, offensive. One of the great things about ponchos is that they can be layered with other pieces of clothing. They're designed to complement outfits and look fashionable with jeans and a turtleneck. Quite a bit different. It looks like a closed, square throw. Namaste is the traditional way of greeting people that has been in practice for so long across most local traditions of the Indian heritage. It is both common and unfortunate that cultural appropriation can occur in both cases. Ponchos are becoming more popular as a fashion accessory. So all together, namaste literally means greetings to you. In the Vedas, namaste mostly occurs as a salutation to a divinity. In short, appreciation involves learning and sharing with permission. Erkert also said there is a lack of diversity of yoga teachers in the United States. It is also a practical garment, as it can keep its wearer warm and dry in cold and rainy weather. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Under the most common definition, pocho or the feminine pocha is. However, it is important to recognize the cultural significance of ponchos and take steps to ensure that any designs or uses of the poncho are respectful and not appropriative.