3.1: Your Top 5 Cultural Appropriation Questions Answered

10/27/20 • 45 min

Cultural appropriation can be so confusing. We all want to learn about and celebrate other cultures while making sure we don’t cross any lines or embrace stereotypes and caricatures. In this episode I answer the 5 most common questions that I get from you about cultural appropriation. We cover everything from authentic cultural artifacts to costumes. This episode will bring you the clarity you need to make sure you are appreciating and not appropriating.

When I ask cultural insiders about appropriation I always get different answers, how do I navigate that?
How do I avoid appropriating when it comes to children's costumes?
When is it acceptable to wear authentic cultural artifacts?
How can I support the Black economy without appropriating?
What do I do if I realize that I've been purchasing appropriated items?

First Name Basis Patreon Community

First Name Basis Instagram

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 16: “How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation”

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 11: “Cinco De Mayo Is NOT Mexican Independence Day”

Think Before You Appropriate

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo*

Arizona’s ban on Mexican American studies was racist, U.S. court rules Arizona judge declares ban on ethnic studies unconstitutional

Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes) by Mindy Kailing

How to dress your Pākehā child up as Maui or Moana without appropriating Pasifika culture Please don’t tell your kids they can’t dress as Moana this Halloween

Opposition to my opinion on costumes:

PSA: Don’t Let Your Kids Dress Up In These Costumes

Why your white kid probably shouldn’t dress up as Moana for Halloween

Traditional Cultural Clothing:

Little Koto’s Closet by Emi Ito

Appropriation of Indigenous Culture

Podcast with Robin Wall Kimmer

The Complicated History of the Moccasin

4 Ways to Honor Native Americans Without Appropriating Our Culture

Alternatives to Freshly Picked Moccasins:

LL Designs

Wiwinu

*affiliate link

Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams and “Dive Down” by VYEN

When I ask cultural insiders about appropriation I always get different answers, how do I navigate that?
How do I avoid appropriating when it comes to children's costumes?
When is it acceptable to wear authentic cultural artifacts?
How can I support the Black economy without appropriating?
What do I do if I realize that I've been purchasing appropriated items?

First Name Basis Patreon Community

First Name Basis Instagram

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 16: “How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation”

First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 11: “Cinco De Mayo Is NOT Mexican Independence Day”

Think Before You Appropriate

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo*

Arizona’s ban on Mexican American studies was racist, U.S. court rules Arizona judge declares ban on ethnic studies unconstitutional

Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes) by Mindy Kailing

How to dress your Pākehā child up as Maui or Moana without appropriating Pasifika culture Please don’t tell your kids they can’t dress as Moana this Halloween

Opposition to my opinion on costumes:

PSA: Don’t Let Your Kids Dress Up In These Costumes

Why your white kid probably shouldn’t dress up as Moana for Halloween

Traditional Cultural Clothing:

Little Koto’s Closet by Emi Ito

Appropriation of Indigenous Culture

Podcast with Robin Wall Kimmer

The Complicated History of the Moccasin

4 Ways to Honor Native Americans Without Appropriating Our Culture

Alternatives to Freshly Picked Moccasins:

LL Designs

Wiwinu

*affiliate link

Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams and “Dive Down” by VYEN

Previous Episode

2.28: How To Become An Informed Voter

I have heard from so many of you that this election season has left you feeling confused and overwhelmed. That is completely understandable —2020 has been a year full of uncertainty and turmoil, to say the least. Even though there is so much going on around us it is critical for all of us to cast our vote and use our voices during this election season.

Voting is a precious right and it is our responsibility as citizens to go to the polls with as much information as possible. In this episode I will walk you through my 4 step action plan to become an informed voter! My hope is that after listening to this episode you will feel empowered to confidently complete your ballot and fulfill your civic duty.

Step 1: Put time on your calendar
Step 2: Decide on your non-negotiables
Step 3: Use your voting tools
Step 4: Write down who you voted for

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Download the FREE Voting Action Plan

Media Bias Chart: Static

Media Bias Chart: Interactive

3 in 30 Podcast: “How to Have Grace-filled Political Conversations”

Dr. Martin Luther King Letter From a Birmingham Jail

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

Next Episode

3.2: Real Talk: Cultural Appropriation & White Supremacy

On the surface cultural appropriation might not seem very harmful, but when you peel back the layers it is clear that cultural appropriation is a function of racism and perpetuates white supremacy. In this episode I have a real and unfiltered conversation about the intersection between cultural appropriation and white supremacy with Michelle Franzoni-Thorley from @florafamiliar.

The Spanish Caste System:

The Racial Caste System in Colonial Spanish Mexico

Pride & Anxiety in New Spain

When Worlds Collide: The Caste System

Join the First Name Basis Patreon Community

Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN