Cultural Appropriation
The definition of, limits of,identifications of, etc. cultural appropriation are being discussed at theangryblackwoman. http://theangryblackwoman.com/2009/01/15/what-is-cultural-appropriation/#comments
It's a fascinating discussion, remarkably civil considering the topic, discussed from the POV of many writers, and itself an offshoot of the Elizabeth Bear kerfuffle last weekend. I've learned a lot about developing an epistemology related to it, and that's not something I've been able to say much about anything since college. It's a scholarly discussion in the truest sense -- few gestures toward credentials, the topic alone of central importance, but with the underlying consciousness of power relationships which unfortunately define any consideration of culture and definition.
Speaking solely as a writer, not a theorist, one particular comment spoke to my heart. It's short, it's memorable, and it's precisely how I think about writing. He's responding to another writer who uses a North American ritual mask as an object for her horror fic, trying to determine if that's cultural appropriation or just storytelling:
...What matters in writing, what really matters, is that it’s true. Not that it’s inoffensive, not that it’s consistent with some ideology, but that it crystallises some fraction of truth and hands it on to others who can understand and assimilate it.
So, regarding your mask story: is it true? Do you understand the meaning of the mask in this context? Do you use it to expose or illuminate universal human truths? If so, go for it. If some people get offended, tough. You’re telling the truth. But if the honest answer to any of these questions is no, then discard the story. Not because it’s offensive, but because it’s untrue. --Iain Coleman
That's what I've tried to express in my writing essays. Writers create something in the world -- and because we do, we have a responsibility for it. How delightful to be reminded that we are responsible to our consciences for writing truth -- which is what fiction is supposed to be.
Go read the discussion! Rowing hard, as anyone of conscience must, to navigate the Scylla of just-like-me refusal to look at the Other, and the Charybdis of taking the Other as we see her to use as our own, someone's throwing out a whole slew of ropes.
It's a fascinating discussion, remarkably civil considering the topic, discussed from the POV of many writers, and itself an offshoot of the Elizabeth Bear kerfuffle last weekend. I've learned a lot about developing an epistemology related to it, and that's not something I've been able to say much about anything since college. It's a scholarly discussion in the truest sense -- few gestures toward credentials, the topic alone of central importance, but with the underlying consciousness of power relationships which unfortunately define any consideration of culture and definition.
Speaking solely as a writer, not a theorist, one particular comment spoke to my heart. It's short, it's memorable, and it's precisely how I think about writing. He's responding to another writer who uses a North American ritual mask as an object for her horror fic, trying to determine if that's cultural appropriation or just storytelling:
...What matters in writing, what really matters, is that it’s true. Not that it’s inoffensive, not that it’s consistent with some ideology, but that it crystallises some fraction of truth and hands it on to others who can understand and assimilate it.
So, regarding your mask story: is it true? Do you understand the meaning of the mask in this context? Do you use it to expose or illuminate universal human truths? If so, go for it. If some people get offended, tough. You’re telling the truth. But if the honest answer to any of these questions is no, then discard the story. Not because it’s offensive, but because it’s untrue. --Iain Coleman
That's what I've tried to express in my writing essays. Writers create something in the world -- and because we do, we have a responsibility for it. How delightful to be reminded that we are responsible to our consciences for writing truth -- which is what fiction is supposed to be.
Go read the discussion! Rowing hard, as anyone of conscience must, to navigate the Scylla of just-like-me refusal to look at the Other, and the Charybdis of taking the Other as we see her to use as our own, someone's throwing out a whole slew of ropes.