Should Artists Be Allowed to Borrow From Cultures Besides Their Own?
Sep 29, 2023
53:15
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Yascha Mou, a political scientist, debates in favor of artists borrowing from cultures other than their own. The podcast delves into the complexities of cultural appropriation, exploring the need for nuance in determining ownership, discussing examples like New Orleans jazz and cornrows, and addressing the impact of cultural appropriation on publishing and TV shows. The hosts also discuss the distinction between cultural appropriation and cultural exchange.
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Quick takeaways
Artists should be allowed to borrow from cultures besides their own to promote diversity and creativity.
It is important to respect specific group wishes and protect against unjust profiting in cultural appropriation.
The concept of 'cultural appropriation' can be complex, and a nuanced understanding of power dynamics and historical context is necessary.
Deep dives
The debate over cultural appropriation and cultural exchange
The podcast explores the concept of cultural appropriation and its implications. It discusses whether artists should be allowed to borrow from cultures besides their own. Yash, arguing yes, believes that restricting cultural exchange hinders diversity and creativity. T, arguing no, emphasizes the importance of respecting specific group requests and protecting against the unjust diversion of profits. The debate delves into the complexities of ownership, meaningfulness, and historical context in cultural appropriation.
Different perspectives on cultural exchange
Yash argues that cultural exchange is essential for a diverse society, highlighting the benefits it brings to art, literature, technology, and more. He raises concerns about attributing group ownership and the impracticality of distinguishing between different cultural influences. T acknowledges the importance of influence but emphasizes the significance of specific group wishes and the impact of power dynamics, especially when groups have experienced oppression.
The limitations and challenges of cultural appropriation
Yash criticizes the term 'cultural appropriation,' arguing that it can be overly broad and distract from addressing underlying injustices. He shares examples where a lack of clear group ownership leads to confusion and unjust consequences. T defends the term, asserting that it points to specific cases where respecting cultural autonomy and meaningfulness is vital. He advocates listening and respecting the wishes of groups, even if consensus may not be clear in every instance.
Navigating the nuances of cultural exchange
The conversation explores the role of history in cultural appropriation and the challenges of establishing rules around cultural borrowing. Yash warns against restrictive norms and emphasis the importance of building a fair society that provides marginalized groups with resources and social standing. T argues for recognizing the distinctions between cultural exchange and cultural appropriation, urging respectful engagement with specific group requests and concerns.
The complexities and gray areas of cultural appropriation
The podcast discusses the complex nature of cultural appropriation and the difficulty in defining clear boundaries. It engages with questions about who gets to own history and the varying degrees of group wishes and unity. Both speakers stress the need for thoughtful consideration and avoiding harm, while recognizing that approaching cultural exchange requires a nuanced understanding of power dynamics and specific contexts.
Modern art, runway fashion, and music today are in the middle of a cultural reckoning, where artists must find a balance between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Those in support of borrowing say placing restrictions on what artists can be inspired by may stifle artistic expression. Those against it say doing so erases a tradition’s context while echoing past mistreatment. Now we debate: Should Artists Be Allowed to Borrow From Cultures Besides Their Own?
Arguing Yes: Yascha Mounk, political scientist, author, and associate professor at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies
Arguing No: C. Thi Nguyen, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Utah; Author of "Games: Agency as Art"
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates