Can you practice a culture that’s not yours?

Question

Just wondering, and feel free to comment, where’s the line between culture appreciation and cultural appropriation?
My Arab friend said I cannot practice Arab culture but I think it’s fine if you’re knowledged on it. Right?

Answer

If someone who is of that culture is saying its not okay,then its not okay.👏👏👏

Answer

What exactly are your practicing within their culture?

Answer

Like what? 
I’m not Muslim but I have loads of Muslim friends and I celebrate iftar ( during ramadan) if I’m invited to their house I fast all day then break the fast for iftar with them... not sure if that’s the right spelling I also use lots of Arabic words/greetings because I’ve learned them but that’s about it no one has ever complained they’re actually happy to include me and my family in their events soooo ..

Answer

That depends. I think things like watching the films, listening to the music and eating the food is fine. Although with food you’re going to have to take the time to learn the proper names for things and proper pronunciations because food is a very sacred and old part of Arab culture. I’m not Arab but I’m Cypriot English and I can say it’s pretty annoying when time after time your foods, cities and names are mispronounced.
Seriously I’ve never heard anyone pronounce any Greek food correctly ever so I think you should be careful with that. Another thing for me is when people use our alphabet for fun like using the ‘σ’ (an s) for an o. If you do that you just look like a twat to anyone who understands the language.
What exactly where you doing that your friend was offended by?
Obviously something like wearing a hijab would be offensive if you’re not a Muslim or using Arabic names for your children when you don’t even know the meaning and significance.

Answer

I mean I’m Italian, I don’t care if someone participates and celebrates my culture- I think it’s a great thing. I’m glad people like my culture. I think it depends what you are doing within the bounds of “culture” and why your friend is upset by it? I mean we are all individuals who have the right to participate in whatever you please, but ethically maybe dig into the reasoning and specifics a bit more?

Answer

My boyfriend is full blooded Korean. He  literally is born and raised in South Korea. He loves that i learn his language and join in the festivities. I don’t try to “act” like i’m Korean but i love the language and the country. He even wants to buy me hanbok (Korean traditional dress) because he thinks i would look amazing in it. I ask him often if what i do is appropriate and he laughs and says yes it is. He said American’s can be very sensitive to things sometimes but he appreciates that i ask and respect him. I appreciate the beauty of the culture and try my best to learn as much as i can so i can understand him better as a person. I guess is just depends on the person.

Answer

That’s silly in this situation. Literally Thursday morning in Arabic class we learned about how non native speakers can become Arabs once they learn the language. We learned the words for this. With more training I can say Anna Arabiyya which is how you say I (female) am Arabic. Practicing the language and culture I find is a whole other thing than mimicking Islam by wearing Hijab for fun. Culture is food, customs, greetings etc. I think it is much easier to be respectful to the Arab world than it is to appreciate American black culture. Our whole country was built on destroying black lives so it’s necessary for white people to participate in black culture. I still think participating in another culture has to be done carefully and you have to be open to hearing if you’ve offended someone

Can you practice a culture that’s not yours?

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