Several years ago, on the Mexican holiday known as Cinco
de Mayo (May 5), there was an uproar in Los Angeles when several white kids
wore sombreros in celebration. The
problem? Critics said the hats should be
worn exclusively by Mexicans. For others
to don the hats was considered “cultural appropriation”.
Just last month, a similar outburst occurred when a caucasian
Utah high school senior was pictured on Instagram wearing a “cheongsam” (Chinese
style) prom dress. The attacks focused
on the claim that wearing such clothing was appropriate only for those of
Chinese extraction.
Huh?
What happened to the concept that America is a melting
pot? Sure, that has been an idealistic
objective imperfectly attained. But the
target, historically, has been recognized as one of America’s unique features.
To be an American meant that one accepted the influx of
people from all over the world who adopted our ideals. The old country was left behind. Of course, ways of the old culture did not
vanish upon entry into the new world.
But there was an expected commitment to adapt and assimilate, and that
included matters as superficial as outer garments.
Assimilation certainly didn’t result in elimination of
old customs or cultural mores but there was integration. The new citizens – and the old – experienced
changes that changed America. That
process was what made our nation America.
Today? One is
hard-pressed to see how cultural segregation is a positive development. If something as silly as fashion choices can
generate anger from the “possessive group”, that is an alarming example of
diversity run-amok.
Is it a problem that a man from India wears a western
business suit? Or that a Vietnamese
woman wears a dress instead of an ao dai?
Is that an insult to the “original” wearers?
That is called reductio
absurdum. Alas, our P.C. culture seems
to view those who condemn cultural appropriation as deserving respect.
That’s sheer foolishness.
Dismissive laughter is all they deserve.
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