Let’s talk about cultural appropriation.

Recently, I’ve been finding it more common that people are going around, saying terms from a particular religion or culture that is not their own. This is not to say that people can’t do or say what they want, but sometimes it can be a little disturbing, when I hear my Caucasian or Muslim friends talking about different gods in the Hindu religion. Obviously talking about a religion is not the issue. But talking about religion and not saying the right things can be frustrating.

Whenever I’m in public, or hanging with my friends that are not of the same culture and religion that I am, I try to make sure to not say anything that I think might offend them. But sometimes I feel like not everyone is as accommodating as I am. Some may define this as cultural appropriation, and some may not. Even if this is not defined, I still believe people should be more aware of what they say, and who they are saying in front of. 

Cultural appropriation can look many different ways. Just because someone is not wearing a certain piece of clothing or saying that their culture is better than yours, talking about one’s culture or religion without knowledge of what they are saying, can also be a type of cultural appropriation. 

So make sure the next time you’re with your friends, you’re mindful and aware of what you are saying.