Is Drinking Tea or Coffee Cultural Appropriation?

I can’t understand the stigmatization of cultural appropriation. If someone has an idea you find interesting and you copy it, you get an upgrade. What’s wrong with that? This is the way the world progresses.

But nowadays, people who call themselves progressive say this is cultural appropriation. Really, it seems a huge stupidity to me.

The Misconception Behind Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation is often misunderstood. People who do things associated with or started by other cultures do so because they enjoy those things. Most of the people I see whining about cultural appropriation are white liberals.

When you ask people of the culture about how they feel when they see someone 'appropriating,' their perspectives often differ. Take for instance Steven Crowder's quote: “To appropriate is to appreciate.” Unless of course, they’re mocking them, but that’s a whole different issue, like racism.

Azian Conical Hats and Shukas

If you’re drinking tea wearing an Asian conical hat or drinking coffee in a Shuka, you’re probably in the clear for cultural appropriation. But then, the question arises: what is not cultural appropriation?

Respecting and Understanding the Culture

Natalie Rita, the managing director of PR company NRPR, succinctly states: respecting a culture or ripping them off – understand the significance of what I'm doing here. Am I honoring this culture or just imitating it, and most importantly, will I offend anyone who belongs to this culture?

She highlights the importance of understanding whether one is actually honoring a culture or simply imitating it. This goes beyond the surface and requires a deeper respect and understanding.

Cultural Exchange vs. Cultural Appropriation

Cultural exchange and appropriation are different concepts. Things like tea, gunpowder, and pasta have been shared between different cultures throughout history. So, if you want to fire off an Ak-47 or slurp down some pasta, you’re fine.

If someone freely trades commodities like coffee, tea, and pork bellies, it hardly constitutes cultural appropriation. So long as buyers and sellers are willing to trade, what possible harm is there to anyone?

Quite honestly, this whole notion of cultural appropriation is a total crock. It's as self-serving and ridiculous as the notion of reparations. It's never going to happen.

Understanding and respecting cultural practices and traditions is crucial, but it’s also important to recognize the context in which they are presented. Enjoying them should not be seen as a negative act but as a positive cultural exchange. After all, the world is enriched by the shared experiences and mutual appreciation of diverse cultures.

So, let’s embrace the cultures around us, enjoy them, and honor their significance in our lives.