By: Jackie Harrison

Jackie Harrison — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 21:44:19 +0000

When I consider cultural appropriation, I consider the audience that it is appropriating. I agree that with art, the lines are not as simple as a yes/no, and it is definitely built upon situational circumstances. Regardless of their knowledge of the art form or the lengths that your department went through to gather an approval on the piece, the audience may take a message away from the performance separate from what any artist’s intention may be. To me, this is the essence of art. It does not make any one interpretation right or wrong, however if individuals feel offended, the criticism is the artist’s to either take or ignore. When I say this, I consider the instance of Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” where riots broke out in response to his work. For him, it was a progressive piece that many people were not prepared to witness, however it is what we remember and praise him for today. With Muhlenberg being a predominantly white campus, it makes sense why a person of color may feel as though other people of color may be gypped out of yet another opportunity. When it comes to artistic representation, much like many situations in America, people of color are not given the same opportunities as white people, thus potentially making them feel a sense of feeling outcast similarly to what you experienced with your threatened social identity.

By: Steven Feldman

Steven Feldman — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 22:32:52 +0000

For me, these situations bring up the question of the level of education those students have on the art form itself. As a musician, I find it infuriating when people critique my work when they have no musical experience themselves. Additionally, as someone who performs works that can be looked at through a cultural lens, I understand how sometimes, there can be misunderstandings. But like you, I’m not sure where the responsibility lies to correct those misunderstandings. Is it the responsibility of the performer to make explicitly clear every artistic decision they make or is it the responsibility of the audience member to educate themselves on both the cultural values and the art form itself? I think it’s probably a combination of sorts. It just saddens me that their comments were directed to the performers when the artistic decision didn’t come from you – it came from a person of color, well-educated in dance as a performance art.

Comments on: Don’t We All Culturally Appropriate?

By: Jackie Harrison

By: Steven Feldman