Be it Resolved, cultural appropriation is part of the American experience.

Oct 22, 2024

Monica Harris, a TEDx speaker and Executive Director of the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism, debates with Nadra Nittle, a reporter for The 19th News and author. They dive into the cultural appropriation controversy sparked by Beyoncé's country album. The discussion highlights the rich historical contributions of Black artists to country music and explores the fine line between appreciation and appropriation. They also ponder the metaphors of America as a melting pot versus a mosaic, emphasizing the importance of recognizing cultural ownership and the broader implications for diverse communities.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation

03:13 • 15min

Cultural Appropriation in Music

18:09 • 18min

Melting Pot vs. Mosaic: Understanding American Cultural Identity

35:49 • 2min

The Mosaic Versus Melting Pot: Defining American Identity

38:02 • 3min

Cultural Appropriation: Beyond Individual Actions

41:32 • 7min

The release of the country album “Cowboy Carter” by Beyoncé this spring caused some surprising controversy.

Some complained Beyoncé, who is Black, shouldn’t be dabbling in what many consider a white music genre. At least one radio station in Oklahoma initially refused to play the album’s first single, “Texas Hold’em.”

Her supporters pointed out that Black Americans have a rich history in country music and cowboy culture. But the incident raised the issue of cultural appropriation: The stealing from one culture by another.

Some say that “imitation is the best form of flattery” and that cultures borrowing from each other only enriches us all. Others argue that while different cultures will always be inspired by and borrow elements from each other, there are times when borrowing crosses the line into theft.

Arguing in favour of the resolution is Monica Harris. She is a TEDx speaker, blogger, and author of The Illusion of Division. She is also Executive Director of the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to bridging the ideological divide in America by focusing on shared values and interests.

Arguing against the resolution is Nadra Nittle. She is a reporter for The 19th News, and has also written for Vox.com, the Los Angeles News Group, and many others. Her books include “Toni Morrison’s Spiritual Vision” and “Recognizing Microaggressions.”

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SOURCES: Beyonce

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