{"id":36462,"date":"2024-03-07T19:36:28","date_gmt":"2024-03-08T03:36:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/?p=36462"},"modified":"2024-03-07T19:36:28","modified_gmt":"2024-03-08T03:36:28","slug":"not-about-conformity-all-about-respect-and-acceptance-bukan-mematuhi-tetapi-hormat-dan-penerimahan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/not-about-conformity-all-about-respect-and-acceptance-bukan-mematuhi-tetapi-hormat-dan-penerimahan\/","title":{"rendered":"Not About Conformity, All About Respect and Acceptance!  (Bukan Mematuhi, Tetapi Hormat Dan Penerimahan\u2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Here is an individual I like to have coffee with!<\/p>\n<p>Yascha Mounk\u2019s book, The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time refers to a situation where rigid adherence to group identities, whether based on ethnicity, nationality, religion, or other factors can hinder meaningful dialogue and understanding between different groups. Here are some key points I captured by reading Mounk\u2019s book about identity trap<a href=\"#_ftn1\" name=\"_ftnref1\">[1]<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Group Membership: The identity trap occurs when individuals prioritize loyalty to their own group over open-minded engagement with others. This can lead to polarization, tribalism, and an unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints.<a href=\"#_ftn2\" name=\"_ftnref2\">[2]<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: var(--cib-type-body2-font-weight)\">Us vs. Them: When people perceive the world through an \u201cus vs. them\u201d lens, it becomes challenging to find common ground. The identity trap reinforces divisions and prevents constructive conversations.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: var(--cib-type-body2-font-weight)\">Cultural Appropriation: Mounk discusses cultural appropriation within the context of the identity trap. While acknowledging that some instances are harmful, he argues that the term is sometimes misused, stifling cultural exchange and creativity.<a href=\"#_ftn3\" name=\"_ftnref3\">[3]<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: var(--cib-type-body2-font-weight)\">Balancing Identities: Mounk suggests that we need to strike a balance between celebrating our individual and group identities while remaining open to learning from others. The identity trap occurs when this balance tips too far in favor of exclusivity.<a href=\"#_ftn4\" name=\"_ftnref4\">[4]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>I have observed members of the dominant culture adopt elements from the cultures of minority groups in ways that are\u00a0exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Definition of Culture: Culture encompasses knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, law, customs, and other capabilities acquired by individuals as members of society. It is not biologically inherited but rather learned and practiced within specific groups.<\/li>\n<li>Appreciation vs. Appropriation:\n<ul>\n<li>Appreciation: Appreciating a culture involves enjoying its food, learning its language, or celebrating its traditions.<\/li>\n<li>Appropriation: Cultural appropriation occurs when elements are taken \u201cwithout authority or right.\u201d It goes beyond appreciation and can be harmful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Examples of Cultural Appropriation in the U.S.:\n<ul>\n<li>Madonna\u2019s \u201cVogue\u201d: In 1990, Madonna released the music video for her song \u201cVogue,\u201d featuring a dance called \u201cvoguing\u201d from the gay drag-ball subculture.\u00a0Although she included drag performers, she profited from the dance\u2019s origins.<a href=\"#_ftn5\" name=\"_ftnref5\">[5]<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Henna Tattoos and Bindi: These cultural practices have become fads, often without understanding their significance.<a href=\"#_ftn6\" name=\"_ftnref6\">[6]<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Sports Team Names: Some team names appropriate Native American culture without respecting its depth and history.<a href=\"#_ftn7\" name=\"_ftnref7\">[7]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Targeted Groups: Cultural appropriation usually involves members of the dominant culture borrowing from minority groups.\u00a0Black people, Asians, Latinxs, and Native Americans are often targeted.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The multicultural landscape:<\/p>\n<p>In Malaysia, the diverse ethnicities, languages, and traditions often lead to rich cross-cultural exchanges. One of the delightful aspects of being Malaysian is the opportunity to participate in such exchanges, such as wearing each other&#8217;s traditional outfits during weddings and festivals. This diversity adds vibrancy to life, ensuring that one&#8217;s wardrobe is never boring.<\/p>\n<p>For example, my husband, who is Caucasian, embraces Malaysian culture by wearing sarongs at traditional functions. This gesture is not only appreciated by my family but is also a sign of respect towards Malaysian traditions. It is noteworthy that he is mindful of cultural expectations, such as avoiding black attire at joyful events, as black is traditionally associated with mourning in Malaysian culture. This contrasts with Western culture, where black tie is considered appropriate for various occasions.<\/p>\n<p>I had a culture shock at our wedding reception in the United States, where men and women wore black attire (suits and cocktail dresses). It was elegant of course! This experience highlighted the differences in cultural norms regarding attire, illustrating what is acceptable or expected can vary greatly between cultures.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, \u201cThe Fine Line\u201d:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>While cultural exchange is natural,\u00a0thought and caution\u00a0are essential.<\/li>\n<li>Inviting oneself into someone else\u2019s culture should be done with awareness.<\/li>\n<li>For instance, wearing Indian clothing should recognize the complexities faced by Indian people who often cannot wear their own attire without assumptions or accusations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Proper representation matters:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>When celebrating a culture, it is crucial to let members of that culture represent themselves.<\/li>\n<li>Proper representation leads to more nuanced portrayals, breaking stereotypes and humanizing minority groups.<\/li>\n<li>A certain on-line advertisement came under fire. It featured a Malay family in traditional Indian outfits, dancing and singing in a Bollywood-esque fashion. What the fuss about, some people thought. The advertisement company was criticized for cultural appropriation. It lacked awareness and misconception of the matter.<a href=\"#_ftn8\" name=\"_ftnref8\">[8]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>As netizens called out the publication for lack of cultural awareness, the company issued an apology committing to educating themselves, fostering cultural awareness and ensuring to uphold the principles of respect and inclusivity.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBy all means, wear the clothing if you\u2019ve been welcomed to participate in the culture, with awareness that in many contexts, Indian people themselves often cannot wear their own clothing without being assumed to be \u2018that type of Indian\u2019 or being accused of not being \u2018professional\u2019.\u201d In contrast, a Malay of Chinese person wearing Indian clothing often elicits admiration and praise.\u201d<a href=\"#_ftn9\" name=\"_ftnref9\">[9]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>In summary, cultural appropriation is a complex issue that requires sensitivity and awareness to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or disrespecting cultural heritage.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref1\" name=\"_ftn1\">[1]<\/a> Yascha Mounk, The Identity Trap, A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time, (New York: Penguin Press, 2023), 14.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref2\" name=\"_ftn2\">[2]<\/a> Mounk, 154.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref3\" name=\"_ftn3\">[3]<\/a> Mounk, 125.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref4\" name=\"_ftn4\">[4]<\/a> Mounk, 134.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref5\" name=\"_ftn5\">[5]<\/a> Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia. &#8220;What Is Cultural Appropriation?&#8221; Encyclopedia Britannica, December 7, 2023. https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/story\/what-is-cultural-appropriation.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref6\" name=\"_ftn6\">[6]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bartleby.com\/essay\/Cultural-Appropriation-Of-The-United-States-P3U5SUQXUK85\">Cultural Appropriation Of The United States &#8211; 1790 Words | Bartleby<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref7\" name=\"_ftn7\">[7]<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/lakotalaw.org\/news\/2022-02-10\/appropriation-isnt-appreciation\">Native Appropriation Isn\u2019t Appreciation. It Causes Real Harm. (lakotalaw.org)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref8\" name=\"_ftn8\">[8]<\/a> Preeta. Free Malaysia Today. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freemalaysiatoday.com\/category\/leisue\/2021\/cultural-appropriation-appreciation\">https:\/\/www.freemalaysiatoday.com\/category\/leisue\/2021\/cultural-appropriation-appreciation<\/a>. Accessed on March 6, 2024.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref9\" name=\"_ftn9\">[9]<\/a> Preeta. Free Malaysia Today. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freemalaysiatoday.com\/category\/leisue\/2021\/cultural-appropriation-appreciation\">https:\/\/www.freemalaysiatoday.com\/category\/leisue\/2021\/cultural-appropriation-appreciation<\/a>. Accessed on March 6, 2024.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here is an individual I like to have coffee with! Yascha Mounk\u2019s book, The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time refers to a situation where rigid adherence to group identities, whether based on ethnicity, nationality, religion, or other factors can hinder meaningful dialogue and understanding between different groups. Here are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":198,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[3093],"class_list":["post-36462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-dlpg03-mounk","cohort-dlgp03"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/198"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36462"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36462\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36463,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36462\/revisions\/36463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36462"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}