Tag Archives: Cultural Appreciation

VOXCast: Should Black People ‘Gatekeep’ AAVE? [PODCAST]

African American Vernacular English gave birth to words such as “finna,” “deadass,” and “lit.” But when these words leave our communities and enter the ether of popular culture, how do we as Black people ensure that they aren’t used in an incorrect or harmful way? VOX ATL board member Zariah Taylor heard from VOXers Jennie, Ryan, and Alexis to answer these questions, and more.

Cultural appropriation is when one culture takes pieces of another culture and often misrepresents it. For example, those who wear chopsticks in their hair to represent Chinese women for fashion are appropriating and influencing a stereotype.The counter argument that arose was that the theme choice was more of cultural appreciation. The difference is that if you're appreciating it, you're representing the culture correctly and using it for honest purposes, not just to look good. Read on