on cultural appropriation

[liminalia]

This seems so basic and yet I had never seen this explained in this way before. Makes so much sense!

For me, what really helped me understand this issue was learning a little bit about semiotics. Semiotics is the "study of signs." In language/culture there is always a signifier (in this case "mohawk" cuts/dreadlocks) and a signified (indigenous

Comments

[chaosphaere]

I am posting this under an account which I'm about to *delete*... because my membership hasn't been approved yet for my new account (gmdreia).

In this case, the mohawk now signifies that you're part of an "alternative" subculture (punk, queer, whatever), and native peoples are very rarely even thought of.I like this. It tickles my brain

[liminalia]

However, gay culture is *not* a subculture of white culture. Sexual orientation is orthogonal to race. And yes, straight people appropriating gay culture is still appropriation. I'm reluctant to play oppression olympics about what's worse.

[chaeri]

That is just what I was going to say. White isn't the only majority. As many people have said, comparisons are odious.