Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Exchange

I consider myself to be kinda liberal , so id look at this from two perspectives. I am of the very strong opinion that culture appropriation” Is usually bullshit. More than 90% of the time, people being accused of “culture appropriation” aren’t really doing anything wrong. Unless they are wearing something with significant religious/cultural meaning, there’s nothing wrong with it. White people with cornrows aren’t culture appropriating, are cornrows part of an ancient black tradition that can only be done on the full moon or something like that? No. It is just a hairstyle. A hairstyle typically worn by black people but can be worn by anyone.
The conversation around cultural appropriation is one of the most polarizing topics i can think of. To some, it represents a vital defense against the historical exploitation to others it feels like an overreach of "cancel culture" that creates unnecessary divisions where there should be appreciation.
When we look at the argument that "90% of the time", it isn't wrong, we are essentially touching on the tension between “cultural appreciation” (sharing) and “cultural appropriation (taking).
To dive into this, we have to look at the history, symbols, and why something as seemingly simple as a hairstyle can spark such intense debate.
Like historically speaking, civilizations have thrived by trading ideas, spices, music, and fashion. This is known as cultural exchange. If we weren't allowed to engage with cultures other than our own, the world would be a very very very bland place. We wouldn't have rock and roll (a fusion of blues, gospel, afro beats, amapiano etc), most modern cuisines, or even the Latin alphabet we use to write.
It feels like people are being "policed" for simply liking something. If a white person wears cornrows because they think they look cool, they are often confused when met with hostility. From their perspective, they are paying a compliment to the style.
However, and im being neutral here critics of appropriation argue that the "wrongness" comes down to power dynamics and context. They make appropriation seem as a dominant group taking For decades (and even currently), many Black people in the West have faced professional repercussions for wearing natural styles like cornrows, dreads, or even the afros. They have been told these styles are "unprofessional" or "dirty." The frustration now arises when a Black woman is passed over for a job because of her cornrows, but a white celebrity (like a Kardashian) wears them and is labeled a "trendsetter", at least thats how i see it.
The reason again many people feel the "appropriation" label is overused is that it has moved away from protecting sacred symbols and into the realm of gatekeeping.
When a college student is harassed for wearing a traditional Chinese qipao to prom (despite not being Chinese), and the actual people living in China respond by saying, "She looks beautiful, we're glad she likes our culture," it highlights a disconnect between those offended and those who the culture belongs to not even being upset. In this scenario, the "protection" of the culture is being done by people who may not even belong to that culture, or who are viewing the world through a very specific Western lens of identity politics.
There is one more layer to this that goes beyond just "feelings" or "hairstyles" Money. Chi Chin!!!!!!
A significant part of the anger over cultural appropriation is economic. If a large corporation takes a traditional pattern from a small Mexican weaving village, mass-produces it in a factory, and sells it for $500 without giving a cent (or even credit) to the original artisans, that is "wrong."
In this context, appropriation isn't just about a white person wearing braids it's about theft of somewhat intellectual property. When a dominant culture profits off the "cool factor" of a marginalized group while that group remains impoverished or excluded from the market, it creates a legitimate grievance.
Is the outcry often "bullshit"? In some cases, yes it can be performative and lacking in nuance. Is it always "bullshit"? No it often points to deep-seated frustrations regarding double standards and historical erasure. The middle ground sometimes is in giving credit where due as Acknowledging where a style comes from goes a long way in turning appropriation into appreciation.