Cultural Appropriation: A conversation

Images courtesy of Sanaa Hamid 

"Tom" (Left): "It's not religious to me but an expression of colour and print--something Beautiful."
"Unknown Sikh Man" (Right): "My turban is for honour, self-respect...It is our identity as Sikhs. To wear it for fashion...that is wrong."

A few weeks ago, my fellow WC contributor Alicia wrote a very good introduction post to cultural appropriation so I thought it would be fitting to elaborate, expand, and discuss it further here now. What better way to do it than with a WOC artist who is exploring it herself?

I came across this art project by UK photographer Sanaa Hamid called "Cultural Appropriation: A Conversation." The project is "an exploration of the extent of cultural appropriation and encourages a discussion about it." Juxtaposing two photos, Sanaa gives the appropriator and the appropriated the "opportunity to defend themselves." 

Click the cut to see more of Sanaa's project and to read a very insightful interview I did with the artist. 

Within Color: What current issues are you passionate about? 
Sanaa Hamid: This is a tough question, because it's kind of reductionist for me to list a few things I care about. I'm not as politically informed about some issues as I'd like to be, but that doesn't mean I don't care. I guess primarily, I'm interested in the age-old question of "Why can't we all just get along?!" Social politics, multiculturalism, ethnic identity, gender identity, cultural ownership of symbols and appropriation are just a few examples of things I have or would like to work with in the future. I'm also interested in body politics, particularly speaking from a South Asian, Muslim perspective. The notion of women having complete ownership of her body is something I'd like to explore in the future.

 
Images courtesy of Sanaa Hamid
"Mia" (Left): "I don't really understand what the problem is, I'm only appreciating the culture."

"Krishna" (Right): "The bindi for me symbolizes religion and heritage. It's a symbol of strength and love. It defines me."
 

WC: What inspired you to take on this project? Was it a specific incident, discussion, news event? 
SH: It started when I was browsing the jewelery in Topshop! Not the most interesting place for a philosophical brainwave sadly. I started noticing a lot of appropriation, such as the Virgin Mary bracelets, bindis, and Native American jewelery to name a few. It was one of those things that once I'd seen it, I couldn't escape it. Even within Tumblr there is almost a trend within fashion blogs where appropriation seems acceptable and "cool." Appropriation of the bindi is initially what aggravated me the most, just the idea that a white person would be received better by society for wearing a bindi than a POC...that's kind of disgusting isn't it?

 Images courtesy of Sanaa Hamid

"Joe" (Right): "It's only a scarf!"
"Danny" (Left): "With my keffiyah, I am home. We are united." 

WC: You’ve said that the most basic issue of cultural appropriation is “taking an item that means a great deal to somebody and corrupting it.” How do you hope viewers who don’t have much experience with cultural appropriation will view/be educated by this exhibit? 
SH: The main reason for my neutrality in this project was that I didn't want to be aggressive and demonize those who appropriate, as often they aren't even aware they are doing do. I'm just trying to encourage some kind of discussion, and based on the feedback I've been getting from the series, it's really educating people and informing them about the notion of cultural appropriation and how it can be offensive. Even if the intention wasn't malicious, the effects of appropriation is always detrimental to the culture. It's belittling.

 

Images courtesy of Sanaa Hamid

"Marie" (Left): "I think the cross has lost a lot of its religiosu meaning so I am happy to wear it without feeling like I am mocking Christianity."

"Tasha" (Right): "When I wear my cross, I enable myself to be identified as a Christian. Why would you wear it if you aren't?"

WC: What kind of debates do you hope to spark from your project? What’s the next step you’re hoping to take with this project and with your projects in the future? 
SH: I am planning on making the project a lot bigger in the future, so that I represent the in-betweens and uncertainties of appropriation rather than just the contrasting opinions. I'm going to create a collection of the comments people have made on the series, too, so there is an element of interactivity and audience participation, which is key really.

If any UK readers would be interested in being a part of this project please do not hesitate to email me at sanaahamid92@yahoo.com and we can arrange something. I just want to involve as many people and as many different viewpoints as possible. As far as projects in the future go, I've got a few things going round my mind so visit my website in a few months and have a look.

WC: Are you involved in any other community projects? 
SH: Not particularly. I mean I'd love to be, but at the moment I'm just trying to focus on my work. Once my final year of University is over and I've graduated, I'd really love to collaborate with local councils though--that'd be amazing.

You can follow Sanna at her website, Twitter, and email.