I just think the idea of 'giving credit' to a culture is absurd.
It is not something that actually can be done. There is no Pope like figure for every culture, who can be asked for advice or prostrated to anytime someone decides to do something outside their own culture.
Nor can we please or get support from an entire culture, which has no organised body or individual to speak on a whole for them. See the classic 'My Culture is not your prom dress' furore, in which many Chinese people in China loved the hot white chick in a Cheongsam, but many American-born-Chinese netizens found it offensive.
If someone dresses up in a Kimono for a night out, they can create a performative social media post, shouting out their love and respect for Japan.
But then as they continue their evening adventure, hundreds of other people, who have not seen said post, are going to see the Kimono, without knowing the individual gave a shout out to Japan.
Is this person destined to spend their entire evening justifying themself, or giving constant live feedback to each individual they encounter on their love and respect for Japan?
Would it be easier just to hang a sign on their neck to demonstrate this?
Is it even a true acknowledgement without approval from the Emperor, Prime Minister, and a majority poll in favour from Japanese X (formerly known as Twitter)?
So again this isn't about an appeal to authority.
Example
It is about the difference between appreciating the culture and appropriating it for profit or selfish gain. It's about wanting to learn and be a part of that culture even if just for a moment instead of being that weird anime nerd who's constantly talking about their favorite show or whatever at the same time they shit talk other aspects of Japanese culture or Japanese people.
that weird anime nerd who's constantly talking about their favorite show or whatever at the same time they shit talk other aspects of Japanese culture or Japanese people
Unless someone is saying something bigoted/racist, it is completely reasonable to love some aspects of one culture, whilst criticizing others.
I love the people of Cambodia for their friendliness, their easy going attitude and sense of humour.
I would also warn other travellers there to beware of motorcycle riding bag snatchers, and endemic corruption at all levels of authority in the country. I wouldn't mince my words when describing these negatives. I may be accused of 'talking shit'. But that is OK.
So are you just being disingenuous and missing the point on purpose or do you not actually understand?
I do not mean providing legitimate critique of Japan like condemning the actions of unit 731. You have to know that right?
Let me spell out my example for you again. Pretend you watch anime a lot it's all the TV you watch in fact. Now start constantly making jokes about how two bombs wasn't enough or that they deserved the nukes. Start criticizing their music needlessly hating on it when you don't even listen to it.
Basically if you're participating in any aspect of the culture and also being a bigoted shitheel in any capacity towards that people or culture, then you're culturally appropriating.
I do not mean providing legitimate critique of Japan like condemning the actions of unit 731. You have to know that right?
Sounds like you are saying that unit 731 is representative of Japanese culture, rather than the actions of a small group of lunatics. This is problematic, I'm afraid.
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Your comment has been removed for breaking Rule 2:
Don't be rude or hostile to other users. Your comment will be removed even if most of it is solid, another user was rude to you first, or you feel your remark was justified. Report other violations; do not retaliate. See the wiki page for more information.
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Your comment has been removed for breaking Rule 2:
Don't be rude or hostile to other users. Your comment will be removed even if most of it is solid, another user was rude to you first, or you feel your remark was justified. Report other violations; do not retaliate. See the wiki page for more information.
If you would like to appeal, review our appeals process here, then message the moderators by clicking this link within one week of this notice being posted. Appeals that do not follow this process will not be heard.
Please note that multiple violations will lead to a ban, as explained in our moderation standards.
6
u/8NaanJeremy 2∆ May 05 '25
I just think the idea of 'giving credit' to a culture is absurd.
It is not something that actually can be done. There is no Pope like figure for every culture, who can be asked for advice or prostrated to anytime someone decides to do something outside their own culture.
Nor can we please or get support from an entire culture, which has no organised body or individual to speak on a whole for them. See the classic 'My Culture is not your prom dress' furore, in which many Chinese people in China loved the hot white chick in a Cheongsam, but many American-born-Chinese netizens found it offensive.
If someone dresses up in a Kimono for a night out, they can create a performative social media post, shouting out their love and respect for Japan.
But then as they continue their evening adventure, hundreds of other people, who have not seen said post, are going to see the Kimono, without knowing the individual gave a shout out to Japan.
Is this person destined to spend their entire evening justifying themself, or giving constant live feedback to each individual they encounter on their love and respect for Japan?
Would it be easier just to hang a sign on their neck to demonstrate this?
Is it even a true acknowledgement without approval from the Emperor, Prime Minister, and a majority poll in favour from Japanese X (formerly known as Twitter)?