Appropriation Quote by Bell Hooks
“..Acts of appropriation are part of the process by which we make ourselves. Appropriating - taking something for one’s own use - need not be synonymous with exploitation. This is especially true of cultural appropriation. The “use” one makes of what is appropriated is the crucial factor.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Teaching to Transgress, bell hooks, 1994
Identity is formed by adopting and adapting elements from the world, and using them responsibly differs from exploiting them.
In simple terms: We shape ourselves by using what we take, not just by taking it.
Key Takeaway
Use borrowed cultural elements responsibly.
Themes
identity
culture
responsibility
appropriation
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- education
- artistic creation
- personal development
- community building
Key Concepts
social theory
postcolonialism
ethical use
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when use becomes exploitation?
- What criteria guide ethical appropriation?
A Different Perspective
Responsibility can be hard to determine, especially across power imbalances.
![“I think now because of this whole social media thing, people obviously felt these things [about cultural appropriation] before, and they comment on everything.” quote by Guido Palau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/023/guido-palau-14807_appropriation_i-think-now-because-of-this-whole-social_1191974.jpg)
