Cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of a minority culture by members of the dominant culture. Because of the presence of power imbalances that are a byproduct of colonialism and oppression, cultural appropriation is distinct from equal cultural exchange. Cultural appropriation is considered harmful and to be a violation of the collective intellectual property rights of the originating, minority cultures, notably indigenous cultures and those living under colonial rule. Cultural appropriation can include using other cultures’ cultural and religious traditions, fashion, symbols, language and songs.
You seem to be confused about cultural appropriation: flags, most clothing, food, and other things are generally considered free to use, as long as those items are not restricted (you have to earn a Headdress, or a Purple Heart) And you aren’t using those items to mock, denigrate or perpetuate stereotypes about other people. The girl in this toon is not doing this, while the toon itself is mocking, denigrating and perpetuating stereotypes.
Wonder Woman was originally a male fantasy created and written by a man (William Marston) and drawn by a man (H. G. Peter). The comic was drawn exclusively by men until the mid-1980s. Even when revamped in the 1970s, a different male fantasy (an Emma Peel pastiche) was temporarily substituted for the original. The first woman to write the comic came even later, although Marston occasionally used a female scripting assistant and, much later, Roy Thomas’s wife coscripted an issue plotted mostly by Thomas. Wonder Woman is only slightly more of an example of female/feminist culture than the Playmate of the Month. Not that Mr. Lester is particularly likely to get his facts right.
This ‘cultural appropriation’ nonsense is just about the dumbest thing ever. l Without the blending of cultures we wouldn’t have: Blues, Rock & Roll, international markets for jeans, pizza in NY, fusion cuisine, and the list goes on and on and on
I would say there’s a silly view of cultural appropriation and a sensible view. Here’s an example of the sensible view. A lot of black musicians wrote and recorded great music, and they didn’t get paid much. But sometimes the record companies made a of money. Then white musicians came along and did covers and got paid millions. The black musicians were annoyed. I think rightfully. But there’s also a silly view of cultural appropriation, which says those in one culture shouldn’t borrow from another culture. That’s contrary to the whole creative impulse of the human race. Cultures have been trading for ever and ever, and the result is usually for the good of all.
Stephen Runnels Premium Member over 5 years ago
I have to assume this cartoon is in response to justify the dad and son who dressed up as Nazis.
David Riedel Premium Member over 5 years ago
?
NeoconMan over 5 years ago
Uh….does this cartoon actually…MEAN something…?
Walter Kocker Premium Member over 5 years ago
Hey! I thought it funny. Not everything has to be knee-deep in meaning. This IS a comics page, isn’t it?
Mr. Blawt over 5 years ago
Cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of a minority culture by members of the dominant culture. Because of the presence of power imbalances that are a byproduct of colonialism and oppression, cultural appropriation is distinct from equal cultural exchange. Cultural appropriation is considered harmful and to be a violation of the collective intellectual property rights of the originating, minority cultures, notably indigenous cultures and those living under colonial rule. Cultural appropriation can include using other cultures’ cultural and religious traditions, fashion, symbols, language and songs.
You seem to be confused about cultural appropriation: flags, most clothing, food, and other things are generally considered free to use, as long as those items are not restricted (you have to earn a Headdress, or a Purple Heart) And you aren’t using those items to mock, denigrate or perpetuate stereotypes about other people. The girl in this toon is not doing this, while the toon itself is mocking, denigrating and perpetuating stereotypes.
Ontman over 5 years ago
Another ‘yawner’ Mr. Lester.
Judge Magney over 5 years ago
Wonder Woman was originally a male fantasy created and written by a man (William Marston) and drawn by a man (H. G. Peter). The comic was drawn exclusively by men until the mid-1980s. Even when revamped in the 1970s, a different male fantasy (an Emma Peel pastiche) was temporarily substituted for the original. The first woman to write the comic came even later, although Marston occasionally used a female scripting assistant and, much later, Roy Thomas’s wife coscripted an issue plotted mostly by Thomas. Wonder Woman is only slightly more of an example of female/feminist culture than the Playmate of the Month. Not that Mr. Lester is particularly likely to get his facts right.
Walter Kocker Premium Member over 5 years ago
Ah, Emma Peel, leather onesie with a buckle under the chin…got me through puberty. Thank you, Diana Rigg!
braindead Premium Member over 5 years ago
Lester and the Trump Disciples have not yet figured out how to blame the MAGAbomber and the shooter on the libtards.
tauyen over 5 years ago
This ‘cultural appropriation’ nonsense is just about the dumbest thing ever. l Without the blending of cultures we wouldn’t have: Blues, Rock & Roll, international markets for jeans, pizza in NY, fusion cuisine, and the list goes on and on and on
ED CANTWELL over 5 years ago
I honestly don’t get it….
Dave Ferro over 5 years ago
Awesome cartoon, Mike!
lonecat over 5 years ago
I would say there’s a silly view of cultural appropriation and a sensible view. Here’s an example of the sensible view. A lot of black musicians wrote and recorded great music, and they didn’t get paid much. But sometimes the record companies made a of money. Then white musicians came along and did covers and got paid millions. The black musicians were annoyed. I think rightfully. But there’s also a silly view of cultural appropriation, which says those in one culture shouldn’t borrow from another culture. That’s contrary to the whole creative impulse of the human race. Cultures have been trading for ever and ever, and the result is usually for the good of all.