I'm Japanese. None of Japanese think foreigners wearing Kimono is rude. Actually happy to see foreigners wearing Kimono because we take it as they like our culture.
some ppl from that are actually apart of the culture and I say SOME do gatekeep it which is ok if some want to keep something to themselves as its important history then respect that but also by some people trying to gatekeep it and not being apart of that culture is strange as u do not have a say lol
@Melchior Magni would colorism be the better word actually? They don’t really know your race, so it’s not based on the race. It’s more based off of color since you say “because you’re the wrong color”. Btw, there are many arguments going on in like all of the comments’ comments, so I don’t mean this question in a rude way at all, just genuinely asking if you meant racism, or if colorism would be a more accurate word.
Someone on Twitter called out someone else because of her name, “Mei.” The Twitter user said that “We all know that you’re a white with a basic white girl name like Amanda. You putting your name as Mei is cultural appropriation.” Mei is Asian
@Melchior Magni I'm sorry but aren't Japanese (and a lot of other Asian countrie's) people white af? 😂 Or when exactly did "white" become a synonym for "western looking"? Just curious lol.
As an Asian (Chinese/filipino) what I TRULY dislike is when someone who isn't of our cultures SPEAK ON BEHALF OF US on what they think is cultural appropriation. Excuse me. When I see someone enjoying my culture I feel so much pride and happiness to share it. It's meant to be shared. And you can often tell when it's done with respect or if they actually truly appropriate it.
true. and I definitely think asian people should represent asian cultures in america, but I also feel like canceling people for things like that (in this specific case) is ultimately just depriving people of seeing their culture represented in america in different ways. i’m sure a lot of people get really excited to see photo shoots inspired by/representing their culture just for them to be forcefully taken down and hushed.
I’m Mexican dude, and when I see people wearing traditional dresses and hairstyles without sexualizing it/fetishizing it, I really get happy. I dislike Mexican stereotypes when it comes to the clothing and culture, but if you are being respectful, I see no problem with it
As long as they acknowledge where it comes from and are respectful I’m okay with it, but where I’m from it’s hard to find someone who respects it bc many here are prejudiced against Mexicans so I’ve never rlly seen anyone appreciate it here.
In many countries wearing the "national dress" is actually the smart thing to do. Wide brimmed hats or light colored loose fitting clothing did not develop for fun but to cope with warm climat. Same as lined parkas did in northern europe etc. So "going native" is the smart thing to do
I wore bootcut jeans with a pear of boots to a 15 and people were asking me to dance, im just sitting in the corner because I can't dance. I fell asleep and when I woke up it was 2:00 in the morning, people were still dancing but the food was great. (im black)
@@areetazoha2530 wait really? I always wondered if I could wear yalls style of clothing while I was there in india but I felt too bad because I thought I would be cultural appropriating 😪😓
Dude my mom has a pair sitting in the corner of her bedroom. It’s one of those decoration pieces that you just stare at while talking about the weather without thinking about it.
I’m Italian and I hate when my friends say people shouldn’t learn about our culture just because it’s ours. When Japanese people, for example, have interest in our art, food, literature, we should be happy for them and include them properly, it’s not stealing or being racist, we should be proud.
I'm Italian too and I totally agree. Other cultures appreciating our culture make me feel happy and more connected to Italy. I didn't always loved my country but now I am Appreciating it more. Our art and history is very beautiful, it only makes me feel good when people learn about our culture ❤️
I have a kufi (arabian hat) that I wear all the time. When I asked an Arab I knew if it was inappropriate for a westerner to wear he said "Dude, it's just a hat."
That's What happened with me too! Some foreign girl came up to me looking all worried and asked if wearing our traditional clothing was bad, and I just laughed and said that's its just clothes 😂
Well, the PC culture is mostly an american issue. It's almost non existant, or at least MUCH MUCH more reasonable, here in Europe, and any other country.
The Japanese word “学ぶ” (which means 'learn') comes from "まねぶ" (which means 'imitate'). You don’t have to hesitate to wear kimono. We Japanese all know you try to learn Japanese culture through wearing kimono.
We wrote in Japenese in 5th grade, it was so amazing I really want to learn Japenese when I get older. ever language is beautiful I want to learn every language, but that ain't possible 😂
Very occasionally it can help for someone who's more like the people doing the wrong thing to say "Hey, you're doing it wrong. Stop that." The problem is when the next step isn't some actual connection to the community so they can learn the right ways to make contact with that culture. It's become a bit extremist because it's emblematic of the struggles many minority communities have to get recognised and people who want to defend minorities think their righteousness is the best answer, when it almost never is.
1 problem that I see is that people try to earn "cool points" on social media for appearing to be woke and then don't have the first clue what they're talking about. So annoying.
I agree. The people who are the subject of something should be the ones to decide if it is offensive. And usually when they do get offended it's over something with important symbolism, not something mundane.
I'm a Muslim girl. When I was in Japan, we decided to travel to Kyoto. Me and my little sister bought and wear the kimono. A lot of Japanese people tell us "You look cute". They don't even care if I wear hijab with it. ❤️
My daughter was in Japan for a year in high school. Her host family took her (and her older host sister) for a full maiko or geisha makeover and photo shoot. Someone in the states saw the photos and accused her cultural appropriation, which was weird since her host family would have been offended had she rejected the gift of photos and the makeover.
Americans get very offended over things that are not their culture. This is one time in about 5th grade my friend (who is Japanese) and I were trying on summer kimonos. We decided posted it on social media and basically got bashed for culture appropriation by our whole grade
Your daughter made the right choice! I was also an exchange student in Japan for a year and I know it's hard to adapt to a completely different culture, but at the end of the day, YOU should be open-minded about the locals' culture and values and not the other way around!
@@somegirlmadi Theres a difference between your average american citizen who actually goes outside and interacts with society and the few who live their entire life inside on they online devices.
Americans are clueless when it comes to culture. I've been living there for ten years. Wouldn't trade it for the world....it's a great place with lots of opportunities and I'm thankful for it... But the lack of cultural awareness is shocking to say the least... I wouldn't give it much thought. That person has probably never set foot outside the US.... Or if they did, they did all the touristy things in that country.
I wore hanbok in Korea and everyone would gasp and say “so beautiful” when I walked by and their smiles were so big. Many women asked if their children could take picture with me. Then a white man in our group dressed in traditional garb and when we stood together, the amount of people that came to take picture and gasping made me feel like I was Angelina Jolie or something. They loved it.
It's kind of amazing how much Koreans and Japanese both want to share their culture. I remember being in Seoul watching a guy making something I guess similar to Japanese omochi; pounding rice with a large mallet, as a sort of performance. He not only invited me to do it as well, he also let me wear his miniature Korean hat while doing so.
Austrian here: helped a japanese exchange student to buy a dirndl. No one said anything against it and she had lots of fun and took a lot of pictures in it. I was so happy for her and i still don't get why it shouldn't be the other way around too.
@Muzan Jackson it's the traditional dress of Austria, Like the Lederhosen is for men (pants made out of leather). Depending on which region in Austria you are from, you have a different kind of Dirndl. And then there are just dirndl for everyone, which everybody can wear, not depending on the region you are living in. You will see them a lot at "Oktoberfest" (a huge beer festival during fall)
It was the same when we wore yukata in Japan! Many people took pictures of and with us, and we were like “Huh? I thought *we* were the tourists?” It was honestly really uplifting! Honestly, it was exactly this conflict about cultural appropriation which taught me that it’s totally not worth it to take offense on behalf of others when they themselves aren’t offended.
I think it’s so odd that American can’t wear Japanese clothes in Japan without Americans freaking out saying it’s cultural appropriation, but a Japanese person could wear American flag print clothing in America and nobody would say anything. I think Americans have this weird thing of speaking for other cultures.
The issue is that America is comprised of a bunch of other cultures coming to this land, yeeting the original inhabitants into squalor, and taking over. In the process, all of these different culture's special things (clothing, food, etc) were taken out of context and just passed around because "oh, pretty!". Later on, we realized that just taking things from other cultures, removing all its context, and just owning it because it's pretty -especially in the context of having conquered and potentially wiped out entire cultures and races just to get those things- is bad. Trying to give other cultures back their heritage items by shying away from "cultural appropriation" is our way of trying to apologize for the sins of the past. Unfortunately, some people are taking it too far. Most of us are just concerned Americans trying out best to stop stealing from everyone else and learn to ask permission (and get educated).
@@Nermeen. They say, the world is America That explains why they have many bases in almost all countries around the planet Plus that Manifest Destiny doctrine
I heard a term a while back that I think describes a lot of Americans: "recreationally outraged." As an American, I've known too many people whose entire personality is wrapped up in always being angry about *something.*
I’m from Japan and I don’t really know if there is a disrespectful way to wear the kimono. I mean, unless it’s worn in a inappropriate way maybe. But anyone can wear a Kimono! It’s a cultural dress and foreigners can wear it anytime they want. There may be a few people offended by it, but I doubt you will actually come across someone like that.
In my opinion, if someone from outside Japan were to wear a kimono they should wear it when visiting Japan and on special occasions. Because I love how people around the world appreciate it but only for the right reasons. Not just as a fashion statement. You know? But that’s just how I feel.
@@xion1860 I’m not Japanese but i’ve heard rumors that wearing one side crossed on the other in a wrong way means “ dead “ or that it’s only meant to be worn like that for funerals/corpses/dead people
I have ti agree because i mean if a Foreigner was to where a Mexican dress then it wouldn't matter because they are probably just wanting to appreciate the culture so I don't see anything wrong with that as long as they aren't disrespecting the culture then its perfectly fine on my opinion
Aha! Yes! I once went on an excursion in a cultural and arts exhibition in which one of the guest speakers was Scottish. Upon seeing the tartan skirts (school uniform) my friend and I were wearing, he immediately smiled and spoke about how it made him feel happy to see people wearing it, and that it makes him feel personally at home.
I'm Japanese, and I'm very glad when I see foreign people wearing kimono. I don't agree with the concept of cultural appropriation. Almost all of the culture is influenced by another culture, vice versa.
Yeah I think cultural appropriation is when you are disrespectful to the culture. Cultural borrowing is different you are basically borrowing clothing,food,etc. Is just trying to experience and respect a different culture and that's awesome.
exactly as long as you treat everything with respect why would anyone be offended? i'm dutch and we have a place called volendam where you can wear traditional dutch outfits (though they aren't as pretty and elegant as the japanese kimono) a lot of tourists go there to take pictures in those outfits and i feel proud about it not offended because someone who grew up knowing something differently actually is taking part in my culture.
My 11 year old has dyslexia and learning Japanese at school has been one of the best experiences of his life. For those who don’t know, people with dyslexia tend to find Japanese easy as it suits their learning style. His love and excitement for all things Japanese (the food, the clothing, the history, the music) is so pure and joyful, he is excited to go to school for the first time in his life and asked me for the first time to take him to a book store for book about Japan. Book stores used to make him flustered. He has been nothing but embraced by Japanese communities online and they are always happy to patiently answer his questions about their culture.
That’s beautiful that he’s not only learning to appreciate another culture, but that he now has developed a love for learning that dyslexia was making difficult for him! ❤️❤️❤️
I would assume that your son is finding Japanese easy and fun for him is because the syntax is "inside our" I am sure there is an actual phrase for it but Japanese syntax tends to be Verb-Subjects-Object whereas English syntax is Subject-Verb-Object. Which is the initial hurdle that English speakers have to overcome when learning Japanese. But with his dyslexia the syntax probably makes sense to him whereas English syntax is hard because the words on the page that he sees somehow does not fit to the words he speaks. If I am wrong please tell me. When I was teaching myself Japanese the syntax was one of the hardest things to get use to. I had to ---- think differently----- than I was use to in order for the words I was speaking to make any sense. And I assume that as an 11 year old it is easier for him to learn something new and unfamiliar than it was for me as a 24 year old.
Because they are making a profit out of it and they are in control, they rent it. It's not the same as someone taking it regardless of what the people from the culture are saying
@@Awomanontheinternet They don't care, you get offended on behalf of a race you don't share because you view yourself as they holier then thou liberal. The biggest issue in Japan in the 1700s and 1800s was how WE DIDN'T ADOPT THEIR CULTURE. Ignorant silly billy.
@@Awomanontheinternet Culture belongs to everyone, all culture. You don't get to say who can or can't participate in any culture, and thank goodness for that.
My japanese art history professor (who is Japanese) explained that in there actually isn't a word for cultural appropriation in Japan. In fact, if you look at the history of art in their culture, they frequently replicate other culture's work.
@@Awomanontheinternet looks like you skipped your gymnastics class and then decided it is okay to substitute it within your mind. Do the real thing next time, not the mental one.
They're actually the ones being racist as according to them, you can't do anything from a culture you're not in, thereby increasing culture segregation
@@diamondmmitchell appropriation has been stigmatized by self-obsessed pieces of shit. there is nothing wrong with it, albeit can be weird taken to extremes
The people who called them racist aren’t even Japanese. It’s strange how some people feel the urge to tell someone something’s racist despite not taking part in the culture
When I was studying in Japan my classmates literally dragged me out to a kimono shop (like actually pulled me by my arms) to get an outfit for the firework viewing that happened while I was there. I can safely say they were more excited than I was to see me, a foreign exchange student they’d only known for three weeks at that point, in a traditional kimono. Now this may have been my own experience and not “normal” but with how excited they were I have a feeling it wasn’t a one off case.
Lord Keltain That's how it was with my friends when I moved to Mexico! I even had a sweet little lady at the market come up to appreciate that someone so young was wearing traditional clothing.
Question because I'm going to be going to Japan for study abroad in college in a couple years. Where your classes in English or Japanese? I'm slightly panicked.
Hisui Senpai depending on the university, but if you are part of an uni exchange you will normally have to take Japanese language classes, but other classes are in English. Though those classes can often be super easy and not much real learning. (Former student at a Japanese uni)
In Japan, you can hire a kimono rent service, they'll help you put it on. They sell you kimonos, yukatas and jinbeis. I understand they sell you all that stuff expecting you to wear them.
I'm just a black girl and when I see people were box braids, weave, etc I think it's pretty cool. Just don't act like a stereotypical black person while doing it.
You might think so, but a majority gets offended with non black folks wearing braids, weaves, etc, regardless. It's just sad because many people have a wrong idea of what cultural appropriation is and decide it upon themselves to make cultural appreciation acts into form of oppression.
Thing is, what is a “stereotypical black person”? Half my family were born and raised in the hood and have a certain style that other people that aren’t from there may say they are acting black and what not though they have been like that since young. Would be upsetting for people to accuse them of black fishing when they are just themselves.
I thought the same! She wanted her to look her best! (I don't think she was upset about it looking "wrong" which was how the video seemed to imply of the situation) Very considerate.
@Sarai BayonTlamintzi thats not true either. Why would participating and learning a culture be appropriation ? or how you say it: "becoming the culture". Whatever that means. If someone loves a culture and wants to be part of it thats totally fine. People need to understand what a culture even means.
@Sarai BayonTlamintzi a race is not a culture... xD and why would someone taking a surgery is culturas for you? Maybe they just like the looks??? Not everything is abt culture, if an asian person dyes their hair blonde should we say he's appropiating of celtic culture??? Wtf xD If someone WANTS to be embraced by spanish culture THEY would be embraced by spanish culture, because then they would be our brother or sister. And you can ask everyone here. As long as you don't basically become ridiculous about it nobody would care And also, by no means is the second picture abt someone "wanting to become the culture" it's about someone making a fetish of it, and that's degrading, totally different as if someone ACTUALLY wanted to become of one culture lol
@Sarai BayonTlamintzi no, a hair is not a culture, a n aspect is not a culture if it's about something you can't control, and if someone wants to look asiatic or celtic, wich culture are they "attacking"? Because there are plenty of cultures in there you know? Cultural apropiation is shit, and you can see that in idk the fact that only people from the us have a term as stupid as that. A culture is not a property, is something you feel not something you touch, so only the concept of calling it like that damages more than what it fixes (wich is nothing honestly). Only by calling it a property you are already disrespecting it more than anyone. A culture is a community you feel part of, it's history and it's traditions, it's part of an identity, and if someones sees an opportunity to become a better person adding this part of history to his heart he is praising that culture in a more flattering way that you will ever do to your own. Wanting to become part of a culture is a way of expressing love for it and in the purest way, and making an effort to praise it's traditions and it's identity is even better. You apparently forgot that inmigrants exist, you apparently forgot that people of different cultures marry and they adopt each other's culture, not because they "appropiating of that culture" but because they want to be part of it for their partner, brother, sister, whatever you pick, to bust be more united, because that's what culture does what it's SUPPOSED to do, it unites people that love each other and it makes them brothers and sisters and family, and wanting to eliminate that just because you don't feel confident enough with your own cultural identity? That is just a way of disrespecting a culture and it's purpose, wich is and always has been the purpose to make the people stick together in harsh and good times and to feel they are not alone in who they are
That's the biggest thing. Let them speak for themselves. It's not up to foreigners to decide for them whether something crosses the boundary of respect. The times outsiders should back off is when the party directly involved says they are not okay with what an outsider is doing with something from their culture, but they should be the ones to decide this themselves. It's very odd how the people who cause these issues of backlash don't even ask the Japanese how they feel. As you said, that is disrespectful and inconsiderate.
Exactly! You'd think it's impossible to find someone of that culture to ask. If only there were a magic crystal rectangle that would allow me to find and ask people from around the world their opinion on things... Oh if only the ability of instant communication was available. Then I could just ask!
And often assuming that if they’re not offended then they’re ignorant or uninformed or basically too stupid to know how oppressed they are. So they need (usually white) people to give them a “voice”. Which is SUPER cool and not at all patronizing and/or racist 🙄.
That's the point, it's not "only" 73 white girls. I'm in my twenties and I'm in a fandom with a lot of young teenagers in it (most of them being between 15 and 19). Please don't judge me, I've been in the fandom ever since i was a teen and I still draw pics about it. An anormous chunk of them are exactly like the people described in this video. They're so "progressive" that they often end up being more toxic than not. They're definitely not all white (although the vastest majority of them is westerner), and they're definitely not "just a couple of people". Their virtue signaling and all around toxicity is just the tip of the iceberg of a culture that feeds itself by keeping to form teenagers like that on the Internet. The culture that surrounds them actively incourages them to be as angry and aggressive as possible towards... well, anything white people do (and I have to say, a lot of it has to do with "white/western savorism" in disguise), even when they're white themselves. Refusing to recognise these problems and their causes is exactly what allows them thrive and never acknowledge their own mistakes. So call things by their proper names, please, and don't dismiss all of this problem with derogatory terms like "just 73 white girls". This phenomenon is enormously widespread all around the West, and to all of its inhabitants, not just the white ones.
@@gauntlettcf5669 YES. I’m still a teenager, and I had to recently separate myself from a group of people at my school because they were starting to be, what I call and also hate calling at the same time, neo-pprogressive. Most of them are white, and they’re always like “OMG I hate white people so much, they all should just die.” Which in my opinion is just another way to hide from your privilege. Like bro you are white, you just speparated yourself from the white race even though you are. You’re trying to gain sympathy from poc’s by being like “FRR, I’m not like them, I hate them.” You know what I mean? But yeah they’re also the same people to call out cultural apropriation where there is none. And also for cultures that they aren’t apart of. I’m 3/4 white, and I never tell anyone that I’m “mixed” because I look very white and I honestly am basically white. However I’m very in touch with my Mexican family, in fact my wholely white father and his family have disowned me lol, and we live in a very tightly nit Mexican community, and they want me to have a quinceañera. And honestly it’s always been a dream of mine, as I watched all my cousins get one, and couldn’t wait for my turn. However when I invited a few friends of mine to be damas and chambelanes, they all turned on me for being racist and appropriating a culture. They said “If I was a quarter black I wouldnt be able to say the n word” and I was like “Wow ok”. And honestly I’m a little sad looking back, it kind of put a damper on my whole experience. But also looking back now, I see that it was ridiculous what they were saying. It was white people, who had no connection to Mexican culture, who told me I was being racist, not the actual Mexican people themselves. Also, they told my best friend they were racist for learning Japanese. And its so many of them who think this way. It’s honestly terrifying.
@@wvtchinghr Same! Unfortunately, I also had to distance myself from my former friend group bc of very similar reasons. It’s so weird how they are so unaware of their behavior... and horrifying
I went to an Indian friend's wedding once, as one of his groomsmen he insisted I wore a Kurta. Many non Indian attendees both men and women wore traditional Indian attire. All the Indians seemed 150% OK with it. Even more there were lots of compliments going around on how good it looked on the people who wore them. I have to say a formal dress Kurta is a pretty impressive thing to wear, it makes you feel 10ft tall, to be honest I'd trade a formal suit for a kurta any day of the week.
You did the right thing, but I bet you a million rupees that they would have been upset if you decided to modify your Kurta and blend in non-traditional elements "for fun." That's the issue here: people taking elements that they think are cool and changing the elements they don't like without understanding the significance. The authenticity and accuracy are the key.
Cultural appropriation and taking things you like from another culture and using them in your life/changing them to work for you is a good thing. I love to make tacos, are they authentic tacos...hell no...does anyone care? No.
@@Anjabel69 I think circumstances should be considered here. It's one thing to go with an exotic alteration for a traditional dress in a traditional event, but to do it in a casual day, or some kind of event that promotes unique designs? Then there literally be nothing wrong there. Too many people put importance on surface level things, when it should be the context that matters.
im indian and we love it when foreigners wear our traditional clothes. it makes me feel like they are taking intetest in my culture and stepping out of their comfort zone. its awesome!
@@zettovii1367 Yes, ultimately people can wear what they want, but I would still argue that you should show respect to the culture you're taking from. Like Katy Perry who blindly blended Chinese and Japanese elements together in her "kimono" to appreciate Japanese culture. Just straight up bad.
The dumb thing about Kim Kardashian is she just took the name “kimono”, a cultural Japanese clothing, and then...her clothing brand *represented and looked almost NOTHING like a real Japanese kimono* . It was like...the dumbest move ever made, lmfao
Fun fact: Did you know that the iconic hawai'ian shirt goes back to traditional hawaiian clothing, which in turn was created out of pieces of japanese kimonos? And japanese martial arts were largely inspired by chinese martial arts. My point is: This is how culture develops. It's like language. Constant exchange. Preventing that is what will inevitably kill it for real.
Yes, Japan and Korea went for more hard style focus and altered what they encountered in China. What people should do, instead of whining, is to teach cultural history classes on these things instead of simply saying someone is "taking it." I am sure there are many people who would love to be told the story of how Kimono came to be as they are trying it on.
Don’t you like it when foreigners enjoy America? Eat our food? Buy tacky tourist shirts? It’s cute!! And fun!! Japanese people say they think it’s cute when foreigners wear kimonos and say Japanese words as long as it’s respectful! It ain’t that deep lol
rumɪ define the stolen food thing, I don’t get it. Cause when I think about American food the first thing that crosses my mind are the immigrants who brought it
@@cranburrey Right, so the Italians that brought over pizza stole from Italy? Mexicans who brought over burritos from Mexico are cultural thieves? Do you not see how stupid that sounds? Ridiculous.
@@cranburrey well, now I feel like a dick. Sorry, I get a bit defensive on the topic. Being able to experience aspects of different cultures (particularly food and music) is one of the things I love about this country and I get annoyed when people sour that by using terms like "appropriation" or "thievery". Art belongs to humanity as a whole, not one particular race or country.
I had an arugment about anime with a jappense person and they said because im American i cant have an opinion that pissed me off so much does everyone say that in japen
@@jackoboy4859 well I mean if u can't even spell "japan" and "japanese" then it gives me the impression that u aren't that knowledgeable abt that stuff. also that's a dumb question to ask. no obviously not every person in Japan is the same. that's like me saying is every person in America a Karen?
@@jackoboy4859 but it really depends on what u were arguing abt. if u were arguing abt if u like anime, then the other guy is unreasonable. if you're talking abt the art, the references to japan, the language etc. then I'd be on the japanese persons side
why can’t we all try and appreciate the many different cultures of the world? if we did can you imagine how diverse and considerate the world would be? how much more informed we would be of the different struggles that different cultures go through? society would truly be more socially advanced if we reverted the meaning of “cultural appropriation” back to its dictionary definition, right..?
definitely! I’m west Asian and anytime someone enjoys or wears cultural clothing, it makes me so happy! culture is something that should be shared and enjoyed, not kept; mocked; or fetishized
Lmaoo aha that’s the problem. Because people who are into the Japanese culture, history, food, and etc. Americans may find that offending because they’re not dressing like the Americans. Americans don’t wear traditional clothes, but casual clothes. However, Americans are different and has distinct fashion sense, and style.
They literally set up places in Japan to dress you up and often they give you gifts of tea sets and the like when you visit. They LOVE sharing their culture. As we all should.
@Amandalyn Tulloch God i hate the feeling when you are halfway through an argument and you realize that you're the one who is wrong And it's usually because you believed someone else
My city has a Japanese Festival every year that's put on by the city's Japanese Society and it's held in our local Japanese garden. It's been one of my favorite places and events in town since I was like 14 in the 90s lol. I've watched that Festival grow over the years especially when weeb culture finally blew up mainstream. They always had a huge tent with kimono and Yukata they dressed anyone up in! They did not care who you were.. everyone was welcome. It was a really awesome time. There was so much Japanese culture jam packed into one small area. I haven't attended in many years especially after appropriation callout culture began. I wonder how it's held up. Lol
@@Luna18Cat05 it was!! Especially when I was young and 1st going. The children's games were very fun. I LOVED goldfish scooping so much. Getting older I enjoyed the food more (one booth had the best teriyaki chicken ever and my mom and I "camped out" there for several years LOL) and liked people watching and listening to the live taiko drumming that happened on and off all day. I recall one time seeing an exhibit of bonsai trees and seeing 300+ year old trees with my own eyes. Amazing!
My best friend, who is white, went to Japan. She attended a festival in a kimono. She tells me that lots of Japanese actually complemented her kimono and stuff. She had absolutely no problems and she told me everyone was respectful to her even when she was wearing a kimono. I see no problem! ^_^
Once this girl who wasn’t Asian told me that I’m appropriating Korean culture for putting chopsticks in my bun..I’m literally Korean…please guys. Do not speak for other cultures when it’s not your culture. I actually enjoy watching people put chopsticks on their hair
okay so quick question because i don’t want to appropriate any culture, i’m white btw, a few weeks ago i did not have any hair tie or scrunchies and neither did any of my friends and it was very late so i put chopsticks in my hair to keep it up as we had an extra set from the dinner we ordered, and my hair is very long. i used to do this with pencils when i was in school if i didn’t have anything else and i just saw your comment and got worried that i was doing something wrong. i honestly just wanted to keep my hair up and those were the best options. so sorry if that was wrong with me and thank you if you read this
@@avabliss2546 don't worry, it's not appropriating anything, it's called being practical, make do and problem solving I, as an Asian with really thick hair, can't even put my hair in a bun with any stick because the stick might either break (my hair already broke some combs) or the bun gets too loose, so I'm jealous of you being able to do that
Also, not about cultural appropriation but I remember a white dude used a google translated curse word from English to Chinese I explained to him the words don't mean that literally, the translator was slightly off He told me I'm wrong because his phone is more Chinese than me I'm a living breathing Chinese descent with the capability to read and write Chinese, and some non-Asian dude proceeded to deny my existence and ancestry with the fact his phone is made in China.
I think the lady was not worried about "respecting the kimono" when she fixed it for you, I think it was more that she was trying to protect YOU from possible ridicule for wearing it wrong. She was looking out for YOU, not the kimono.
I'm also thinking it's like when someone offers to fix the back of your shirt or dress. It's not anything that I think has any other thought behind it besides "I want to help", which is indeed very wholesome. I think it comes from younger people being taught how to were kimono, so it's out of instinct for some people to offer to fix it after someone either put it on wrong or accidentally messed it up, after all, how can someone learn how to do something as complex as wearing a kimono correctly if they don't have a proper example?
I agree with these replies. I think it is more just like when someone pulls a hair off your shirt or tucks your tag back in. It's hard to see when it's on your back and it's considered polite to help someone with something they can't see or reach and help them look their best.
@@Pocketfarmer1 What's your point exactly? Wooden shoes have been worn all over the world, geta in japan, namaskin in korea, albarcas in cantabria, paduka in india. Never said clogs are soley used in the netherlands...
when i was in Osaka, me and my friends went and rented kimonos and wow the attention we get was unexpected. locals came to talk to us about how good we looked in kimonos, the people walking in the parade even stopped to appreciate us giving their culture a go and even foreigners were waiting in line to take pictures with us. People are definitely welcomed to wear their traditional clothing and i highly recommend people giving it a go as well. we even got free desserts at a restaurant because we were wearing them as a way of thanking us! free desserts i tell you!
I would like to visit everywhere in the world. Impossible, I know, but it is something I always wanted to do since a child. I would like to see Osaka. That is where my diet (more like lifestyle eating habits) originally came from. ^_^ Would be nice to see one of the happiest places on Earth. I don't know if it has changed since the making of that four years old documentary, but would be awesome to see it for myself.
That's so beautiful. Reading your comment brought me to tears. I wish there were more people like these all over the world. It'd be beautiful and peaceful everywhere.
I’m Japanese and I absolutely love it whenever I see tourists wearing and appreciating kimonos and traditional clothing. It makes me proud of the beauty of our culture. Even if they don’t completely have it right or are behaving somewhat incorrectly, as long as they’re willing to learn and are not doing it intentionally to be rude, I wouldn’t be offended in the slightest.
I’m planning a trip to Japan with a roommate and wondering if you have any tips on body language and communication that might help. Like to have eye contact or not to. And what phrases I should try the best to learn before going. I just want to make an effort to show I’m interested and respect them.
Once I saw in Instagram a (brazilian) girl wearing kimono too and all the comments as cursing on her And another time I saw Japan making a carnival party inspired on Brazil and everybody as saying how that's beautiful and cool White people only care about it when is white people doing those things -_-
@@ceboula6871 it was in portuguese or in english? Bc in spanish I haven't found anything similar, and I just so a video of a spanish gal dressing as a kitsune today (since she lives and works in japan and she can hire a professional makeup artist) I would have never thought this would happen with a brazilian girl lol people need to think. A while ago on reddit I saw a post about some americans asking if they could wear a peineta (you probably know but it's just a traditional hair ornament in the south of my country) or just dance flamenco or dress as sevillanas. You literally have cheap ass sevillana dresses on every cheap bazar you find and they are all over the country, on their logic someone from the north of MY OWN COUNTRY shouldn't be able to wear those lol needless to say all the comments were like "the fuck is cultural appropiation", or "why would you need to ask for that?". Never imagined I would see someone ask that lol they are just dividing cultures and it's worse for their society lol
Japanese people: "Oh LOOK!! How nice a foreigner wearing a kimono. lt's always nice to see other people like our-" American people: *Cocks gun* "It's bad to wear a kimono if your american and your being discriminated by us" But for real though the twitter warriors need to chill the fuck out on race like Jesus.
This is the definition of racism. Americans tell japanese people that they have to feel discriminated AND they speak for the Japanese people. These SJW are so plain stupid.
I wouldn't say it is racist per say but it is foolish to feel entitled enough to force your ideas (especially misguided ones) on others. I would understand if they replicated a style without giving credit or respect to the culture it came from but to get mad over something that wasn't done with ill intent is ridiculous.
@@ACms-zn9ni Except that American culture is mostly based on European culture, and European culture is white culture. The clothing, the language and many of the traditions. It seems that white people are the only ones who are not allowed to have a culture, and that anyone else in the world is free to take it without any accusation of appropriation. Unfair exploitation and/or destruction of a culture, like what the Chinese are doing in Tibet, is the thing that needs to be fought against. Adoption of elements of another culture because they are actually liked or found to be useful brings people closer together and should be encouraged.
@@winterrose9006 I didn't say American culture was European culture. I said it was based on European culture. Also, black Americans do not have a separate culture. It's a sub culture, that has also been very influential to American culture as a whole. Hell, I'm from England. We have been heavily influenced by foreign cultures. Heck, our national drink and national dish are based on Indian ones. And we are so accepting of American media, that we are now heavily influenced by American culture. Did you know that certain other European countries, especially the French, have taken steps to reduce the amount of US media that is allowed to be show in Europe? We Brits are baffled and annoyed by this. We just want the best TV shows and movies, regardless where they come from. Black Americans should also stop referring to themselves as African Americans. You're just Americans. Most of you have to go back quite a few generations before you find anything but the most superficial ties to Africa. One of the main points of the civil rights movement was that minorities were full Americans. Not part American and part foreign. The same goes for white Americans who think they are somehow part German or Irish or other European culture, while having virtually nothing in their lives that are part of those cultures. But hey, I'm open to other perspectives, and there are Americans and Brits who retain a lot of the culture that their families originally came from.
Japanese people are very nationalistic, and that means that when someone expresses an interest in their country, they're very happy about it. At least, in my experience.
Same in othe countries, my country really appreciates foreigners coming and trying things that is related to our culture. Most of us in my country doesn't apply the traditional culture to this day, but applies it to festivals and special occasions like Japan. Westerns say things like that even though they haven't heard of the others' prespectice/opinion on the subject. It's pissing me off
I can’t even get a cute wig, an beautiful tattoo, or fabric without the fear of being accused of cultural appropriation 😅 like I don’t understand why everyone wants to bring everyone else down for admiring and sharing cultures
This reminds me so much of when a black american girl posted a video of her Irish dancing and she was a PRO, she was so loved and appreciated by the Irish! Then videos start popping up accusing her of appropriation and the comments were only Americans being offended, literally.
Also there's a pretty high chance that she had at least some Irish ancestry since I think they're the second largest ethnic group in the USA Edit: I somehow didn't realize you were talking about a black girl, but either way it wasn't cultural appropriation
I'm Japanese. Sometimes I see the other countries news saying it is rude to wear other culture's clothes. WHY??????????? I'm Japanese but I don't think it rude when foreigners wear kimono. Not only me, most of Japanese people think it is nice and it is a way to understand other cultures. We wear other culture's costumes because we respect for those, don't we??? I think there are few people wearing other culture's costume who don't respect for it. Why it is rude to wear other cultures clothes ???Is it common in western world????? I Can't understand.(I'm sorry for my poor English....)
@@magilitaa5999 Hi, fellow black African-American here. I feel like there could be exceptions? Such as those who were raised up in AA communities? I agree with all of your points, just hypothesizing.
I'm not Japanese, and I don't understand too. Also I don't get why I should learn a whole culture if all that I want is taste an delicious food or try some pretty clothes. I can understand if it's about religion, some things are sacred for some people. But I'm talking about everyday things, clothes, hairstyles or accessories. What's so offending about it? It's just people liking this kind of clothes/food/hairstyle/accessories/whatever.
@@magilitaa5999, I still don't get it. Let's make it simple. Fir example I go to school and other girl in my class wear braids and her braids means a lot for her because that's the way her late mother did her hair from childhood. Some people bullied her for this hairstyle for no reason but later stoped (or not). I liked her hair and made myself some braids too. Should she feel offended because I wasn't bullied for this hairstyle or because I don't know her mother story? I didn't steal her braids, she continues wear them (probably looking better than me, because she did this braids from childhood and knows how to do them better than anyone at school). I don't see how it can be offending. I don't laughing at her or bulluing her, I just like her hairstyle and want to try something similar.
@@magilitaa5999, I think I just can't get it, it's frustrating really.((( I don't take the art project from people creating it, I don't tell everyone it's my project also. I just make a copy of one piece of this project. Just... how it can harm an art project itself??? This dialogue don't seems productive, don't want to get us both upset as a result, so better to end it I think. Personally I don't wear box braids (if it's matters for you):), but I'm sure that in everyday life I use a lot of things originated from other cultures (and I'm not always know the origins). That's why this point of view troubles me.
I’m Hispanic and whenever someone goes the extra mile to try and be involved in our culture it makes me happy cause I feel like our culture is good enough to wear other people from a different culture want to take part in it
The media in the US is very liberal. You would think as such they would know the difference between appreciating the culture vs mocking it. I mean kids....they dress as their favorite super hero (I sure loved my spider-man PJs lol) not to mock things but because they LOVE it. Same with sports, teams and mascots are used because people care and respect what the mascot/team name is. But that's the media for you in the US. It's much easier to just be cancel culture than actually study why people do things.
It's mainly the younger generations. Most of us "boomers" don't play that cultural appropriation game. Too many more important things with which to concern our lives.
I'm Mexican and I'll say i personally love seeing non Hispanic people wearing folklorico dresses, sugar skull Day of the dead costumes, mariachi outfits, or even colorful Aztec style dresses with all the beautiful embroidery and beads. When it's done properly and they are enjoying my culture it's so fun! I think people should enjoy and learn about new cultures by immersing themselves in it. Wear the clothes, eat the food, listen to the music... Ect. I think the negative cultural appropriation no one should allow is when something is taken and being used as a joke or a way to talk bad about a certain race. Know what your wearing, ask, learn, enjoy.
I remember asking some of my friends from Mexico if I could make a sugar skull inspired costume for Halloween, and they were totally. My reason for wanting to do it was because the dresses and make up used during The Day of the Dead celebrations have always been something I've found incredibly beautiful. (Didn't end up actually doing it as I completely forgot) I asked first to make sure the Mexicans I was likely gonna be hanging around during said celebrations were okay with it and that it wasn't gonna be seen as offensive, which is always the most important thing when it comes to wearing anything from a culture different from ones own as it gives the people from said culture a chance to help you wear it in a non-offensive manner especially if the garment has a particular value within the culture.
@@nordichope7301 I definitely agree with asking people from a certain culture If you can wear it. I encourage everyone to participate with day of the dead festivals and stuff. It's sooo beautiful and fun, everyone should be able to enjoy it
@sunflower I don't think there's anything wrong with that. yes it's a huge cultural thing but it isn't offensive. People are enjoying a fun way to celebrate a daughter becoming a woman, I would understand why others would want to do it too. All I would say is everyone know what they are doing and the meaning behind it rather than using it as an excuse to just wear a big poofy dress.
Nothing wrong with participating in another’s culture. Just do it in a respectful way. Which most do lol. People get offended over everything these days.
I hate to say this but all culture is appropriated , actors that aren't Greek, monuments that aren't Egyptian, music wow that's an infinite amount of videos no you.look gorgeous keep it up
I personally think that cultural appropriation is inevitable but that doesn't mean all cultural appropriation is equal. Like, there's a difference between for example, participating in foreign festivities respectfully and wearing a native headdress to coachella
@@agostoangosto9442 where do you draw the line? people wear clothing, eat food, borrow mannerisms from other cultures constantly. Seriously, everything has been romanticized. French, Italian, Irish, Scottish so on and so forth. It seems to only be a problem when it’s white people (or pretty much any majority for that matter. eg. christian) being a part of pocs cultures like African, Native american, indian, chinese, japanese, korean, mexican etc. Yet people of all colors can wear clothes of italian decent in any fashion they wish. As i said, this goes for any majority like christianity. It’s only a problem when you dance to the Quoran, or buy an evil eye ring. But no it seems to be perfectly fine when you wear rosary beads or a cross necklace with your emo outfit, completely disrespecting the religion. I know you didn’t say all that, i didnt really direct this all to you but to people who’ll be reading this thread later lol.
When I was about 10/11 years old, I met this wonderful african woman who escaped from Nigeria and came to Italy, my country. I remember trying to talk to her with my very broken english and saying how stunningly beautiful her long braided hair was. She was so so happy and she insisted to do my hair the same way. No issues, nothing. Just pure appreciation and kindess. Talking about cultural appropriation, the problem is not wearing a certain hairstyle or clothes that don't "belong" to your ethnicity, the problem is the non-stop racism, stereotypes and mocking that people have to face every day. The world is failing thanks to those in power who think that a boy with cornrows can't attend school, unless he gets a new hairstyle (I don't remember where this happened but I vividly remember reading this article years ago... made me sick). Society is and keeps failing just because some people think they're better than others. Be kind and if you see somebody being offended, stand up for them.
Exactly, my African friends response to the cornrow and braid issue was “You don’t stop me from straightening my hair, no?” And took a second to realize what she was saying but I totally got it.
As 15 year old American, I find it hilarious that adult Americans can act so childish. Its not being racist to APPRECIATE and want to LEARN more about Japanese culture. I really like learning more about cultures, I think they are really neat and nice. I have high respect for all cultures
im 19 and i was surprised when i entered the work force. i work with people that are older than me and everyone is so rude and childish. they literally say generalized things about my generation all the time. When they as individuals are far worse than my “generation”. You probably already experience the same thing if you’re around older people. Basically older people may have the maturity of a 16 year old and still think that they’re superior because of their age. Maybe the younger generations will be more respectful and understanding... or the cycle will continue to repeat itself.
Actual Japanese people's reaction: "oh look, a foreigner with Kimono well that's good! They're appreciating our culture!" Americans: *Oh shit. This is goddamn offensive*
America: *riots break out, the entire United States catches on fire, children are crying in the street* *does dramatic stuff and complains* The person who decided to wear a kimono: 👁👄👁
When visiting Kyoto, my daughter wanted to get a kimono and the lady in the shop was delighted by that, helped her to wear it, gave all sorts of tips. She was very proud of having a foreigner little girl interested in traditional Japanese clothing. On top of that, when walking around that day, we didn't get any strange looks because she was wearing a kimono.
Awww I respect that :) I just wanna feel kind and respective but everyone in Malaysia (where I live) Are too rude for me to understand them why they weren't like to approach me :( Well at the very least I have few close friends tho
Multifandom trash Imma say it: Indian gold Jewels are a masterpiece! and your Fabric designs! Supreme craftsmanships. even my house has some indian style decorations CUZ IT'S FOOKIN BEAUTIFUL
Not only them. Japanese and Koreans like people to wear their traditional clothes. Most cultures seem to, from what I've seen. It is mostly western people screaming at other western people not to do it.
@@grace-rn4sn most asian culture dose not mind at all if u wear their clothing , chinese people are proud when white people wear thier clothes. I have only seen chinese american get upset but none of my relatives
I think it’s such a shame that we’ve reached a point in society where we have nothing better to do than pick holes in a perfectly respectful and fine action. The worst part is this whole thing where we are guilty for being white and we can’t do anything or we will offend someone. This normally has its roots in things like the slave trade and such but what we easily forget is that every nation at one point or another has discriminated and enslaved countless people. If we have this idea of guilt in mind for white people then surely everyone should feel guilty for every nasty act their culture has committed in the past. With this dark history, white people are sort of expected to be extremely respectful of every other culture no matter what even when that respect isn’t given back. To be honest, I see everyone as a human; as equals. Disrespect and racism goes all ways and shouldn’t be accepted in any circumstances no matter who the perpetrators and victims are. With all that said, this idea of cultural appropriation is one of those things that, in most cases, shouldn’t matter. For example, a white person dreadlocking their hair might be taken as cultural appropriation of black people even if they had no intention of being racist. Why should they be slammed, even if they did it because they wanted hair like many black people, is that racism or inspiration we should cherish? It seems to me that we’ve reached a point of such sensitivity and racism paranoia that we are peddling backwards by making acts of inspiration into acts of racism. In the circumstance that a culture does find it offensive for a legitimate reason such as traditions then it makes sense but otherwise why can’t we just get along and stop stabbing each other in the back for such petty acts
This. What also bugs me is that other ethnicities are allowed to appreciate their culture, but I can't appreciate mine or im racist and I cant appreciate THEIRS either because that's racist too. What am I supposed to do, sit on the ground outside until I turn into dirt? All because Im white and me and my family have to pay for crimes we did not commit. Not that the ancestral guilt argument works on me because my ancestors farmed their own damn land. It's not a valid argument anyways, the sins of the father are not the sins of the son. I cant murder you because your dad murdered mine. That would be wrong. Morally and objectively wrong.
There's no WE. You sound as if you're speaking for the whole of humanity. It's only AMERICANS. P.S. The slavery angle is all the more ridiculous that the word "slave" itself is derived from WHITE people - Slavs - that were enslaved by Muslims centuries ago.
This is so true. And not just Japanese cultures. I am Irish and when I was 11 I had the privilege to spend three months living with a poor family in Senegal Africa who were acquainted with my step-dad. While I was there not a single mean look or mean comment was ever given me. I was treated with the upmost hospitality and kindness everywhere I went, and was greatly encouraged to participate in their culture and daily activities. One of those activities was getting my hair braided, I was brought to this lady where she spent hours braiding my hair and everyone complimented me afterwards and when my mom hesitated to get her hair braided they went themselves to buy extensions for my mom to get her hair braided too. One of my most favourite memories during my time spent there was this group of about 7 children, all my age or older at the time, children who had probably never even held a pen a day in their lives, coming to us when my step-dad was carrying a camera just so that they could get a picture with us and smile while seeing themselves in it. These people had nothing, the house I stayed in didn't even have glass in its windows. And how it is that those people with nothing treat us better and are willing to give so much compared to people who have everything is beyond me
I think it's part of the human condition to get more stingy the more you have. Like, subconsciously, you know you have more to lose, so you defend it harder. In my experience, it seems like when people are used to having less, they are more willing to share around what they have. Weird how that happens. But that kinda explains why the US, as an extremely material society, is so damn aggressive when they think something is being taken away from who it belongs to.
@@Furarugaa I just don't see that there is anything to take away. I guess the way I see it is that if they were truly certain and confident in themselves and who they are and fully valued themselves and their culture it wouldn't matter what others do because they know it won't change who they are. It's like they're so weak in their beliefs that they have to constantly be fighting about it over pointless matters to remind themselves that their own resolve exists
I guess I just really don't understand why there's an issue with any of this crap in the first place. I don't see it. I won't deny our differences but at the same time there's nothing to fight over
Because they know the truth. We need very little to be happy and healthy. Love, gratitude and kindness. Food and water. I imagine they pity us in so many ways. The smallest things bring these people joy. A smile.
It is my opinion, so you may disagree. The part where you said they have nothing is very sad to me. They don't have materialistic things that are considered valuable for your society. But it doesn't always have to apply for your culture. They might be the richest people in their society, by their standards, so the idea of having something is very ambiguous in every culture. So please consider this. Thank u for your attention
Why do people not want other people to experience other cultures, they are beautiful and amazing, I would love to go to Japan and wear a kimono. It’s not being disrespectful unless they use it in a disrespectful way. Most of the time it’s people not even from that heritage that get offended too
It’s not that we don’t want people to experience other cultures. It’s the intent behind it. For example: someone dressing in a skimpy brown dress wearing a feather headdress that has a deep cultural meaning behind it is offensive. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with appreciating another culture
@@emilychen3839 what if their intent was a good one ? at the most you can of course correct someone if they are wearing it incorrectly but unless you've spoken to them and know their intent was negative/harmful you are assuming too much. This is really disturbing to me as I feel the world is collapsing around us and oceans are dying, ecological collapse is imminent and everyone is focused on twitter statuses ???? REALLY ?
@@themousegoddess That's basically like if the girl from the video would have worn a kimono completely wrong. Then the Japanese people would've felt disrespected. If you use a part of a culture, know its meaning and use it appropriately. Because you think it's cool and appreciate the culture. A girl in a "sexy Indian" costume isn't appreciating Native Americans much I'd say. She doesn't wear it because she likes the culture or wants to recreate a part of it correctly, but to just look cool. I think that's why your example is something different than the topic from the video.
I'm a Spaniard. Back when I lived in the US I had a Korean-American friend, and for Halloween she wore my flamenco dress (it was pink with white polka dots :D). She was so freaking proud and happy to be wearing it and I FELT THE SAME. Also she looked great. As far as I know she's a fan of Spanish culture to this day.
Kinda off topic but this comment reminds me of when my mom had me wear a flamenco dress and go as a flamenco dancer for halloween when I was like 6, yes I am an white American and I loved the dress and felt confident in it, truly gorgeous dresses!
it’s lowkey racist to gatekeep a culture that has nothing to do with you in the name of being anti-racist. ultimately, the same people who think it’s rude to talk over japanese people are literally doing so in the name of justice. I think because of what’s going on in america right now, everyone’s treating appropriation the same way but that’s only for some cultures, not all. and even then it really just depends on what you’re actually doing, and how the individual feels. to assume everyone has ill intent is just an excuse to bully people. now that you have a reason to dislike someone, you can attack them. you can tell someone about how what they’re doing is wrong (if they even are) but you should really save the anger for when they don’t care or refuse to apologize and the group IS offended and making/trying to make noise. and the issue should be brought to light by that group of people, not you because you think someone might be offended. there’s a difference between being a bystander to racism and letting people recognize an issue for themselves. I understand people may think they’re not doing enough, but in some cases, they’re doing WAY too much. all this white guilt is making you a “white savior” instead of woke. let’s listen to cultural input instead of jumping to conclusions in the vain of social justice. if your intentions are pure, do your research and ask other people of the culture, otherwise you’re just as ignorant as the appropriator.
it's generally garbage cultures that have almost nothing to offer to society that people want to protect, since i guess they see these backwards cultures as likely to go extinct for some reason if their culture is shared. when a culture is rich, people want to share it, like western culture or japanese culture. when a culture is poor, people get offended when someone takes some aesthetic thing from it, because it's all they got.
Not really. Most of us don't give a shit. We realize " hey, you like the look of that culture. That's cool." Then ask what you know about it n what everything is from. But the squeakiest wheel gets the grease, n by that it's the screechiest people get the attention n labeled "The Americans". If I love the look of a culture I'll do my research. Learn the language and what the garments are from n why they're worn the way they are to educate others that also think it's interesting when I wear it.
It’s disrespectful how americans are talking in behalf of japanese people. I’ve met a few japanese friends, and they said that they actually thought of americans using kimono as a kindness and something nice of them since it’s appreciating its culture.
@@neththeobnoxioussponge8929 exactly! i don't feel offended when i see someone wear a cheong sam (chinese traditional clothing piece) or anything, BUT i feel like there is a fine line not to cross, bc there has been some people who take these beautiful traditional clothings of ours and change it (e.g. wearing a dress piece only, when it's supposed be paired w pants, because it's "sexier", or even sexualize it and wear them in a way that's disrespectful, etc. and THAT's crossing the line.
As an American, I can say that those people who people who believe in cultural appropriation are embarrassments to America. I myself think the idea of cultural appropriation is one big joke.
when i went to japan the last time, i stayed at an airbnb and it was with a family. I was one of their first american guests and they tried to include me in everything they were doing that they thought was culturally japanese. they really wanted to share as much as they could with me while i was there. they dressed me up in yukata and we went out drinking and to a matsuri. im nearly 6 foot 3 and im a ginger so i already stand out but no one gave me any grief. a lot of people wanted pictures with me and several people bought me drinks or food. it was the most fun ive ever had on vacation. i made sevejral friends and i still talk to them all on Line. I dont think any of that would have happened if the japanese werent as you said in your video. and also like you said, the only people that were offended by this, werent japanese.
What everyone should learn: If you do not belong to the culture that is being "appropriated" shut up. Let the people coming from that culture speak for themselves whether or not it is offensive to them. You don't have to speak for them.
THIS. I don't want some outsider telling me what should and should not offend me. Nobody gets to make that decision for me, no matter how much some seem to want to.
Right? Just a thought, but isn't it "cultural appropriation" when people portray us as someone squatting in adidas clothes / tracksuit with vodka in hand?
@@Michaela-pm3kp EXACTLY! They took the shithole of russian culture(not slavic,gopniks don't appear in southern slavic culture) and said "that's basically slavic culture". There is so much more to us,and if someone cared enough to explore and find our traditional clothing,I'd be so happy!
Bruh I’m from Poland and I can go an entire week without seeing someone in adidas, not to mention that it’s illegal to drink outside and if you do then you get a big fat fine
I like how the taxi driver brought up western style clothing. If every country just keeps to themselves and their "own" culture, then how will we ever learn about others and grow as a world where we can appreciate our differences? The key word is 'respect' and really that's all there should be to this
Also that's actually how cultures evolved. They saw what others did on occasion and adopted it. That's societal evolution. And we now have basically a umbrella worldwide culture since barriers are broken more and more. We have things available to us exposed to us, and can grow up with it. The world is getting smaller with travel, tv, internet.
@@Cheshirestog thinking about my home Herr in Germany we do have typical German things but we also have many things that came from other cultures. Pizza,burger, French fries, Döner many foods are not German they are a form of cultural appropriation and that happens everywhere. Anime getting big in the west cultural appropriation. Foreigners wearing Lederhosen and Dirndl while visiting a Oktoberfest is cultural appropriation. And no one should be mad about that. It’s a good thing. Because people inevitably will learn something about the culture the thing originated from and I don’t see where that is bad. If we humans want to live on this planet in peace it’s absolutely crucial that country lines get blurred and a very mixed culture starts to be the norm. Otherwise we will always see neighbors as enemies and not as humans.
@@Manie230 I agree. And technically the term cultural appropriation seems correct but that term has taken on a bad meaning, so I would however, use a different set of words. Most of the time it is more like cultural adaptation or cultural evolution.
@@Manie230 i think the examples you listed are more cultural appreciation... however the word cultural appropriation has been used and abused so much that no one really knows what it means anymore.
Whats wrong with weebs? xD i mean we dont talk to strangers so we are not gonna bother anyone, we dont like to stand out and we are the least racist people on the world, thanks to what hentai has showed us xD, why the hate :(
@@kamukoma1181 exactly. like otaku started calling themselves weebs as a self aware joke, but it doesn't make them actual weaboos. weaboos still exist, and are totally diffrent from weebs, weebs have some social skills still, weaboos don't have any. I wish people would stop confusing the terms
Dont worry, they make fun of the whole southern United states. Apparently by yanks I'm an inbred klan member. And I've heard some people say they wish the south could be nuked.
I’m Norwegian and we have a national dress/costume called Bunad, and I would love for people from other countries to try our Bunad, its not hard to put on but you can ofc get a person who knows how to wear it to help you out, the only tricky part with the Bunad is that its different all around the country because the Bunad is unique for each place in norway (with a few exceptions like where i live, we dont have a Bunad of our own, we share with our neighbouring place haha). For example, if you have an Oslo Bunad your Bunad will look different from someone with a Bergen Bunad. So no two Bunad from different places look the same, so extremely few Norwegians buy a Bunad designed for a place they have no connection with. Some bunader looks a lot alike except for the patterns and some are very unique. We also have something called Festdrakt with basically means party costume or smt like that, its a much cheaper option compared to a bunad, but they still look alike except that a lot of parts of the bunad is handmade while the festdrakt is easier to mass produce, and most kids have a fest drakt instead of bunad while adults have bunad, because a bunad can cost you a heck of a lot of money so if you had to buy your kids a new one every other year it would end up being a looooot of money. But yeah, i would love to lend someone my bunad for a few hours if they were visiting me so they could feel a small part of norwegian culture.
Our Finnish folk dress is a similar tradition to the bunad and I feel the same way, I'd love it if tourists or immigrants wanted to wear it! Our dresses are also different in different regions but you're "allowed" to pick any of them, even if you have no connection to the region. "Traditionally" you'd get one from your or your family's home areas but these days, to keep even the rare ones in circulation, you can get what you like the look of (and can afford, they're so expensive). Only condition is that it has to be worn with enough respect so that it's not done as a joke on the expense of the Finnish people, so basic decency. I feel like that's often why people don't like their cultural dresses being worn, like after all the abuse the Sami have received over the years up to very recently I get why they wouldn't want a Finn in their clothes probably making fun of them yet again. Respectful curiosity is what brings us together in my opinion! I'd love to try a bunad properly with someone who knows a lot about it and its history if I ever got a chance to go to Norway, I'm really into traditional textiles and handiworks all around the world
I'm mixed race black and white. But I'm mostly Norwegian, and the bunad dresses are very pretty. And I'm considering maybe getting one because it's right up my alley for clothes.
I don't feel offended when foreigners wear kimono. However, if they're not wearing properly or if their appearance is sloppy, then they should have someone fix it, or not wear it. That's not because of some racist attitude, but because it doesn't look good. I would feel the same way if a Japanese person was wearing kimono sloppily.
I agree! I mean I’m not Asian or anything but I believe that if you wear something from a culture you should be respectful and wear it right! I’m very interested in this culture and I was thinking about this
Then you tell em how to wear properly. Just saying you're offended because they wore wrongly isn't gonna help em to learn, you should be helping em to learn aka teaching them how to wear it properly
Me in a new school in Japan: I’m from America- Classmate: wow you speak Japanese so well! Me: My mom’s Japanese, Classmate: but you look white, Me: my dad’s american, Classmate: you can’t be both, Me: -_-
Goodness, that's really annoying! So many Japanese people think that you can only be Japanese OR a foreigner. Culture and genetics are so much more complex than that!
My 10 yr old son learned about Japan in school in Ireland. The culmination of the learning time was having a Japan day in class. They did origami, tried Japanese snacks and tried out some school related things and could dress up. My son is now begging to visit Japan. I want to go too! Hopefully once this chaos is over I'll be booking flights!
The fact that people from other cultures are offended when the people from the actual culture think it's okay feels quite offensive. It seems like they're trying to silence the voice of the native people of the culture knowingly or not.
its a subconscious form of racism where they think nothing of foreigners wearing western clothing because thats the "default" in their eyes, but do not want to see their own people falling under the cultures of others.
@@deborahkobayashithelonewan8225 ouch, that truth bomb hit hard. You're 100% right and I'm happy to not be part of that racist mentality. I absolutely adore Japanese culture for the colors, history, and food. Screw anyone who tells me I can't love it.
I had in high school an exchange teacher from japan ( who was japanese), who held a club were she taught students about japan and japanese culture. We made sushi, practiced writing in japanese lettering( i dont remember the official name) and learned about japanese culture. She even made her friend or family member send in mail kimonos form japan to finland( where im from) just so that we could try on kimonos. Another thing that happened is that in Finland we have chocolate called Geisha from fazer( finnish candy brand) and people were calling for the geisha names change because it could offend japanese. But a japanese youtuber who is learning finnish said that every time he brings geisha chocolate back to japan his family and friends like that finnish chocolate is named after geisha. He also explained that most of the people who called for the name change said for the reasoning that geishas were s** workers/ adult entertainers when in reality they are not. They just look the same so thats why westerners may confuse them with geisha. And it was also a good indicator that everyone who was offended by the name geisha for chocolate were not japanese.
When we were learning about Chinese fashion, my Chinese teacher showed us a slideshow of celebrities wearing traditional Chinese dresses and expressed how much she loves it when others get inspired from Chinese culture. I don’t understand why people think that cultural appropriation is bad, almost every culture has been doing it for centuries.
exactly! We shouldn't create some dumb problems, because we already have enough. Let's rather share and embrace our cultures because all of them are beautiful in their own way!
White people should also acknowledge that we have made mistakes in the past and can be a lot more sensitive to how we come across. Just like Hannah did. She was very respectful and makes a lot of effort to understand and embrace Japanese culture. Which is how everyone regardless of race and culture should approach other cultures. Things would have been different if Hannah had started with the attitude of I'm white and I know that everything I do is offensive. That's not helping anyone.
my grandmother actually gave me a kimono that was my passed down from one of my Japanese relatives and i feel like if i wear it i’ll be canceled on every social platform bc they may not know that i have Japanese in me Edit: thank you so much for all the supportive feedback 😭💕
As someone who is biracial, half Mexican and half polish highlander, I love seeing influences of my cultures all over. I love seeing Traditional clothing on anyone, of any descent. I also love seeing some of the traditional embroidery in modern clothes.. it makes me happy that my cultures won’t be lost
I had the opportunity to wear traditional Korean clothing through a palace in Seoul and had Koreans stopping me to take photos with me. I’m American, but my cousin is Korean and she was the one encouraged me to try it on and we got to explore a palace for free thanks to it. I love Korean culture and can’t wait to visit again.
moral of the story: they're historical/cultural clothes, so as long as you're wearing it right and respectfully, then it's fine. edit: GUYS im not good at phrasing my sentences to convey the meaning
That's kinda like gate keeping even Japanese people dont wear the cloths the same way they were worn years ago, cultures aren't stagnant they evolve and change meaning.
@@lampad4549 well, it depends! Since the Edo Period, men’s and women’s kimono fashions have remained pretty much unchanged. Eventually, however, the complexity of kimono-wearing and the cumbersome sandals they required became a hindrance. So it didn’t change a lot, but i see your point.
I take it as a compliment. Whether you think that it is pretty or if you like the culture there's absolutely no reason to be mad! It's extremely nice! Thank you!
Lol dudes my comment was an ironic reply to cultural appropriation. I am Greek and I never meant to offend anyone and also don't hate tourists for dressing up as the ancient Greeks
Kimono are so jawdroppingly beautiful and I love that they hang as beautifully on bigger body types as small (although yes so tight!! That shocked me!) . I bought my vintage houmongi in a lovely store in Osaka and got tonnes of compliments from Japanese friends and locals despite being a white woman - while it was much too formal for outings, I wore for some photos in Ritsurin garden, Takamatsu. It is cream with burnt orange obi so looked glorious with Autumn colours. Admittedly, at home, I do like to throw it on without the pieces and pretend I'm a beautiful anime character but that is in the privacy of my home. However, I do have a lovely summer yukata for relaxing in. I really did not get the sense that I wasn't respecting the culture. People just kept smiling at me and saying nice things or asking for photos too. :) I love Japan and Japanese culture so much...
what ever happened to the expression "When in Rome, do as the romans do" It honestly pleases alot of people when Foreigners take an interest in their culture, I know it does where I'm from as long as they don't act like jerks which just takes common sense
Exactly! I love when people from other countrys try our traditional clothing and our food because tbh everyone should have tryed banitsa at least once in their life
There is a saying in Urdu "Kharbooze ko deekh kar kharbooza rang badalta hai" Which means "Melon changes its colour while looking at the other melon" I know this is weird but we use this alongside when in rome do as the romans do
There's an old saying that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Of course, there is a difference between imitation and mockery but the difference should be pretty clear to anyone that cares to look. "Cultural appropriation" is simply someone's recognition of something valuable in another culture and wanting to incorporate it into their own culture. If that offends you, then maybe you need to try to see things from the other person's viewpoint instead of immediately being offended.
the left has no subtility,they are also unable to think and just follow the herd because they are nothign but mindless sheep(most of them,not all per sé some can actually go through a day without being triggered by pointless things.
Not to be that person but youre talking about cultural appreciation and not cultural appropriation. The word appropriation literally means theft, which should make it obvious that its different
@@shougamedevelopment9669 You can argue semantics but the fact is that there is no legal standing of ownership, therefore "theft" does not apply. Just because your cultural tradition is to paint your house brown does not mean nobody else can ever paint their house brown, even assuming your family invented brown paint.
Oh dear... Imagine these people learning about Roma, where they incorporated everything about the people they conquered. Edit: Sorry. ROME. Not Roma. That's the result of speaking more than one language.
I'm a Japanese. And I feel happy too when I see foreigners wearing Kimono. Because I think it means they like Japanese culture. Also, I think everyone on the earth are kind of family, we are human race. We can share and learn each culture and create many beautiful things peacefully :)
Thank you for talking about this. When I first moved to Japan, I started to get interested in Japanese traditional clothes. I'm a middle aged man and live in the countryside so in the summer wearing a jimbei and walking around in geta is an age appropriate thing. In the winter, having a samue with a haramaki underneath and a hanten on top is not exactly the height of fashion but it's kind of de rigour if you want to make an impression as a ne'er do well "ossan". Within months of moving to Japan, I realised that this was the place for me and decided to make it my permanent home. 12 years on I can't imagine any other home. One of the worst thing that I have experienced in my life is the amount of backlash I received from expats who lived near me when I decided to explore this new (to me) culture. I was accused of cultural appropriation and was told that I was being disrespectful. I was told that it was wrong to want to be Japanese. I could *never* be Japanese because I am white and was born in Canada. "They will never accept you" is what I was told. Even if I get citizenship, I will always be a some strange wannabe foreigner. At the same time I was getting a different message from my Japanese friends. "You are *already* Japanese" they would say with a laugh. "I think you have a samurai spirit. You should keep working hard to learn more about Japan". One of the things I've learned about Japan is that Japanese people will generally accept you as Japanese *if* you show that you want to be Japanese. You need to learn about Japanese culture. You need speak Japanese. You need to act like a Japanese person. And, yes, you need to follow all those silly rules to which foreigners often say, "Why should I do that? That's stupid!" I'm married now (to a Japanese woman). My mother in law introduces me to other people as her son. I go out drinking with my wife's cousins as often as possible. I'm a member of the community where I live. I take my turn to clean up the neighbourhood. I participate in the matsuri. I go on trips to the onsen, or to pick fruit with my neighbours. I belong here and never once have I felt out of place since I stopped hanging out with the local expats. More on topic, some of the older gentlemen in the area have told me that when they saw me wearing Japanese clothes it was a big relief to them. They were often reluctant to wear Japanese clothes because they were embarrassed to go out in public like that. When they saw me, they thought, "That's crazy! I'm a Japanese person and I should be able to wear Japanese clothes!" So now there are a bunch of us white haired, unshaven guys plonking around in our geta all over the neighbourhood. And it feels good. By the way, my wife is a licensed kimono dresser (I'm not sure how to say it in English!). She is *often* helping other women to make their obi look good. It's totally normal, so don't feel like you did something wrong. Having someone come and fix up your kimono occasionally is just the price to pay for wearing such a complicated garment ;-) I'm so happy the men's equivalent is easy to wear, though I still forget how to tie my obi every once in a while :-P
Geta are very comfortable to be honest. I have a pair of geta and I love them very much. Anybody who just assumes about situations instead of making an effort to truly experience the comfort is missing out.
I've always want to live in Japan. The culture, the music, the style, even the language to me is just beautiful. I'm in hopes I get to move there. Like yourself, I am white. So of course, I am worried about how the locals would take me, if I ever do move there. You're story boosted my confidence by a lot! I know it will be different for everyone, but still. It's also a relief (in regards to both your comment and the video) to be able to wear traditional Japanese clothing (It's something on my bucket list). I hope you and your family are doing well.
I love Japanese culture, and how respectful they are towards foreigners wearing their type of clothing(just as we are respectful of them wearing western clothing), and even when the woman came behind you and helped fix your Kimono-that just goes to show that it doesn’t matter what your wear or where it’s from, as long as you wear it with the respect of the culture you’re getting it from. That’s what it’s about ❤️
