A fine essay, with which I can find no disagreement. An observation: The term "Latinx" used by people like us is objectionable not only for the reasons you indicate, but also because it is politically tone deaf. I read an interview of a Latino politician ( I forget who) in which the journalist asks what Democrats could do to regain Latinx support. The answer: they can start by avoiding use of the term "Latinx."
So glad you discussed cultural appropriation. And I agree with sensitivity to origins while eschewing dogmatic stances.
I’m admittedly a bit sensitive on this topic of cultural appropriation having been chastised by feminists for daring to express an opinion about women’s issues. The term “mansplaining” was applied despite my invitation to challenge the views I expressed. Rather than challenge the views, my right to express any view was questioned. If I accepted this view, I should not have written books about W.E.B. Du Bois or James Baldwin.
In trying to think through the cultural appropriation minefield - where to draw lines of appropriation versus sharing, I wondered about music. Music is both intentionally and organically borrowed. So, in a culturally dogmatic world, Harry Belafonte would be entitled to perform calypso and Wizkid (Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun) permitted to make Afro-pop. However, damned your eyes Paul Simon for cultural appropriation.
I kind of think steeping oneself in other cultures is a way to learn, appreciate, and share.
A fine essay, with which I can find no disagreement. An observation: The term "Latinx" used by people like us is objectionable not only for the reasons you indicate, but also because it is politically tone deaf. I read an interview of a Latino politician ( I forget who) in which the journalist asks what Democrats could do to regain Latinx support. The answer: they can start by avoiding use of the term "Latinx."
So glad you discussed cultural appropriation. And I agree with sensitivity to origins while eschewing dogmatic stances.
I’m admittedly a bit sensitive on this topic of cultural appropriation having been chastised by feminists for daring to express an opinion about women’s issues. The term “mansplaining” was applied despite my invitation to challenge the views I expressed. Rather than challenge the views, my right to express any view was questioned. If I accepted this view, I should not have written books about W.E.B. Du Bois or James Baldwin.
In trying to think through the cultural appropriation minefield - where to draw lines of appropriation versus sharing, I wondered about music. Music is both intentionally and organically borrowed. So, in a culturally dogmatic world, Harry Belafonte would be entitled to perform calypso and Wizkid (Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun) permitted to make Afro-pop. However, damned your eyes Paul Simon for cultural appropriation.
I kind of think steeping oneself in other cultures is a way to learn, appreciate, and share.