Is it cultural appropriation? I have a few questions....

Cultural appropriation is a phrase that has gathered traction as more folks are critically looking  the unacknowledged, fetishized and exoticized use of culture that is not their own. And rightfully so. But is it all that bad?

The difference between appropriation and appreciation can be muddled. Using the communication model and intercultural theories, I have crafted a few questions to ask oneself.

-Who is using the cultural aspect? 

-Where did the cultural aspect originate?

-What is the message and intention?

-What is the medium used?

-Is there something that is missing from the context? If so, what?

-What is the impact and feedback? Is it positive or negative?

-Who benefits from it?

Remember, these questions can have multiple answers, depending on who’s answering them. Do you think this is a fair assessment when approaching the subject? Let me know in the comments.