Globally Connected @ FIT: Cultural Appropriation in Fashion and Entertainment

Guests: Dr. Yuniya (Yuni) Kawamura, Professor of Sociology
Dr. Jung-Whan (Marc) de Jong, Associate Professor of Sociology

In this talk for the Globally Connected @ FIT series, we examine the issues and problems of cultural appropriation and borrowing that stem from the structure of power dynamics in the creative industries, fashion and entertainment in particular, and take a look at a number of specific case studies to explore whether they are culturally offensive, or not. Analysis of the case studies shows that understanding cultural appropriation requires global and socio-historical contextualization and cultural inequalities inherent in various aesthetic expressions, and, they raise thought-provoking questions as to how far designers, creators, and entertainers can go to utilize and adopt other people’s cultural components as part of their creative inspiration and are not perceived as an offensive mockery or vulgar imitation. A complex dialogue between cultural appropriation and creative inspiration serves as a window to further investigate the history, values, customs, and beliefs of different cultures in multilayered global contexts, such as social, economic, political and religious dimensions, and it simultaneously raises the level of our cultural awareness.

About Globally Connected @ FIT

This is a series of 45-minute virtual discussions, talks, and presentations for the FIT community led by students, faculty, and alumni to advance global education at FIT in our new world without mobility. The major themes will be fashion, art, sustainability, racial equity, and life during the pandemic around the world. Hosted by the Office of International Programs and the Cultural Fellows, and the History of Art Department; co-organized by Helen Gaudette and Alexander Nagel.

This virtual event is for the FIT community only; REGISTER HERE.