In this article, we will explore the debate surrounding ponchos and cultural appropriation and consider whether or not wearing a poncho is an act of cultural appropriation. 2023 Curated Taste. A ruana is like a poncho as that it is made of a single piece of fabric with a hole for the head; the difference is that there is a slit down the front from neck to hem. From baby hairs and box braids worn by white models on the runway to tutorials for how to achieve afros with white hair, black culture is often appropriated in the name of fashion. Wearing a poncho is perfect for spring with the every changing temperatures. Honestly, I don't think anyone will care. What cultures use ponchos? Wearing a sombrero and poncho to celebrate Mexican culture? All rights reserved. You talk for example about the poncho. Additional Questions. For many, the question of whether or not wearing a poncho is considered cultural appropriation is one that has sparked debate and controversy. This shape is universally flattering because the diagonal is high on one hip and drops diagonally to the opposite thigh. Higher up, in the countryside of chilly Boyac and Cundinamarca, both men and women wear the ruana, or wool poncho. The Oxford Dictionary defines cultural appropriation as: the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. Ponchos come in two basic varieties. For example, some argue that wearing a poncho without understanding its cultural significance is disrespectful to the original culture, while others view it as a way to show appreciation for the culture. Ultimately, this article will provide readers with an understanding of the complexities surrounding the question of whether it is racist to wear a poncho. Technically. I dont think americans as a whole are retards, but I dont understand how the fuck a single country can come up with so much bs like cultural appropiation, antivaxxers or the flath earth theory in such little time, We dont give a fuck about cultural appropriation, literary we are fake italians who speak spanish. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It's an act of cultural solidarity . As author Carvell Wallace writes in a piece on Meghan Trainors blaccent for MTV News, What does it mean that Meghan Trainors voice is, technically, an approximated black one that comes from a white body?. This symbolism is very old and has been preserved thanks to the memory of the artisans. However, it becomes a problem when appreciation becomes fetishization, when exchange is one-sided, or when cultures are reduced to a single stereotype. There is no relevance for this topic right now. I love pancakes, New York City, thrifting, and bulldogs. They originated in South America and were traditionally worn by indigenous people for protection against the elements. If even. I am designing a character with wings on their back and I really like the idea of them wearing a poncho because it is something the character can wear over their top half without having to worry about fitting their wings through sleeves, etc. Knowing your own culture is one of the best ways to understand and appreciate other cultures. The ponchos look and feel can be balanced by skinny jeans. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The short answer is yes, but it's important to understand the historical context of the poncho, as well as the contemporary implications of wearing one. In modern times, however, the poncho has become a fashionable item and is now widely available in stores across the globe. The bans are generally put in place to discourage people from wearing costumes which could be deemed offensive or which could be interpreted as promoting negative stereotypes. Theyre designed to complement outfits and look fashionable with jeans and a turtleneck. At the same time, it is important to recognize the cultural significance of ponchos for Native Americans and other indigenous groups. It also just seems very on-the-nose given other things that have been stolen from Native Americans. 35 Groundbreaking Women From History You Didn't Learn About In School, Dwyane Wade's Words For Daughter Zaya At The NAACP Image Awards Were So Touching, 55 Inexpensive Things Thatll Instantly Make You Like Your Home A Lot More, 35 Cheap & Clever Things That'll Make You Wake Up Looking (& Smelling) Better, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. I know that if you have to ask if something is cultural appropriation it usually is, but considering, Am willing to learn about the history of them and spread the knowledge to whoever asked/commented on it, Would purchase them from sources directly benefiting Hispanic/Native American businesses. This design is notable for its unexpected style, which is inspired by the old west. In conclusion, the debate surrounding ponchos and cultural appropriation is complex and nuanced. It can be worn with ankle boots, knee-high boots, or even sneakers. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? So all together, namaste literally means greetings to you. In the Vedas, namaste mostly occurs as a salutation to a divinity. It's just clothing, and it's actually resurging as a cloth trend, so ponchos for everyone! It is a three-syllable word that is pronounced nah muh stay. Technically, theres no wrong way to wear a poncho. In recent years, the topic of cultural appropriation has become increasingly prominent in conversations about fashion, art, and music. Excuse my ignorance. Stay Dry On Water Rides: The Benefits Of Wearing A Poncho And Tips For Choosing The Right One, Calculating Optimal Dimensions For Bow Tie Antennas: A Comprehensive Guide. It is important to consider the cultural history of ponchos, the potential impact of wearing one on indigenous communities, and the line between fashion and cultural appropriation. As Rachel Kuo writes for Everyday Feminism, when people think culture can seemingly be understood with a bite of food, thats where it gets problematic., Music and cultural appropriation go way, way back. Yes, but only if you purchase said pieces from a Mexican designer, artist, or retailer. Erkert also said there is a lack of diversity of yoga teachers in the United States. 1 a Muslim form of salutation consisting of a deep bow with the right palm on the forehead. In recent years Mexico has sought to publicly shame multinational brands that it has accused of ransacking the cultural heritage of poor villagers. Celebrities have used chola culture motifs to create fashion statements. In addition, it is believed to have spiritual significance, with some tribes believing that the poncho has the power to protect its wearer from harm. To be certain, it is critical to examine the implications of cultural appropriation on both the food we eat and the cultural practices we engage in. These garments are revered by these people for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, which have become iconic symbols of their culture and traditions. Is Healthy Weight Loss Possible for Pasta Lovers? Taco Bell, according to the LA Food Adventures Blog, has denatured and commercialized Mexican cuisine, which is considered a misrepresentation and exploitation of Latinx cultures. As long as you know your reasons for needing a poncho, youll be able to pick the right one regardless of style. One of the great things about ponchos is that they can be layered with other pieces of clothing. Erkert said it is important to acknowledge that yogas origins are religious and that through its spread, it has been culturally appropriated. So, is it okay for you to wear a Mexican embroidered dress, practice the art of smudging, or display Otomi art in your home? Por favor que este concepto pelotudo del norte no se expanda como el terraplanismo o los anti vaxxer. This is another example of cherry picking parts of a culture, thus leaving them devoid of their original intention. They are perfect for chilly days, outdoor activities, and special occasions. A gaban is one of the dialects spoken in Mexico. It looks like a closed, square throw. In a nutshell, it all comes down to how you wear it. Ponchos are a Mexican fashion staple that has been passed down through generations. Ponchos, serapes, and jorongos from Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina are used as stylish and practical garments to keep the wearer warm and dry in the Andes and Patagonia during the cold and harsh winter months. On the other hand, cultural appreciation is the respectful use of elements from another culture with an understanding of their meaning and significance. You should take extra care to respect people who appear older than you. Is it appropriation to wear a Mexican dress? In particular, wearing a serape, a traditional Mexican blanket-like garment, has become a source of controversy in the United States, with some people viewing it as an insensitive cultural appropriation. Additionally, year-round parties in which the theme is something stereotypically associated with a specific group of people (Looking at you, thug parties) goes beyond cultural appropriation in just being blatantly racist. In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument, examining the history of the poncho and its cultural significance, as well as discussing the implications of cultural appropriation. The pocho concept is becoming more popular as an identity concept among Mexican Americans and other Latin Americans. To an actually latinamerican no, cultural appropiation is an stupid idea. The comments below have not been moderated. Mexican cultural appropriation is a controversial issue, as it involves people taking elements of Mexican culture without proper respect or acknowledgement. Ponchos have been used by the Native American peoples of the Andes and Patagonia since pre-Hispanic times, from places now under the territory of Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina and are now considered typical South American garments. - Cultural Appropriation Is it appropriate to wear a poncho? A simple definition of cultural appropriation is the idea of someone adopting something from a culture that is not their own. The idea that cultural appropriation is primarily a form of erasure - a kind of emotional violence in which people are rendered invisible - came along later. Hanbok is a traditional South Korean dress with colorful patterns. With its timeless style, this timeless garment is a great way to stay warm and dry throughout the cold, wet months. It's been going on for hundreds of thousands of years. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Worry not, most (as a polite way of saying 99%) argentines don't give a fuck about it, I grew up watching cowboy films with Clint Eastwood rocking a badass poncho and a sheepskin vest iirc (on the dollars trilogy), and never thought much about it. Yeah, through cultural appropriation. Ponchos have long been worn by the Native American peoples of the Andes, Valley of Mexico, and Patagonia, from places now under Mexican, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina territory, and are now considered typical American clothing. I am a freelance writer and contributing writer for typeF, MTV FORA, Huffington Post Style, Golden Girl Finance, and frockOn. So all together, namaste literally means , Namaste is a phrase commonly used at the end of a yoga class generally meaning, Namaste is better than another form of greeting how are you kaisa ho, kem cho or kasa kay or Kemon achhen etc. Your email address will not be published. I know some people are sensitive about it though, so I just wanted to be safe. Apparel can also represent the beliefs, customs, values, morals, economics, art, and technology of individuals and groups. I know that if you have to ask if something is cultural appropriation it usually is, but considering Am willing to learn about the history of them and spread the knowledge to whoever asked/commented on it Would purchase them from sources directly benefiting Hispanic/Native American businesses :) Thank you! Mexico can only become more equal and respectful if it follows this model. It's what humans do. The cost of making a simple plastic poncho can range between a few dollars and a few hundred dollars. Namaste (/nmste/, Devanagari: ), sometimes called namaskar and namaskaram, is a customary Hindu non-contact manner of respectfully greeting and honoring a person or group, used at any time of day. Women, on the other hand, are expected to be submissive, nurturing, and supportive of their husbands. Not inherently. They may not have the ability to keep you warm or dry. The poncho is both comfortable and stylish, thanks to its center opening that allows the head to pass through comfortably. Buying one from like Target is not supportive of those cultures so Im glad you see it like that. Additionally, designers should strive to create designs that are reflective of the original culture in a positive way, rather than using the culture for their own gain. I'm wondering the same thing. For centuries, the ruana would be regarded with distaste and contempt, used to mark its wearer with shame. Whether its worn over shorts or with a dress, this piece can help you create a fashion statement that is both fashionable and meaningful. Is it appropriation to wear a Mexican dress? Dr. Kelly H. Chong, professor and chairperson in the department of sociology at the University of Kansas, spoke to Bustle over email about what cultural appropriation is and the consequences it can have. Ponchos come from South America. To complete the look, you can opt for anything from sneakers to ballerinas to flats. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Theyre designed to complement outfits and look fashionable with jeans and a turtleneck. Cultural Appropriation, A Perennial Issue On Halloween. They are sometimes marketed as ponchos, blanket ponchos, or even kimonos. Ponchos were traditional garments worn by early Latin American cultures as rough, brightly colored, handloomed cloths. Mike Pompeo ADMITS he was questioned over $8 billion arms French buses remove Borat posters after outcry from Muslims Ukraine soldiers shoot down enemy drones with drones of their own, Wheel of Fortune contestant answers food puzzle wrong, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' However, it is important to recognize the cultural significance of ponchos and take steps to ensure that any designs or uses of the poncho are respectful and not appropriative. Mexican cultural appropriation is a controversial issue, as it involves people taking elements of Mexican culture without proper respect or acknowledgement. In addition to this stereotyping Asian culture, its also culturally inaccurate. Culture minister Alejandra Frausto published an open letter earlier this month demanding an explanation as to why Marant's maison was selling garments based on motifs with documented origins in Mexico. What are some examples of cultural appropriation? The poncho and skinny jeans are a popular combination. Make sure the object is not thrown to the other person. Ponchos can be worn in a variety of ways, from traditional Mexican designs to more modern styles. This is particularly true for the poncho, which has a deep cultural significance for many indigenous communities. Wearing a poncho over a dress creates a chic and sexy look. Key elements of culture include: language art,. But cultural appropriation is more than just a cheap, straw imitation of the wide-brimmed hat. Namaste is better than another form of greeting how are you kaisa ho, kem cho or kasa kay or Kemon achhen etc. It can range from wearing a sombrero or using Mexican-style designs, to using language and cultural practices without understanding their context or source. Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images, Portland burrito cart were criticized for cultural appropriation, Cultural appropriation at music festivals, baby hairs and box braids worn by white models, Costumes that are examples of cultural appropriation. In conclusion, cultural appropriation is a complex issue that affects many aspects of our daily lives. Go right ahead but please show us the concept art when you can! (since it just goes over the head). From a historical perspective, the term that is typically used to describe the adoption of certain . This gives you many different style options and allows you to stay warm in a variety of ways. Cultural appreciation and cultural exchange are vital parts of any culture. However, wearing a particular type of poncho can be seen as offensive in certain contexts. This gives you many different style options and allows you to stay warm in a variety of ways. I actually don't care much about cultural appropriation because, speaking as a biology-minded person, it is really just (un)glorified cultural transmission, which is what you are talking about. Its not a bad way to start learning about other cultures and it could even help other people to learn more about that culture through you. It is a way to honor the past while looking to the future. They're designed to complement outfits and look fashionable with jeans and a turtleneck. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. At first glance, it appears that this is a harmless act. Clothing habits vary from culture to culture because each has its own distinct style of clothing. In this article, we will explore the debate surrounding ponchos and cultural appropriation and consider whether or not wearing a poncho is an act of cultural appropriation. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. For example, some argue that wearing a poncho without understanding its cultural significance can be seen as disrespectful to the original culture. The good news: there is no right way to say Namaste, as long as it is being used as an expression of respect and gratitude and being pronounced correctly. In short, if your use of cultural items or practices exploits that culture in any way, youre appropriating whether you realize it or not. Mexico will have to change its attitudes and behaviors toward gender roles if it is to achieve machismo. The feathers are the only thing that's remotely naive American. For many indigenous communities, the poncho is seen as a symbol of pride and identity, and its use is closely tied to their culture and traditions. The bans are often accompanied by additional regulations, such as requiring photo ID or prohibiting certain items, such as face masks or weapons. A more egalitarian approach to gender roles is required, as both men and women are respected and regarded as equals. As such, it is important to understand and respect the cultural significance of the poncho when wearing one. Despite the controversy that can be associated with such bans, they can be an effective way to ensure that public places remain safe and free of inappropriate behavior. "(Mis)Appropriation of cultural elements of marginalized groups by the dominant groups (without the consent of the groups from which the cultural elements are being borrowed) often misrepresents and distorts the original meaning of these elements, exoticizes, simplifies, and commodifies them for display and consumption by the mainstream public," Dr. Chong states, "thereby perpetuating the harmful stereotypes of the marginalized groups." The Tagalog term baro at saya orblouse and skirt is the main component of the ensemble, as is the blouse. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Cultural appropriation refers to the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that reinforces stereotypes or contributes to oppression and doesn't respect their original meaning or give credit to their source. These garments, which are now considered typical American clothing, have been part of these regions culture and identity for centuries, and they are important members of the native peoples fashion and style. Misrepresentation occurs in the fourth form, when one culture is inaccurately portrayed by another, frequently contributing to stereotypes and undermining the cultures worth. A Cultural History of Ponchos A Cultural History of Ponchos. Under the most common definition, pocho or the feminine pocha is slang for a Mexican American who is neither one nor the other, who speaks no Spanish or speaks it poorly, who is adrift between two cultures, or lives comfortably in both. Cultural appropriation is not inheritely a bad thing. This article will explore the history of the serape . Some people want to put a time limit on it, and say that what was acquired through cultural appropriation at some point can't be borrowed anymore. In fashion, for example, cultural appropriation, as explained by actor and activist Amandla Stenberg, occurs when a style leads to racist generalizations or stereotypes where it originated, but is deemed as high fashion cool or funny when the privileged take it for themselves.. I was talking about gauchos. It is found on the Indian subcontinent, and among the Nepalese and Indian diaspora. Experts: Dr. Kelly H. Chong, professor of sociology at the University of Kansas. A ruana is a versatile garment that can be worn for both formal and informal occasions. Rather, I think where cultural appropriation is concerned the motivation here is to consider reality: that "cultural exchange" is by no means a level playing field; that PoC are regularly marginalized and penalized for using their cultural markers while white people are merely "celebrating" or "honoring" these things; that colonialism is a . As a result of systemic racism, Black people face consequences for wearing dreadlocks that non-Black people do not. While the women ended up reverse engineering a tortilla recipe of their own, portions of the interview where the women talked about peeking into the windows of every kitchen was what struck some as appropriative. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. It is perfectly acceptable to wear a ruana, as it is a fashionable and practical garment. This can be seen as disrespectful to Mexican culture, and in some cases even offensive, as it ignores the history and culture behind certain elements. Ponchos are a common garment for both men and women and are often decorated with intricate embroidery or colorful beading. Add in a simple belt for a cinched-in look or a hat for an exaggerated casual look. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Ponchos can be worn with boots, jeans, or a v-neck sweater. Namaste (/nmste/, Devanagari: ), sometimes called namaskar and namaskaram, is a customary Hindu non-contact manner of respectfully greeting and honoring a person or group, used at any time of day. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The debate surrounding ponchos and cultural appropriation is an important one, and it is important to continue to have open conversations about the issue. Is it appropriation to wear a Mexican dress? For example, designers should be aware of the cultural significance of the poncho and take steps to ensure that their designs are respectful and not appropriative. Technically, theres no wrong way to wear a poncho. In the fashion industry, there is often a fine line between fashion and cultural appropriation. Sorry, we dont give a fuck about cultural apropiations. Ponchos are a popular clothing item, and their journey from South America to the Western Hemisphere appears to have been completed. The fight against sexism and machismo will require a multi-pronged approach from both men and women, as well as government efforts. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. By doing so, we can help to ensure that our use of ponchos and other clothing items is respectful and not appropriative. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. My name is Kendra and Im a fashion obsessed, city lovin girl. The Mexican government has forced French fashion designer Isabel Marant to apologise for 'cultural appropriation' in a row over a poncho. Is it OK to wear ponchos? Is it wrong to wear clothing from another culture? The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Higher up, in the countryside of chilly Boyac and Cundinamarca, The Colombian ruana poncho has a colorful history from riches to rags to riches again and now its, The ruana, once a beloved and personal treasure, fell from grace to become a poor mans garment, worn only by those conquered, and it eventually became little more than, Ponchos have long been a staple on the runways of Chlo and Max Mara, but, One of the great things about ponchos is that they can be layered with other pieces of clothing. Ollie Millington / Getty Images. Cultural appropriation happens when a dominant culture adopts elements of a minority culture without respect or appreciation for that culture. It is considered impolite to stand around with your hands in your pockets. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide if wearing a poncho is an act of cultural appropriation or appreciation. Not everything inspired by another culture is cultural appropriation, of course. What cultures use ponchos? Ponchos have been used by the Native American peoples of the Andes and Patagonia since pre-Hispanic times, from places now under the territory of Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina and are now considered typical South American garments. How do you appreciate a culture without appropriating it? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".