In today’s interconnected world, stories traverse boundaries like never before, bringing diverse cultures to the forefront of literature. However, this blending of worlds raises critical questions about cultural appropriation and appreciation in storytelling. Where do we draw the line? How do authors honor the stories they tell without overstepping?

Understanding the Terms

Cultural Appropriation often involves members of a dominant culture borrowing or taking elements from a culture of people who have been systematically oppressed by that dominant group. This can result in misrepresentation and exploitation of the marginalized culture’s traditions and experiences.

Cultural Appreciation, on the other hand, is about understanding, respecting, and learning about another culture in an effort to broaden perspectives and connect more deeply with others. It’s about engagement and exchange that seeks permission and actively contributes to the preservation and respect of the culture.

Spotlight on Storytelling

To explore these concepts, let’s examine instances in literature where the line between appropriation and appreciation has been navigated successfully or not:

1. Example of Appropriation:
   • A novel written by an author outside of the culture, filled with stereotypes and inaccuracies, presented in a way that distorts and disrespects the original culture’s values and experiences. This type of representation brings harms to that community since it doesn’t represent the people from that culture as humans and instead represents them as a sum of stereotypes.
2. Example of Appreciation:
   • A story that involves characters from a different culture, written after extensive research, consultation, and collaboration with members from that culture. The author credits these contributors and shares profits with the community. There’s a debate in the literary community about whether the main character should or should not be of the same identity, culture, and race as the author. It is safer to show appreciation of a culture through secondary characters. I think it’s much harder to do this with a main character because, being the focus of a story, it is harder to create the character in an authentic manner. Yet, while it’s hard, it’s not impossible. With the help of editors, sensitivity readers, and beta readers who share that identity, culture, or race, this can be done. I can’t emphasize how important it is to compensate the people who contribute to your work and give them credit. This form of transparency helps others understand that the author comes from a nonmalicious place.

Best Practices for Writers

1. Research Thoroughly: Understand the historical, social, and cultural contexts of the elements you wish to include in your story.
2. Engage with the Community: Build genuine relationships with members of the culture. Seek their feedback and involve them in the storytelling process.
3. Acknowledge Sources: Be transparent about your sources and inspirations. Recognize the contributions of those who help you portray their culture accurately.
4. Avoid Stereotypes: Challenge clichés and stereotypes; strive to portray characters as complex individuals beyond their cultural backgrounds.
5. Consider the Impact: Reflect on how your work affects the community it portrays. Are you adding value or perpetuating harm?

Why It Matters

In literature, as in life, respect and empathy are paramount. When authors approach cultural elements with sensitivity and integrity, they enrich the literary landscape and promote a more inclusive worldview.

Join the Discussion

What are your thoughts on cultural appropriation versus appreciation in literature? Share examples of books that handle cultural representation well, and let’s discuss how we can all be more mindful in our storytelling. Don’t forget to come back next Sunday for #SundaysHotTopic