2.13 Cornrows and kimonos _ Class presentation (24-25)

Page 1: Introduction to Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Syncretism

• Focus on defining cultural appropriation and cultural syncretism.

• Understand the importance of differentiating both concepts in societal contexts.

Page 2: Media Examples of Cultural Appropriation

• Headlines to consider:

  • Victoria's Secret apologizes for Native American-inspired look.

  • Kim Kardashian's Kimono underwear meets backlash.

  • Justin Timberlake regrets wearing cornrows.

  • Gwen Stefani defends her Harajuku era.

  • Marc Jacobs criticized for fake dreadlocks on models.

  • Disney removes controversial Moana costume from sale.

  • Chanel’s boomerang criticized for its offense to Indigenous culture.

• Discussion point: What overarching issue connects these events?

Page 3: Backlash Against Cultural Representation

• Analyze Katy Perry's controversial Super Bowl performance.

• Key Question: What backlash did she face and why?

Page 4: The Debate on Cultural Appropriation

• Bari Weiss’s perspective on cultural appropriation versus creative syncretism.

• Key Takeaway: Cultural appropriation accusations complicate the blending of cultures and traditions.

Page 5: Class Activity on Appropriation vs. Syncretism

• Create a two-column sheet: one for culturally appropriated practices and one for cultural syncretism.

• Discussion: When is borrowing acceptable or unacceptable?

Page 6: The Music Industry and Cultural Themes

• Critiques of artists:

  • Mention of Gwen Stefani, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea regarding issues of appropriation.

  • Issues cited: feminist themes, commodification, and disrespectful representations.

• Positive examples:

  • Madonna and Beyoncé as examples of respectful cultural exchange and elevating marginalized cultures.

  • Reflection question: How do artists give back?

Page 7: Summarizing Cultural Topics

• Task: Utilize ChatGPT to extract summary quotes about cultural appropriation and appreciation.

Page 8: Practical Application of Concepts

• Form groups to establish guidelines distinguishing cultural appropriation from syncretism.

• Compile recent cases for analysis using predefined rules.

Page 9: Understanding the Importance of Distinction

• Eve Tuck emphasizes the significance of recognizing cultural appropriation to value and preserve cultures correctly.

• Reflection Question: Is this the key reason to distinguish between the two concepts?

Page 10: Course Themes and Areas of Knowledge (AoKs)

• Core Themes: Knowledge, Indigenous societies, Arts, Language, History, Politics, Human sciences, Religion, Mathematics, Technology, Natural sciences.

Page 11: Exhibition Prompts

• Consider ownership of indigenous knowledge and heritage.

• Discussion on whether knowledge belongs exclusively to one culture or can be shared.

Page 12: Suggestions for AI Activities

• Recommendations for using AI tools for gathering examples or conducting interviews related to cultural appropriation.

• Create visuals or representations mindful of cultural respect.

Page 13: Interconnections with Other Ideas

• Compare changes in knowledge borrowing in various AOKs and how indigenous knowledge inspires new concepts.

• Reference cultural appropriation examples on a collaborative padlet.

Page 14: Continued Learning Opportunities

• 15 new lessons monthly to stay current.

• Utilize TOK padlets for in-depth understanding of themes and knowledge areas.

• Engage speakers who challenge assumptions and enhance TOK understanding.